Reusable Food Pouches Review

Babies eat a lot of food.  Problem is, you usually can't grab something for them when your on a long trip and maybe hitting up the drive thru's for a hike or picnic in the mountains.  It's a total bummer, especially if you make your own baby food.  It means having to pack a bunch of glass jars which can break on a hike or even just in the car leaving a huge mess or a ton of Tupperware which takes up a lot of space in a bag or cooler.  So, what is a mom to do who makes her own baby food?  

Home-Made Baby Food Containers

I made the food for my babies for a lot of reasons.  It not only cut down my grocery bill, but I could combine what they like and leave out what they don't, plus I could easily change the thickness of the food based on age and what they were able to handle without wasting a bunch of food or having to thicken it, it also makes it easier to feed them organic or home grown veggie's, and you can add your own spices based on your culture/preference/or allergy restrictions/allowances.  In my previous post, that I told how to make baby food HERE and HERE, I used pre-bought baby food jars, but I recently found a product that would be perfect for those of you/us making your own baby food, check these out!

Nuby Monster Dishes Review

 Feeding time in a daycare usually ends up feeling like I'm trying to tame the savage monsters who run themselves and me tired all day long.  I love being able to help get the food they need inside of them with tableware that will help make this time of non-movement fun!

Tastefully Simple Giveaway!

I love food and recipes and so do my blog buddies!  Check out the latest on food from my blog buddy Kathleen!

Deb Armus, Independent Tastefully Simple Consultant, started selling Tastefully Simple because she loved their products. "I fell in love with Tastefully Simple at my very first taste-testing party. The food was so delicious and I couldn't believe how easy it was to prepare.

Baby Food Update!

If your making your own baby food off of the baby food blog here is a suggested update for you!  As your child ages and moves into the next phase simply blend less!  Don't fully puree the food.  Use the pulse button and get the food down to baby size chunks or smaller.  Basically dime size or smaller.  You can do things as the kids get more teeth like steaming peas to a place where they practically fall apart with any pressure and put the whole peas in the blended carrots.

Start mixing flavors that are enjoyed and don't be afraid to add some tofu to start the digestive tract on high protein development.  This can help when it comes time to introduce meats.  Tofu is bland and tends to take on whatever it's cook with flavor.  Use the same seasons that were listed in the previous post located here: http://mommymomentswithabby.blogspot.com/2011/05/baby-food-making.html.  Be creative, maybe boil spaghetti, but instead of long noodles take the time to break it down to lengths that are the with of your baby's little finger or smaller.  Add this to any squash, tomato, or favorite food blend for a carb boost.  Using a small amount of spaghetti bits can also be a good way to test your babies digestion.  Many babies are not able to digest gluten and need a supplement.  Don't add anything new to the babies diet when trying this for 3-4 days.  It will give a more accurate reaction, if their is any. 

Do not start fish earlier than age 1!  Fish can be started at between 1 and 2 years of age(some say wait until age 3), only an ounce a week and then no bottom/garbage eaters as they are more likely to have high levels of Mercury. Keep it high protein, think Salmon.  Some good starter fishes are: Flounder, Haddock, Cod, and Sole (watch out for bones!).  A good site for information regarding fish is:  http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/introducingfishtobaby.htm.  The only thing that I don't agree with that they state is that tuna is alright.  Tuna tends to eat everything and their Mercury levels can be higher that the other fish I listed. Remember fish has a high allergic reaction in babies, always start small and test for 3 days in case of a delayed reaction due to digestion time.  Just because swimming fish are fine, don't assume shell fish are alright, with anything new always test with the 3 day rule! 

Updating your babies diet depends on a lot of factors, age, allergic reactions of the past, any diagnosed issues that may affect digestion or eating, babies interest in eating, how many teeth the baby has (don't give anything chunky to a baby with no or only 2 teeth), and if you feel its time.  Have fun and be creative while you nuture your little foodie's palate!

Abby  

  

Baby Food Making!

Have you ever read what goes into the baby food you buy at the store or wondered how a little jar of mashed up food is able to last sitting on a store shelf or in your shelf for so long and still be "natural" or good for your baby? Now, I will admit to buying baby food by the jar or pouch from the store and it is just fine for babies. That said I do feel that if you can find the time to make it yourself it is better. You get to tailor the food to your baby and their personal preferences as those develop, you cut costs, and you know exactly what is going in your child because you made it. The problem I see is over making food and ending up with more than your little one can eat before it goes bad. I recently decided to make some baby food as my youngest will be starting to eat foods this weekend. First, get the food you plan or want to start with; some doctors say start with fruit or apple sauce, while others say start with a veggie. I say do what is right for you. I start with sweet peas and then will go to peaches alternating between veggie and fruit for a more balanced diet.