When it comes to nursing, mothers know exactly what is going into their child's body, it is the most organic way to feed your babyÖand it's free. But as your child grows and begins to hold their head up and double in birth weight, their bodies begin to need more nourishment, and it is time to start serving them solid foods. If you are of the new age, organic mindset, then you start to look around at what your options are for food choices.
There are three accessible options for parents looking to start their babies on solid foods: your typical jarred baby food that we grew up on, organic jarred food at a higher price, and making your own baby food.
The typical food that we were fed as children contains preservatives and other ingredients that our newly knowledgeable minds know is not healthy for our children. The organic jarred food is sometimes a bit more expensive and is typically not 100 percent organic. The rule for a label to read 'Certified Organic' is that 95 percent of the ingredients must be organic. The other 5 percent often is vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which prevents vegetables and fruits from turning brown and fats from going rancid. To pay more for an organic brand that is only 95 percent natural is a bit of a hoax, and seems ineffective.
Making your own food is the only choice a parent has if they want to have control over exactly what goes into their baby's mouth, and the bonus comes in the form of saving money.
The "Super Baby Food" book by Ruth Yaron is a great source for moms and dads to turn to when starting your baby on solids and deciding to make their food. The book outlines with what foods to start your little one on at six months, what you can add to their diet each month after, and how to prepare and store these foods. As well, parents are introduced to the most important part of the Super Baby Food diet, "super" porridge. Super porridge is like a commercial baby food cereal but made from unrefined whole grains instead of being processed and refined. The idea is that babies and toddlers who consume super porridge, along with the proper servings of vegetables, fruits, dairy and other grains tend to stay healthier and not contract illnesses as often.
Opponents to the idea of making your own baby food typically are misguided about the time this practice consumes. It is hard to argue that buying fresh veggies and fruits is not better than jarred foods, but many busy parents can argue that they don't have the time to devote to making food. The truth is though, there are three easy steps to making food: cook, puree and freeze.
Though it is not as simple as buying a jar of food and opening it, if you are concerned about what goes into your baby's stomach, the small amount of extra time is worth it. Buying a bag of sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, green beans, avocados, bananas and fresh kale or spinach is all you will need to make two weeks of food. The cost for fresh veggies, starches and fruits is typically under $20. Adding the super porridge would cost another $4 for a box of oats or any other grain you choose to use. The cost to supply your kitchen with a jar or two of baby food for every meal could cost upwards of $6 a day.
With the book as your nutritional guide, the only other step is to buy a food processor or blender (a one-time investment) and a handful of ice cube trays. Whenever your schedule allows, simply steam or cook the food (with avocados and bananas you can simply mash with a fork) and then puree them in the processor. Oftentimes you have to add water to make the consistency right for your little one. The best thing to add is the water that is in the bottom half of your steamer because it holds the nutrients that were steamed off of the vegetables.
Once the food is pureed, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, cover and freeze. This will take up room in the freezer, but trays are stackable. Once the cubes are frozen, typically overnight is the best bet, pop them out and store in a gallon Ziploc bags. When it comes time to feed your baby, take out the frozen cubes of your choice, defrost and serve.
Organic is a word we are hearing more often every day. We have to begin to change our eating habits, deter obesity and create healthier lifestyles. As a parent you can start early on with your children and make their food. You can determine exactly what eating habits your child creates and start them off on the right nutritional path. And you can save money at the same time.