First Foods
Babies are usually ready to start solid foods by the time they are six months old. A few babies will thrive on just breastmilk until their ninth month, and others will be eager for new tastes and sensations at five months. Try to wait as long as possible. There is no danger in delaying the introduction of solids; there may, however, be a problem if solids are introduced too soon or too quickly. If mummy has any allergies, regardless of what they are, be extra cautious. This is an exciting time in your baby’s life, so take your time and enjoy it.
Two of the best choices for baby’s first food are avocado and banana. Both are served raw, so their nutritional value is not diminished, and both are quick and easy to prepare: simply peel and mash with a fork until smooth. Be sure to select very ripe fruit, so that it mashes easily. Cut off a small piece to start; if baby rejects it outright, you can relax in knowing that there was little time spent in preparing the food and there will be minimal waste. Even if baby gobbles it up, he will probably eat less than a tablespoon of food at his first sitting.
Once baby has shown an interest in these fruits, try introducing cereals. For this, you will need a coffee grinder (preferably one that is not used for coffee) or small food processor. Also, because of the small quantities you will be making, you will need the smallest stainless steel pot you can find. The cereal can burn very quickly if there isn’t enough in the bottom of the pot.
- Oats: Grind 1 to 2 cups of oats to a fine powder and store in a glass jar. Use 1 part oats to 3 parts water and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes, until soft and smooth. Add more water or breastmilk for a thinner texture.
- Barley, brown rice, millet, quinoa or amaranth: In a dry stainless steel skillet over medium heat, toast 1 to 2 cups of grain for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grains darken slightly and start to pop. Allow to cool, then grind to a fine powder and store in a glass jar. Use 1 part cereal powder to 6 parts water and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes, until soft and smooth.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of pot and how finely ground your grains are. Stay close to the stove and check frequently.
Refrigerate enough cereal for three to four days and freeze the rest in ice cube trays. When frozen pop the cubes out and store in a freezer bag or storage container. These individual servings will thaw quickly. Thaw or reheat food in a heat-proof jar or bowl set in a pan of water. Warm over medium-low heat until food is room temperature. Always touch the food to your own lips to ensure it’s a safe temperature for baby. Remember to put only a small amount of food in baby’s bowl, and add more as needed. Any food that comes into contact with baby’s mouth, spoon or fingers cannot be saved.
Start baby with one meal a day for the first month or two. By seven or eight months, he can eat solids twice a day; by nine or ten months, he’ll be ready for three.
