Baby Food. The ultimate debate between parents, doctors and scientist. There are many parents who stick to tried and true methods of feeding their baby the jarred stuff. Many babies have done this for several years and we have all grown up just fine. Then there are the more modern parents who have chosen to take the plunge and made homemade baby food. This is completely a personal decision as a parent - what's best for you and for baby. I know many parents who have decided to feed their little one homemade food and for several different reasons. One common thing among all the parents: they just want the best for their baby.
Although jarred food has come along way since when I was a baby, with more selections and even Organic choices. Personally, I never chose to fully stick with homemade baby food. Not to say that that's a problem. Adriana actually has a little of everything! The things I want her to try (and at the right time) if its not available in the jar then I do make it at home. Not that surprising, she actually enjoys all the foods - some more than others. She prefers meat from the jars but everything else homemade.
Also, don't shy away from feeding your baby finger foods. This is a great way to teach her how to feed herself (hand-eye coordination). Instead of constantly feeding her dried fruits and veggie puffed snacks, I will cut up cheese or pieces of bread or bologna for her to eat on her own. She also gets yogurt as a desert instead of just plain pureed fruit. This gives her the calcium and vitamins - of course with no sugar added! We make sure that every night at dinner time, Adriana is up in her high chair with us at the dinner table. I will feed her right from my plate - even if she already ate! She loves table food. Still have yet to give her steak and fish (this week hopefully!) but she has tried pretty much everything else. We are lucky to have a baby who is such a good eater :)
If you've chosen to take the homemade route - Good for you!! This is possibly the more natural way to feed your baby. You know exactly what she's eating with no added preservatives (depending on the brand of jarred food). There have been studies in which have proven babies have a better palette when they're older. Here are some Pros and Cons for both jarred and homemade baby food.
Jarred Baby Food
Pro - Very convenient
Con - Limited variety
Pro - Easily transported (prepackaged)
Con - Unknown ingredients (added preservatives)
Pro - Textures (purees to chunky)
Con - Some brands have high sodium
Homemade Baby Food
Pro - Cheaper
Con - Time consuming
Pro - Healthier (no preservatives)
Con - Takes up fridge/freezer space
Pro - Large variety
Con - undercooked foods
These are just some pros and cons and by no means a food guide! Please refer to your doctor for when its best to start solid food and which ones your little one should start with. Every baby is different (even brothers and sisters) so take your time when feeding your baby. Patience is key. If they don't like a specific food one day - try again in a few days or next week. Don't give up! This is a whole new world of feeding for your baby. Its an exciting time! Have fun with it but remember to follow some guidelines. Such as no shellfish, nuts or whole milk before their first birthday. The last thing a parent wants with their baby is a food allergy!
Even if you don't like a certain food - let your baby try it anyways! Watch your expressions though - baby is watching and if you scrunch up your nose even before they taste it, they'll be spitting it out at you! Neutral expressions, let baby make their own opinion about food and they will be less picky eaters! I have a rule for Adriana: feed her 2 veggies to 1 fruit. She's on to chunky foods so this is never a problem. Since she's on 2 bottles a day (morning and night) she gets a multi vitamin with her lunch to make up for any nutrients she doesn't get throughout the day. Ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding foods for your baby. She may refer you to a specific food guide if your baby requires a special diet.
Have fun and Good Luck to all my fellow Mommies and Daddies out there!!
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