Homemade vs. Store-bought Baby Food
In the April 2010 issue of ParentLife, dietitian Beth Bence Reinke explores the pros and cons of homemade baby food and store-bought baby food. Maybe you have decided to make your own baby food, but what foods work best?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting iron-fortified rice cereal when your baby is 4 to 6 months old. Then add one new food every 2 to 3 days.
For ages 6 to 7 months, these starter foods work well for making easy-to-digest, pureed, homemade baby food:
- Mashed banana (no need to cook)
- Cooked fruits: pears, apples, peaches, apricots, plums
- Cooked vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, butternut squash, green beans
- Cooked meats: turkey, chicken, lamb, beef (no processed meats)
For ages 8 to 12 months consider adding the following foods.
- Cooked, puréed vegetables: broccoli florets, cauliflower, summer squash
- Cooked, puréed legumes like split peas and lentils
- O-shaped oat cereal, teething biscuits
- Cheese and yogurt
- Mashed, cooked egg yolk (not whites, which can be allergenic)
- Chopped table foods like meats, cooked vegetables, fruits and pasta as your baby shows readiness for coarse textures
Wait until your baby is 12 months old to add whole cow’s milk and egg whites. Always follow the advice of your pediatrician for adding new foods to your baby’s diet, especially if allergies run in your family.
Which baby food do you prefer -- store-bought or homemade? We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Comments (1)
I have made baby food for my kids. Sure, you have to put forth a little bit more effort than just tossing a jar into the grocery cart but you save a ton! Initially I buy 2-3 jars of a food to see if baby is allergic. If all is well, I will then make more to freeze and also reuse the jars as well. Once you buy a few starter jars, you have plenty to help you keep a fresh supply in the fridge. :O)
Posted on April 15, 2010 5:49 PM