Introducing Solids: A Mum's Guide To Homemade Baby Food

Introducing solid foods to your baby is a significant milestone, and what better way to do it than with wholesome, homemade purees? The benefits of preparing homemade baby food extend beyond just nutritional value; it's an opportunity to exercise control over ingredients, ensure freshness and customise flavours to suit your baby's evolving palate.

Why Make Homemade Baby Food?

Homemade baby food holds a special place in the hearts of parents for numerous reasons. The control over ingredients ensures that your baby receives only the freshest and healthiest options. This approach also allows for customisation, catering to your baby's taste preferences and dietary requirements. As an excellent on-the-go option, Bubs' Plant Burst Pouches offer a range of ingredient combinations, providing convenience without compromising on quality.

When to Start Solid Food for Infants?

The current Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines recommend introducing solids around 6 months of age. This is when most babies show signs of readiness, although this can vary. In some cases, starting solids at 4 months may be recommended by a pediatrician or health professional, but never before this age.

While breast milk and/or baby formula will remain their primary source of nutrition, solid foods will slowly become part of your 6-month-old’s feeding routine. If you have any concerns about starting solids or your baby’s feeding, consult a medical professional who can provide advice specific to your little one.

What Foods Can Be Pureed?

Choosing the right foods for pureeing is crucial for providing essential nutrients and introducing varied flavours and textures. For the early stages of infancy, consider nutrient-rich foods like avocado, sweet potato, peas and bananas. As your baby progresses, explore a wider range of baby puree recipes, including apples, pears and well-cooked grains. The key is introducing a diverse range of foods to encourage a broad palate.

How to Make Pumpkin Puree For Your Baby

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees

2. Cut pumpkin and remove seeds and pulp

3. Bake for around 1 hour (until tender)

4. Once cool, remove the pumpkin skin and blend until smooth.

How to Make Strawberry Puree For Your Baby

1. Wash the strawberries

2. Cut off the stems

3. Blend until smooth.

How to Puree Without a Blender

No blender? No worries! You can still make delicious and nutritious homemade baby food without one. Many fruits and vegetables can be pureed by simply cooking them down long enough on the stove. They’ll naturally become soft and can be helped along by mashing with a fork or utensil. You can often follow the same basic steps on how to puree vegetables and simply add some liquid (water, breastmilk or formula) to help the mashing process. If you’re not having any luck making puree, other methods of baby-led weaning can be used to offer food to your little one.

Conclusion

Starting solids is an exciting but often slow process. Follow your instincts when it comes to your baby’s readiness and offer a variety of healthy, homemade baby foods to set them up for a nutritious start. Medical professionals are well-equipped to offer tailored advice, so if you have any questions or concerns about starting solids, don’t hesitate to ask.