Try at Home: Introduce Solid Baby First Food 4 or 6 months +

Several mom's have shown their concern about their baby's first taste of solid food. Most of them asked when to introduce first solid food to their babies. Some asked for "at age of 4 months" and some asked for "at age of six".  Let me explain some of the wonderful choices for first foods for babies as many are now acknowledging tasty and creamy avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes. These healthy and nutritious foods really make great first foods for baby because they are easy to digest and full of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients a growing baby needs.
 

This article is full of recipes for homemade fresh and first foods for baby. These food ideas can be introduce to your baby between the ages of (4) and 6 months old. Many parents still begin to introduce solid foods (weaning foods or Complimentary) to their babies prior to the age of 6 months old. Ideally, babies should have nothing but breast milk and / or formulas during the first 6 months of life.

 

Introduce First Solid Food For Babies at 4 months +

Avocado - a great first food for baby. Avocados burst with essential fats and nutrients that a growing baby needs. Smooth and creamy avocados are easily digested and well tolerated by most babies!

Vitamins:   A, C, Niacin, Folate

Minerals:   Potassium, phosphorus, Iron, magnesium, Calcium

1. Peel and take out the pit of a ripe Avocado - do not cook
2. Cut "meat" out and mash with a fork
3. Should there be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked
4. Add formula / breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Bananas - Bananas are another great first food for your baby. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion. Bananas are sweet, which has help more readily accept the baby first food experience.

Vitamins:    A, C, Folate
Minerals:    Potassium, phosphorous, selenium, magnesium, Calcium

1. Peel a ripe banana - do not cook
2. Place banana in a food processor / food mill or blender and purée
3. You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork - heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness
4. Add formula / breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Salt and sugar are not needed When making baby food. Omit these items, preferably at ALL times, in your baby's meals. SUCH Other spices as cinnamon, garlic powder, pepper etc. there be introduced as early as 7 months with your pediatricians consult.

Organic Brown Rice Cereal - Did you know that baby's first food does not have to be a commercial infant rice cereal? Many pediatric resources are acknowledging the fact that Avocado, banana and sweet potato make great first foods for baby.

If you decide to make homemade baby cereal, make it with brown rice (organic if preferred). Whole grains are more healthy and nutritious for your baby (and for the whole family). Learn more about whole grains. You have also be interested in reading our FAQ Cereal explaining what types of grains to use, how long They have be stored and more.

• 1 / 4 c. rice powder (organic brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
• 1 cup water
• 1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring Constantly.
• 3. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking Constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
• Serve warm.

Pears

Vitamins:     A, C, Folate
Minerals:     Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, Calcium

1. Peel and cut into chunks so as to Avoid the little seed portion.
2. Steam gently until tender;
3. Place in a blender / food processor and purée until smooth. You have be able to just use a fork too.
4. Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid - Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.

Yams / Sweet Potato

Vitamins:     A (24 877 mg), C, Folate
Minerals:     Potassium, sodium, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, Calcium

1. Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil - do not peel for baking / microwaving. (You can also do this in the microwave - only use plastic wrap and cook on high for 8 minutes or until tender)
2. Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until soft. 
3. OR 
4. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks
5. Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato
6. "Steam" boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.
7. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes
8. If you have baked your sweet potato, remove skins and use liquid from your preferred source
9. Place sweet potato into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
10. Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to Achieve a smooth, thin consistency minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

Introduce First Solid Food For Babies at 6 months +

*** More First Foods & Homemade Baby Food Recipes***

Mango (6-8 months - sometimes over 8 months)

Vitamins:     A (1262 IU in one cup.), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals:     Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, Calcium, Sodium

1. Ripe Mango
2. Peel, Mango Deseed and mash until smooth
3. Add formula / breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Apples (Applesauce)
 

Vitamins:     A, C, Folate
Minerals:     Potassium, magnesium, Calcium

This recipe is written so that you have use any amount of apples you wish.

1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices / chunks
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
3. Boil / steam until tender, be sure to check on the water level and stir. 4. Apples have be mashed with a potato masher to Achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not Achieve a purée type of consistency, then follow steps 5-7
4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
6. Add the reserved water as necessary to Achieve a smooth, thin purée
7. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the
8. Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.

Always consult with your pediatrician about Introducing solid foods to your baby Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding Introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss with any foods that pose allergy risks for your baby.