How can I tell if my baby is ready for solids?

If you are thinking of weaning your baby there are some signs to look out for that will help you decide if the time is right. Your baby may be ready if she:

* Can hold her head up. Your baby needs to be able to maintain a steady, upright position, to take her first foods.

* Sits well when supported. You may have to have your baby on your lap at first. A highchair can be pulled into action a bit later when she can sit up by herself.

* Makes chewing motions. Your baby should be able to move food to the back of her mouth and swallow. As your baby learns to swallow efficiently you may notice that she dribbles less. She may even have a tooth or two.

* Has gained a healthy weight. Most babies are ready to eat semi-solids when they've doubled their birth weight. This may happen before or around their sixth month.

* Is curious about what you're eating. Is she eyeing your meals and reaching out to try foods you're moving from your plate to your mouth?

* Has good coordination. She should be able to look at food, grab it and put it in her mouth, all by herself.

There are several signs that are often mistaken for a baby being ready for first foods. These include:

-Chewing her fists.
-Waking in the night when she previously slept through.
-Wanting extra milk feeds.

These are just things that growing babies do, and they don't necessarily mean that your baby is ready for solids.

Even when you see signs that your baby is ready to start solids, experts recommend waiting until she's around six months before starting weaning.

Waiting until six months to give your baby her first foods protects her health. It reduces the chance that she will develop allergies or pick up an infection from food, because at six months her immune system and digestive system are stronger.

It's especially important not to give your baby food before six months if you have a family history of allergies or coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is triggered by the gluten in grains.

If you feel your baby needs to start solids before six months, bear in mind Department of Health guidelines. These state that babies should not have solid foods, at the earliest, before the end of their fourth month (17 weeks). You should also only give her foods that are suitable for her age.

If you are planning to start your baby on solids before six months talk to your health visitor first. It's also worth watching our first aid for choking video, to make sure your first-aid skills are up to date.




http://www.babycentre.co.uk/

Apple Walnut Puree

At this time of year the picking for seasonal fruits to feed your baby can be slim. However, when the kids and I went to our local farmer's market this past weekend, a myriad apples in tons of varieties were abundant: Pink Ladies, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji and more -- all sweet, crispy and delicious. Apples are one of those fruits that make the most delicious homemade baby food because when pureed, their texture is smooth and sweet -- perfect for brand new eaters.

I came up with this Apple Walnut Puree recipe for Parents Magazine as a part of an article on nuts for kids of any age. In the last few years there has been quite a bit of controversy about giving kids nuts before the age of 1, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed their stance on the issue, suggesting that it is safe for babies to be consuming nuts as a part of their diets.* As long as nuts are in the form of a smooth nut butter or pureed very fine (whole or pieces of nuts still present a choking hazard to children under the age of 4), they are an excellent source of protein and important for babies growing bodies. Walnuts in particular are rich in Omega 3's.

This puree is so delicious that my kids, even though they are past the puree stage, eagerly devoured it. I don't know why I was surprised. When you think about how much most kids love apple sauce, it makes total sense why this puree should be an easy sell to any little one from 8 months or older since it's just like a nutty applesauce. And given that I caught my husband finishing the last batch I made the kids, I'd wager you may even win over some older fans as well.

*If your family has a history of food allergies or if you have any concerns, I highly recommend speaking to your pediatrician befor

e offering nuts to babies or kids.

At this time of year the picking for seasonal fruits to feed your baby can be slim. However, when the kids and I went to our local farmer's market this past weekend, a myriad apples in tons of varieties were abundant: Pink Ladies, Golden Delicious,...

Apple Walnut Puree  (Makes 6 Serving)

Ingredients

• 2 apples, cored and peeled (pink lady, fuji, or gala are all good choices)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, shelled & halved
• 1/8 teaspoons cinnamon

 

Preparation

1. 1. Place apples and walnuts in a steamer pot over boiling water.
2. 2. Cook for 7 minutes or until apples are fork tender.
3. 3. Place apples, walnuts, cinnamon and 3 tbsp of the water from the steamer pot in a food processor and puree for 3 minutes or until smooth.
4. 4. Cool and serve.
5. *If your family has a history of food allergies or if you have any concerns, I highly recommend speaking to your pediatrician before offering nuts to babies or kids.

 http://weelicious.com/