When it comes to choosing infant foods what parent wouldn't want the best foods possible for their new baby? One of the most important aspects of motherhood is to provide your child with proper nutrition.
Getting them off to a good start with wholesome infant foods is a step in the right direction.
When starting your infant on solids it is best to try one food at a time and wait about 3 days before introducing them to a new infant food.
This way you have time to see if they might be allergic to a certain food or have some kind of adverse reaction.
Try to incorporate a variety of infant foods including: breast milk or formula, fruits, veggies, cereal, meats, eggs and fish.
With a good source of foods from each food group you can be certain that your baby is getting adequate nutrition.
It is best to try and make your own infant foods as you then know what has been added.
Try to avoid any foods with preservatives of any kind.
If you choose to make your own food you can either just mash up portions from your own meals or take the time and prepare some infant foods ahead of time.
If making your own food, just freeze the pureed foods into ice cubes and place into a container or bag.
Take out 2 or 3 cubes before each meal time.
Foods which are easy to prepare in advance include apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots and peas.
When preparing meats for your infant, it is wise to chop these in a food processor, a blender doesn't normally have enough power to get the meats to a smooth consistency.
If you have all ready gone back to work or just don't always have enough time to prepare your infant foods ahead of time.
Then you can easily purchase pre-made foods.
When choosing your baby foods from your local grocery store, always read the labels.
Try to pick the brands that have fewer additives to them, many organic infant foods are now on the market.
These might cost a little more but are well worth it, it terms of nutritional value to your child.
Try to shop for specials whenever you can but remember to watch for expiry dates on the baby foods.
Also keep in mind that your baby might suddenly go off a food and refuse to eat it.
You don't want to be left with jars of unused food.
Many grocery stores offer a buy one get one free sale several times during the year.
This is a good time to purchase different types of foods and have a few extra jars in your cupboard.