Introducing Solid Foods

I don't know what it is about starting my babies on solid foods that is so exciting for me?! With Brock, I remember going to our 4-month checkup and having our doctor tell us we could start that day. I literally drove right to the store afterward to pick out a variety of veggies to start sampling. We loved watching his first taste and would take a video every time he tried a new food. Eating was fun! Annnnd, nothing has changed with baby #2. It's been just as memorable introducing Stevie to solids the past two months and I'm going share our experience so far.

Notes from our pediatrician:

Research on timing of solid food introduction to infants is an ever-evolving field. The period between 4 and 6 months of age continues to be generally accepted as the optimal time to start, when considered from all angles (nutritional, developmental, allergic, prevention of diabetes and obesity, etc). Current research indicates that earlier, rather than later, introduction of allergenic foods may help to reduce the likelihood of food allergies.

Theseare the general guidelines from our doctor that we followed with Brock and arecontinuing with Stevie.

4 months

Introduce vegetables and/or cereal once daily
● Mash or puree avocado or cooked vegetables
● Only a few tablespoons; allow your child to “tell you” when they are finished
● Cereals (rice, oatmeal, barley) can be mixed with water, formula or breastmilk
● One new food per day - if rash or vomiting after a food, call your doctor

Our experience: I fed both my babies the same food item for 3 consecutive days before switching. We began with organic sweet potatoes. She was unsure but not completely out. Next was avocado which was a big hit. Hated green beans but has loved peas, carrots and summer squash. I began with half servings and as the weeks went on and they felt more comfortable with the process, we did full servings. (*Serving size info bellow) This meal was always served in between bottle #3 and baby's last bottle before bed. For example: Stevie wakes up from her 3rd nap around 4:30-5pm and then we eat.

5 months

Add pureed fruits, and increase to twice daily (i.e. fruits in morning, veggies in evening)
● A word of caution about fruit and veggie “pouches” - while convenient, they aren’t fresh and they offer an unusual way of eating. Reserve use for travel and when convenience is a must.O

Ourexperience: Stevie developed a whole new lovefor solids when fruits were introduced month five. She also hasn't met a fruitshe didn't like! We started with banana and quickly worked through apples,pears, blueberries and strawberries. Starting month five, we do a full servingof fruit in the morning and a full serving of veggies at night. TMI warning!Stevie's poops went into overdrive when fruits were introduced. If your babyseems constipated, this may be the answer.

6 months

Add in other pureed/mashed foods including beans, Greek yogurt, meats, eggs, grains
● Between now and 9 months, increase meals to three times per day
● Start giving tastes of water in sippy cup; tap water has fluoride to prevent cavities
● Baby can eat just about anything you are eating, as long as it is in pureed or mashed form
● Avoid added salt and sugar, and processed foods…think pure and fresh!
● Still off limits are honey and cow’s milk (but cheese and yogurt are OK)

Our experience: We're only a few days in and just started the sippy cup of water, she seems to be a big fan of the new cup and loves rubbing her gums on it so far, not sure she's figured it out yet but we will continue to try. We also tried Greek yogurt last night for the first time and she loved it. I have also started mixing purees together but only if Stevie has previously eaten it.

8-9 months

When baby develops a pincer (fingertip) grasp, gradually introduce table foods for finger feeding
● Cubed tofu, scrambled eggs, soft cooked vegetables, small pieces soft fruits, grains
● Pieces should be small and soft enough to not be a choking hazard

By 9 months, many babies are eating a combination of purees and finger foods
● Keep in mind that “puffs” sold as practice finger-foods are just that…good for practice (when your
infant has mastered the art of finger-feeding himself, ditch the puffs for more nutritious “real food”)

12 months

By now baby should be eating a wide variety of foods mirroring an adult diet
● Only limitations are choking, otherwise nothing off limits
● Beware choking hazards until 3 years (nuts, popcorn, raw veggies, whole grapes, hot dogs)
● Avoid processed foods (chicken nuggets, packaged crackers, fruit snacks, hot dogs)
● Goal = wide repertoire of nutrition-packed foods (think beets, quinoa, lentils, deep leafy greens!)
● If on formula, transition to organic fortified (Vitamin D) whole milk in sippy cup, 12-24 oz daily
● If breastfeeding, add whole milk to diet in anticipation of eventual weaning

What You Need

Recipe Book

Been loving this one! Gives you very clear, step by step instructions on all thing’s organic solids. HERE

Chair

• Bumbo from months four to five. HERE.
• Smaller, space-saving counter chair from months five to seven. HERE
• Our final high-chair. I love the simple design and the fact that it has wheels. HERE

Bibs

Huge fan of Bumpkins bibs. They are super easy to clean and love that I can throw them in the laundry too. We have the small version now but will bump it up to the full size when Stevie is one.

Spoon

First time using this brand with Stevie and I'm loving the size and how soft these spoons are. HERE We also have the bowl set from this same brand but haven't used it yet.

Steamer

I use a good ol' fashion pot steamer to steam the food first, then blend it in the bullet. Steamer HERE

Baby Bullet

There are so many baby food processors on the market. This is the one I used with Brock and again this time. HERE If it ain't broke don't fix it.
PS - I do really love little cups the set comes with for storing food.

Freezing Trays

Thesetrays have a lot of room and I love the wider cup sizes. I also love how easythese are to pop food out of, clean and that they don't stain. HERE

On-the-go

We use this warmer when were not home.
Once Stevie gets a little older we will use these, disposable bibs. So great to just toss when your done.

Notes

• I only select organic fruits and vegetables.
• Keep time in mind. I try and make enough to fill up at least a freezable tray so that I have backup available.
• Choose 2-3 words and associate them to eating. We love using "eat" and "yum-yums".
• I use water in most purees. Some however do not need it (all berries and squash)
• Freshly made baby food needs to be served to baby within 24 hours, otherwise it can be frozen for up to 6 months.
• When unfreezing food, it must be eaten immediately.
• I store everything in separate, labeled zip lock bags including the date.
• To unfreeze, I fill a cup or bowl full of HOT water (we have instant hot) and let warm. This method usually takes 10 minutes.
• Mealtimes should be around the same time everyday. If you're going to be out, make sure you are prepared with the food in a to-go container, heating method (we use this), spoon and bib. I put everything together in a large ziplock afterward since it's usually quite messy.
• Serving Size - based off our freezer trays, I consider one pod a full serving.

I want to hear about you and your families experience with solids. What are your favorite things to make? What are your baby's favorite things to eat? Please comment below.

XO, Shawna