How to Prepare and Store Baby Food
Food and health
Starting your little one on a diet of healthy, fresh food will encourage him to eat well in the future, and also improve his resistance to illness. Your baby may be reluctant to eat when he is feeling under the weather, but keeping him hydrated and offering small, nutrient-dense meals can help him to recover quickly and easily.
My baby has lost her appetite and seems to be losing weight; how can I tempt her to eat?
It’s always worrying when babies stop eating for whatever reason and the first thing you need to do is to ascertain the cause. If she is unwell, she may be off her food for a short period of time, and begin eating again in a few days’ time, and with a vengeance! Keeping her hydrated during this time, with plenty of fluids, is the most important thing. If she’s teething she may find eating less comfortable.
In this case, offer her cool purées or a fromage frais that will help to soothe her gums and a teething ring or cold washcloth to “teethe” on.
Make sure that your baby is getting enough milk. Once little ones start on solid food, it’s easy to think that they are eating “meals” and don’t need their normal milk intake, but this is not the case, as it provides them with the calories they need, as well as their main nutrients.
You can try tempting her with different foods-Greek yogurt mixed with fruit purée, cheesy pasta that has been puréed until smooth, or vegetables with grated cheese. Persevere, you’ll soon find something that she loves, and even if you have to offer it daily to encourage her, it’s worth the effort.
Should I be worried if my baby is underweight for her height?
If your baby has always been underweight, and is growing in length and developing normally, you have no need for concern. Many babies have smaller frames, and are more slightly built than the “average” baby, and he may well be the perfect weight for his frame, even if he comes out as being light in relation to his height.
A healthy baby will have plenty of energy; will be alert, growing normally and sleep and feed well. If you don’t think he’s growing or developing at the rate you would expect, follow your instincts, and talk to your doctor. There may be something else at the root, which can be addressed.
It’s always important to see your doctor if your baby’s feeding habits change dramatically, he loses weight, seems tired, or doesn’t sleep well.
Are there any foods that will help my baby go to sleep?
Your baby’s main food, her regular milk, whether it is breast milk or formula, is ideal for getting her to sleep. Like all dairy products, milk contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which encourages sleep. Warm milk and a full tummy are a great way to lull a baby off to sleep. Proteins such as meat, fish, chicken, and lentils are the best source of tryptophan, however, so include these in her dinner to make her sleepy.
Oatmeal is a good choice too, as oats are naturally calming and relaxing.
Carbohydrates a few hours before bed, such as rice or potatoes, can also make her sleepy and ready for bed.
My baby has diarrhea; what should he eat?
The most important thing to consider when your baby has diarrhea is fluid. He will need plenty to replace what he has lost in loose bowel movements, and he will need even more to encourage the healing process. So begin by offering him regular milk, whether it is formula or, even better, breast milk, little and often, and giving small sips of water or rehydration fluid in between. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration.
If he’s eating regular meals, these should be pared down to the essentials. Apple purée is particularly good and very ripe bananas can help o restore your baby’s good bacteria, which can be wiped out in the case of a tummy bug. They’re also easily digestible, and will provide your baby with energy. Plain baby rice and toast fingers are also good bets for your little one.
What are super foods, and should I be including them now?
It is a great idea to include as many super foods as you can, as early as possible, as their health benefits are undeniable. They give babies the best tools to grow and develop.
Super foods are foods that contain fantastic levels of key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which will enhance your baby’s health and development on all levels.
Popular super foods for little ones include mango, sweet potato, papaya, berries, and butternut squash, sweet pepper, leafy green vegetables, and carrots.
Giving vitamins
For most babies, vitamin supplements are probably unnecessary, so long as they are eating fresh food in sufficient quantity and drinking formula milk until the age of one. However the Department of Health recommends that if your baby is being breastfed (breast milk doesn’t contain enough vitamin D) or is drinking less than 18fl oz (500ml) of infant formula a day, you should give him vitamin supplements from six months to two years of age. It’s a good idea to ask your health professional or doctor for advice.
6-9 months
Cauliflower, potato, and cheese purée
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 13-15 Minutes
Makes 6 Baby Portions
This purée is very filling and thick, so ideal for hungry babies. If you are using sweet potato instead of regular white potato, you can reduce the cooking time of the potato on its own to 3 minutes before you add the cauliflower.
1 potato or small sweet potato (6oz), peeled and cut into ½in cubes
¼ small head of cauliflower cut in little florets
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2-4 tbsp breast milk or formula
1. Put the potato cubes in a steamer, spreading them out in one layer. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.
Add the cauliflower to the steamer, spreading out the florets evenly. Cover again and steam until the vegetables are soft, 8–10 minutes.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a blender and add the cheese and 2 tbsp of the breast milk or formula. Blend to a smooth purée, adding extra milk or formula if the purée is too thick.
3. Freeze in individual portions. When needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat until piping hot. Stir and let cool slightly, and check the temperature before serving.
