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Homemade Baby Food - Pros, Cons and Recipes
There is no rush to start feeding your baby solid foods, but when it is time, you will have to consider several options. While there are nutritious and safe commercial foods available, homemade baby food is something that is feasible indeed. Understand the various pros and cons of homemade baby food and find out some nutritious and delicious recipes to feed your little one.
When to Introduce Solids to Infants?
Doctors usually recommend waiting until your child is six months old before you give him solid foods, but this can be earlier in some cases. According to some studies, babies who began eating solid foods at around four months of age had a lowered risk of developing asthma and allergies. Further, babies who are underdeveloped or premature could benefit from starting a solid food regimen early, but it is essential to consult with your paediatrician before doing so.
Benefits of Homemade Baby Food
There are several benefits to giving your baby homemade food. They include:
1. Homemade food is less processed
Homemade food mainly consists of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and don’t go through refinement processes as the store-bought food does.
2. Homemade food has a wider variety
Packaged foods come in limited textures and flavours, and there usually isn’t much when it comes to options. Homemade food, on the other hand, can taste different each time.
3. Home cooked food is nutritious
This is expected from homemade food, as you can pick and choose the right items to give your child depending on their nutritive value. Further, packaged foods are pasteurised and preserved to kill any microbes, but these processes lower the nutrient content of the food.
4. Reduces the child's fussiness
Babies tend to be quite fussy about eating. Introducing your baby to a variety of food flavours, textures and aromas will lower his likelihood of developing picky eating habits over time.
5. Inexpensive and pocket-friendly
Instead of splurging on store-bought food or fancy organic food, you can simply buy ingredients at your local farmer’s market and make it yourself. You can easily evade unnecessary manufacturing, processing and packaging expenses this way.
Drawbacks of Making Baby Food at Home
There are a few disadvantages to making homemade baby food. Some of them are:
1. Less time
It is much simpler to buy premade baby food and feed it to your baby than taking the time to buy individual ingredients and cook them.
2. Storing
It is easy to store commercially bought food as they contain preservatives to keep food fresh.
3. Accessibility
Most commercial baby foods come in containers which are ready to serve, making it quite convenient.
How to Store Homemade Baby Food
As homemade baby food can spoil easily, it can be quite complicated to store. It is important to know that glass is a dangerous choice for freezing, as it can crack and burst when exposed to cold temperatures. Here are three easy methods for storage.
1. Refrigeration
This is the easiest and most convenient way to store homemade food. However, it is important you do not store any baby food for longer than two days to prevent the chances of bacterial or fungal contamination.
2. Ice Cube Method
This method has the least amount of waste and the longest storage time. Once you prepare the baby food, keep any remaining amounts in ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Keep the ice cubes in a freezer bag. When it is feeding time, you need only take a cube or two, heat until lukewarm and give it to your baby.
3. Wax Paper Method
Take the unused baby food purees and transfer them to wax paper sheets in clumps. Fold the sheet up and place it in the freezer. Once the clumps are frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags for storage.
Things to Keep in Mind When You Start Giving Solid Food to Your Baby
Some important considerations before you start your child on a solid food diet are:
Keep an eye on allergic reactions. Foods like peanuts, dairy, and wheat contain potentially allergenic compounds. When you start your baby on a new food item, feed them the same meal for a few days and make a note of any changes.
Try sticking to organic food, as they are less likely to be covered in pesticides and other chemicals.
Don’t feed your child foods that tend to cause gas, as young babies find it quite uncomfortable. This means no legumes, dairy products, wheat and so on, for at least the first eight months.
Easy to Prepare Homemade Food Recipes for Babies
If you want to know how to make baby food at home, also keep in mind that the first few months of solid food should be in puree form as babies are unable to chew. The best options include green vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and so on.
For 4 - 6 Months Old Babies
The first attempts at feeding your baby solid food should be in a thin, runny puree form. This is because young babies find it difficult to swallow large chunks of food as they are only used to liquid milk until this point.
1. Pea Mash
Peas are a simple but nutritious treat, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
One cup shelled peas
Half cup water
How to Make
Boil the peas until they cook thoroughly. Strain the water, then mix the peas with half a cup of fresh water and blend until you get a consistent paste.
2. Banana Puree
Bananas are gentle on the baby’s digestive system and have a host of nutrients such as potassium and fibre.
Ingredients
Half cup ripe yellow bananas, peeled and sliced
One cup of water
How to Make
Combine both ingredients in a mixer until you get a runny mixture.
3. Whole Grain Puree
Introducing whole grains at this age is beneficial due to their vitamin A and iron content.
Ingredients
Half cup cooked brown rice/ragi/oats
Half cup water
How to Make
Mix both the ingredients in a blender until you get a watery gruel.
4. Avocado Mash
Avocados are delicious and rich in healthy fats required for growth and development.
Ingredients
Half cup avocado, cored, peeled, and diced
One cup of water
How to Make
Combine the above in a mixer and blend until you obtain a smooth custard-like texture.
5. Mashed Sweet Potato
Unlike potatoes, sweet potatoes also contain Vitamin A and several minerals in addition to carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Half cup sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Half cup water
How to Make
Boil the sweet potatoes until they cook well. Mix them with water in a blender until you get a consistent puree. Water can be substituted by breast milk in this recipe.
For 7- 9 Months Old Babies
At this age, you can start making meals with two ingredients, as your baby will be better at digesting more foods and open to newer flavour combinations. You can start giving your baby thicker purees as well. Homemade baby food recipes for 6-9 months old babies include:
1. Sago Pumpkin Mash
Both these ingredients are rich in a host of vital nutrients, from vitamins and minerals to proteins and healthy fats.
Ingredients
One cup pumpkin, peeled and sliced
Half cup sago
One cup of water
How to Make
Cook the pumpkin and sago separately. Combine them along with water in a mixer and blend until you get a puree.
2. Banana Avocado Puree
This is an excellent homemade baby food recipe for 8-month-old babies. Bananas and avocados are creamy, easy to digest and full of healthy nutrients.
Ingredients
Half cup bananas, peeled and sliced
Half cup avocados, cored, peeled and sliced
One tsp apple cider vinegar
Half cup water
How to Make
Blend the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apple cider vinegar can be added to prevent the paste from going brown.
3. Papaya Mash
This is a basic homemade food recipe for 7-month-old babies. Papayas are rich in carotenoids and other antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, folates and pantothenic acid.
Ingredients
One cup papayas, peeled, deseeded and sliced
Half cup water
How to Make
Mix the ingredients in a blender until you get a smooth paste.
4. Pear and Pumpkin Puree
Pears are rich in vitamin K and vitamin C and healthy fruit sugars, while pumpkins contain essential minerals like copper and manganese.
Ingredients
Half cup pears, peeled and sliced
Half cup pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and sliced
One cup of water
How to Make
Blend the ingredients to get a thick puree.
5. Berry and Beetroot Puree
Both berries and beetroots contain powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which are immunity boosting.
Ingredients
One cup beet, peeled and sliced
Half cup seasonal berries
Half cup water
How to Make
Cook the beets until soft. Blend all the ingredients for a delicious puree. You can replace water with breast milk for a thicker puree.
For 10 -12 Months Old Babies
At this age, you can start giving your baby more complex meals to prepare them for a wholly solid food diet.
1. Ragi Ratatouille
This is a delicious blended recipe, which will give your child a whole host of nutrients as well as an introduction to multi-flavoured food.
Ingredients
One cup sliced vegetables like onions, brinjals, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and broccoli
One tbsp olive oil
One tsp ginger garlic paste
Four tbsp ragi
Half cup soup broth
Half tsp dried herbs (optional)
Half cup water
How to Make
Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add the onions and cook until golden. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about twenty minutes until the vegetables become tender. Once it cools, mix in the dried herbs. Finally, blend it until you get the consistency you want. This is a great Indian recipe for homemade baby food.
2. Fish, Spinach and Carrot Mash
Fish is rich in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Spinach contains iron while carrots have vitamin A and vitamin C.
Ingredients
Half cup fish fillet
Half cup carrots, peeled and diced
Half cup spinach leaves
Half cup water
How to Make
In a saucepan, boil water and place the carrot, spinach and fish to steam for about twenty minutes. Move the ingredients to a mixer and blend until you get the desired texture.
3. Banana Brown Rice Puree
Combining bananas and brown rice is a great option to give your child a whole lot of nutrients from phosphorus, vitamin C, fibre and complex carbs.
Ingredients
Half cup bananas, peeled and sliced
Half cup brown rice, cooked
One tbsp greek yoghurt
Half cup water
Cinnamon to taste
How to Make
Combine the ingredients in a mixer and blend well to get a delicious puree.
4. Creamy Chicken Puree
Chicken is rich in essential proteins, while the cheese and yoghurt in this recipe contain Vitamin A and riboflavin.
Ingredients
One cup chicken breast, diced
Half cup vegetable broth
One tbsp olive oil
One tsp cheese
Two tbsp greek yoghurt
One tsp dried herbs like thyme, rosemary and oregano
One cup of water
How to Make
Cook the chicken in olive oil for around five to ten minutes until it becomes a rich golden brown colour. Ensure the chicken is cooked adequately as undercooked chicken can cause problems. Cool for a few minutes, then add the chicken along with the remaining ingredients into a blender until you obtain the desired texture.
5. Banana Apricot Mash
The apricots in this recipe are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, copper, and various antioxidants.
Ingredients
One cup bananas, peeled and sliced
Half cup apricots, cored, peeled and sliced
Half cup water
How to Make
Mix in a blender until you get the desired texture. You can spice up this dish with a little bit of cinnamon and honey for flavour.
Nutrition is the key to proper growth and development in children. Giving your kids homemade baby food is a step closer to keeping them healthy.
Also Read: Healthy Foods for Babies Read more
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Diaper Hygiene Rules for First-time Moms
Diaper rash? There are many parents who have this question in mind. I, being a first-time mother, know how it feels to see your baby cry due to discomfort. There are few simple and easy steps to prevent and heal a diaper rash.
1. Choose a Good Diaper
There are many brands available in the market today, but choosing the right one for your baby is key. You can also go for cloth diapers if you want to. You should look for the material it is made of, for how long it can be used (though it has to be changed every 3-4 hours or immediately if it is soiled), the type and size because if the fitting is not proper, it may leak or you may end up having a diaper blast, ease of handling and disposing, and lastly brand and cost since many good brands have online discounts and you have an option to choose according to your budget without compromising on your baby's comfort and health.
2. Cleaning and Changing
You will have to keep a note of your baby's output on a day-to-day basis and note down the changes as he/she grows. The diaper should be changed every three hours if not soiled and changed immediately if soiled even if it is a peck, which is very important to prevent a diaper rash. Many parents use wet wipes to clean their baby's bottoms, which should be avoided since too much usage of wet wipes can also cause diaper rash. These contain harmful chemicals and may change the pH of your baby's skin thus causing irritation. Instead, you can use a clean, soft cotton cloth dipped in warm water to clean the area or just your clean hands soaked in warm water. Place your baby on a dry sheet and allow the area to air dry for some time, then express a few drops of breast milk in a small cup, apply the milk on your baby's bottoms and wait for it to dry by holding baby's legs for a few seconds. This can be done regardless of your baby having a rash as breast milk acts as a natural rash cream; it dries to form a protective layer around the area. You can also use a diaper rash cream to top the breast milk if you see any redness or rash, but choose a mild organic cream that is safe for your baby. I suggest not making your baby wear any diaper if you notice redness or rash until it subsides, otherwise you can go ahead and change to a new diaper. I always make it a point to leave my baby without a diaper for at least an hour or two everyday, when I get time to sit beside her to play. So that I can always supervise and change the dry sheet if needed.
3. Disposing of a Diaper
Disposing of a diaper in a proper manner is essential for a healthy environment. Many parents just throw the diapers on the road and don't care about Mother nature or maybe they do so due to ignorance, but all of us should take time to save our environment by cleaning the soiled diapers in the toilet before disposing them off. Now-a-days waste disposal and segregation is being implemented everywhere and the cleaned diapers should be wrapped properly and disposed of as 'Medical Waste'.
4. Diaper Hygiene during Travel
Many parents nowadays like to travel with their babies, be it on official work or a holiday. Follow the same steps you do at home as much as possible, carry a lot of diapers, rash cream, dry sheets and if you don't get enough water to clean, you may opt for a mild wet wipe without any harmful elements like fragrance, paraben, etc. You should wash the wipes thoroughly with warm water and store them in a clean case when you pack your diaper bag. As soon as you reach your destination, clean your baby's bottoms thoroughly with warm water and air dry as mentioned earlier and then change. Always keep checking for any symptoms of rash and if it worsens, take your baby to his/her pediatrician immediately.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Cheesy Sweet Corn Paneer Wrap
Sweet, cheesy and delicious! All these words describe the filling we have prepared for this wrap. Pack it into your kid’s lunch box and we are sure he will come asking you to make it more often. Check out our recipe here.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
10-15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
½ cup sweetcorn, boiled
1 tsp julienned ginger
3 tbsp capsicum, chopped
3 tbsp onions, chopped
¼ cup paneer, diced
1-2 green chillis, minced
2-3 tbsp cheese, grated
1 small tomato, chopped
1 tsp mixed Italian seasoning
1 tsp red chilli flakes
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
To Assemble
2 tortilla wraps/ whole wheat chapatti
Thinly sliced onions
Ketchup
Method
Step 1
Heat oil in a pan. Add ginger, minced green chillies, capsicum and tomatoes. Sauté for a few minutes.
Step 2
When the tomatoes are cooked and mushy, add sweetcorn, mixed Italian herbs, red chilli flakes and salt. Stir. Add paneer. Check the seasoning and adjust if needed. Add the grated cheese and stir. Take it off heat.
Step 3
Take a chapati or tortilla wrap. Spread ketchup and place some sliced onion in the middle. Place ¼ cup of the prepared filling and fold the sides to make a wrap.
Nutritional Information
Calories
334 K cal
Proteins
12.5 g
Fats
11.8 g
Carbohydrates
46.9 g
Cholesterol
13 mg
Sodium
438 mg
Potassium
492 mg
Tip: Instead of ketchup, you can also use some sandwich spread or egg less mayonnaise. Read more
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Picking Toys and Books for School Kids
All kids are not the same and their individual personalities begin to show up when they start going to school. While choosing toys and books for a school-age kid, parents should know his likes and dislikes; and choose accordingly.
When children start going to school, they start learning numbers, letters and language skills. A lot of toys, games and books, ranging from simple puzzles to high-tech electronic gadgets, encourage this type of learning. If children enjoy practicing the things that they learn at school, it increases their capacity to retain whatever they learn.
This is why it is important to pick the right toy or book for a school going child. However, finding appropriate toys and books for your school going kid requires an understanding of the play ideas that will suit his age so that he is able to enjoy and learn from them. What is more important is that the parents take out time to indulge in the play activity with their school going kids. They can bond over an interesting game or story in a book. During this engagement, the child learns and parents understand about his likes or dislikes.
Types of Toys and Books for Your Kid
1. Science Toys and Books
Toys that help in bringing out the little scientist in your kid include: magnifying glasses, kaleidoscope, periscope, telescope, microscope, a garden kit, anatomy kit or a magnet kit. Children love to play with these toys, reinforcing the knowledge they learn from school.
2. Video Games and Computer
Computers have several educational games that teach maths, reading and language skills to your child. There are also role-playing games that count strength levels, points or money, helping in developing maths skills. Strategy games improve your child’s ability to think and solve a problem, and the ability to work towards a goal. Other racing and action games help in improving hand-eye coordination.
3. Board Games and Strategy Toys
School going children are able to understand things better, and hence, enjoy playing games with rules with their friends and family. This helps in improving their social skills. There are many board games that require a lot of logical thinking and strategizing. These games improve your child’s maths skills, memory, spelling and also reading skills.
Some good board games might include:
Scrabble
Chess
Pictionary
Monopoly
Scrabble
Othello
Checkers and Chinese checkers
Dominoes
Snakes and ladders
Pick-up sticks
Bingo
4. Brain Teasers and Puzzle Games
Playing games like puzzles and brain teasers help in improving a child’s hand-eye coordination, visual perception, problem solving skills and patience.
5. Creative Toys and Art Books
These help to enhance your child’s creativity and bring out their talent. They refine your child’s ability to communicate their feelings and ideas visually.
6. Sports
Children require physical activity for better health. Sports also develop intelligence in your kids. Most popular ones include tennis, basketball, bikes, baseball, etc.
7. Musical Instrument
School age children should be encouraged to learn to play musical instruments according to their interests like a keyboard, guitar, drums or a karaoke. This way they can discover their musical talents.
School going children require complex games and toys that stimulate their intelligence and enhance the skills they learn at school. So the next time you are out shopping for your little one, make sure the toys or games are not just fun but educational too. Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
19 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
7 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
18 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
18 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
12 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
10 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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