Baby's world of FOOD

To start, I think its time we give our baby her blogging name. One of daddy's nickname for her, amongst many, is "Pumpk'n" and this being a food blog, the nick is immensely appropriate!

We're introducing solids to Pumpk'n a little earlier than the recommended 6 months. Our Paed thinks every baby is different, depending on their motor skills and their interest in food. In her 4th month, Pumpk'n could sit in her Bumbo chair, putting everything she finds in her mouth and shows a keen interest in watching people eat. She drools and stares intently at anyone chowing in front of her.

So begin my background research into introducing solids. Website references, baby books, recipe books, you name it. One good book that covers all aspects is Your Baby and Child. Weaning from breastfed or bottlefed babies, the types of food to introduce, food instruments, types of allergy - a rather detailed description. For recipes and a good introduction into solids for babies and children is Super Foods by Annabel Karmel.

Armed with enough knowledge, utensils and a grocery bag of organic produce, we started Pumpk'n on her solids. In the first week, we served her only rice cereal. We chose Heinz rice cereal as it was the only one available at the local supermarket that has the option of allowing you to mix the rice with breastmilk or formula. I started her off with 2 teaspoon of rice cereal with breast milk on the first day, feeding her from her maiden baby spoon and bowl (a thoughtful gift courtesy of Farmstay in Australia). Pumpk'n first reaction to the taste bought mixed expressions, as expected. But once she got used to it, she wanted more. Gradually we increased her portions on a daily basis and now she feeds on nearly 1/2 cup worth of cereal. Next we found another brand of cereal for her to try, this time organic. Lets see how she takes to that in the next few days.

Yesterday, we opened Pumpk'n's world to another new taste - fruit puree! The fruit of choice was an organic apple, recommended as it's easy to digest and unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. Apple has a soluble fiber called Pectin, which helps fight against constipation.

The puree was easy to prepare though some time is required to sterilise all her cooking and feeding equipment. I froze the extra portions in an ice cube tray for future usage. I mixed 2/3 of the apple puree with 1/3 of her rice cereal and breastmilk. She need no persuasion to finish up her food, Pumpk'n is certainly showing a potential future as a foodie!

Apple Puree
(2-3 portions)
1 large apple, peeled and cored
1 tbsp water or unsweetened apple juice

Method:
Chop the apples into small, even-sized pieces. Put the fruit into a saucepan with the water, cover and cook over low heat until tender (about 6-8 minutes). Blend the fruit to a smooth puree using some of the cooking liquid. Serve it lukewarm.