Children purees
Helpful tips for feeding your baby
Introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet is an exciting step in their development. Baby purees are an ideal way to start this adventure, but how do you choose the best ones and how do you prepare them at home?
When to start feeding your baby?
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. After this period, you can gradually start introducing solid foods, but not earlier than 4-6 months. It is important that the baby shows readiness for feeding:
- Can hold their head up steadily.
- Shows interest in the food you are eating.
- Opens their mouth when you offer them a spoon.
- Can sit with your support.
Why choose homemade children purees?
Homemade purees give you complete control over the ingredients and the amount of added salt and sugar. They are fresher and retain more vitamins and minerals compared to ready-made products. Additionally, preparing purees can be a fun experience for the whole family.
How to prepare homemade purees?
- Choosing ingredients:
- Start with single-ingredient purees: potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, apple, banana.
- Choose seasonal products: Fresh products are always preferable to frozen or canned ones.
- Avoid: honey, bee pollen, nuts, juices, and foods high in fiber at the beginning. The baby’s stomach is not ready for them, and allergic reactions are possible.
- Preparing homemade baby puree:
- Wash the products thoroughly.
- Boil or steam.
- Puree to the desired consistency.
- Cool and serve.
- Tips for preparing homemade puree:
- Steam the vegetables to preserve more vitamins.
- Add a little breast milk or formula to make the puree creamier.
- Do not add salt and sugar in the first months of feeding.
- Store homemade purees in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
How to introduce new foods?
- Introduce one new food every 3-4 days.
- Monitor for allergic reactions.
- Start with a small amount and gradually increase.
- Be patient if your baby refuses to try new food.
How to diversify your baby’s menu?
- Once your baby gets used to the basic flavors, you can start combining different vegetables and fruits. For example, you can combine pumpkin with apple or potato with carrot. You can also add meat to the menu, starting with tender varieties like chicken or rabbit.
Ready-made baby purees – yes or no? Ready-made baby purees are a convenient option for parents who don’t have time to prepare food at home. However, they often contain added sugar, salt, and preservatives. Therefore, it is important to read the labels carefully and choose products with a minimum amount of these additives. Choose the manufacturer of baby purees, it matters. Look for the expiration date, try to buy newly produced purees.
When to move on to coarser food? Around 9-10 months of age, your baby can start eating coarser food, such as chopped pieces of fruit or vegetables. This will help them develop fine motor skills and learn to chew.
Storing baby purees: Proper storage of baby purees is extremely important to preserve all nutrients and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Whether you make your own purees or buy ready-made ones, follow these tips to ensure your baby gets the best nutrition.
Why is proper storage important?
- Preserving vitamins and minerals: Improper storage can lead to oxidation of vitamins and loss of minerals, which reduces the nutritional value of the puree.
- Preventing the growth of bacteria: The moist environment in the refrigerator or freezer is conducive to the growth of bacteria, which can cause food poisoning in the baby.
Conclusion
Feeding your baby is an important stage in their development. Homemade children purees are the best way to provide your baby with healthy and nutritious food. Be patient and enjoy this exciting adventure with your baby.
Note:!!!
This article is intended to provide general information and in no way replaces consultation with a pediatrician!
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