If a breastfeeding baby needs solid foods prior to six months he/she will likely let you know–if you’re not sure whether his/her cues are signs of readiness, ask your physician. Formula fed babies should optimally wait until six months to begin other foods.
Strained baby food is introduced next. Whenever possible baby foods should be made at home. Homemade baby food should be made from fresh, preferably home grown or organic fruits and vegetables, that are fully ripened. First clean the produce with a scrub brush and then remove the seeds and peeling. Meat products are made into baby food by removing non-edible parts, skin and as much visible fat as possible from baked or broiled, well-done meat. Grains do not need special preparation before cooking.
Foods should be cooked or processed until they are moderately soft in consistency (meats must be well done). Next place them in a blender or food processor, adding enough purified, distilled or spring water to make the food a moderately thin consistency. Finally strain the food through a fine strainer into a container. Some foods, such as banana and avocado, do not need to be cooked; just add water, mash them up, and strain.
It is a much easier task if you make large batches of any individual food and freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays. When frozen, remove the cubes of food and put them in a freezer storage bag, labeled and dated for future use. These frozen foods should be used within four or five weeks.
The next best substitute for homecooked baby food is an organic jar food. The larger baby food companies now produce an adequate line of strained baby foods. Remember to always read the label of any packaged food, including baby food, for added ingredients. Preferably, all foods that young babies eat should be totally free from additives (with the exception of any added vitamin C).
The best solid foods to start with are fruits and vegetables. Grains and meats should not be added until at least eight to nine months, as these require a more mature intestinal tract for digesting and processing the proteins in these foods.
Start each individual food with a small taste the first day, gradually increasing the amount over the next three to four days until your baby is taking all he/she wants (usually four to eight ounces per meal). Observe for any reactions, such as loose bowel movements, constipation, vomiting, skin rashes, behavior changes, etc., which may indicate a food sensitivity. If a reaction should occur immediately record what happened and stop the new food. If the reaction is not severe, try the food again in about a month when his/her intestinal tract is better developed. If the same reaction occurs, record the reaction and notify your baby‘s physician.
