Breast milk is designed specifically to meet your baby’s nutritional requirements. It is easy to digest and contains antibodies, protective bacteria, and other elements that help prevent infants from getting sick while their immune systems mature. Research has shown that breastfed babies have lower incidences of allergies, intestinal upsets, ear infections, and other common childhood ailments than formula-fed infants. And breastmilk is free and convenient.

Breast milk is the only food babies require for the first six to ten months of their lives. Resist the urge to start solid foods too soon. The chances of developing food allergies increase the earlier a baby is exposed to solids. At around six months, a baby’s digestive system has the necessary enzymes and antibodies to handle solid foods. Look for physical signs of readiness. Your infant should be able to sit upright and pick up food with his hands. He must also have lost the tongue-thrusting reflex. You might want to start solids in the hope that it will help your baby to sleep through the night. Research has shown that this does not work. Babies wake for comfort as well as hunger and just because your baby is full, doesn’t mean he will sleep.

When your child is ready, start with foods that are low in protein and easy to digest. Rice cereal is a common choice because it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Other good cereal choices are barley, millet, and quinoa. You don’t need to feed your infant special food from boxes and jars. Babies can eat fresh, natural, unprocessed foods just like anyone else. Homemade baby food is nutritious, inexpensive, and easy to make. You don’t even need special equipment. Apples, peaches, and pears can be stewed and pureed in your blender or food processor. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, zucchini can be steamed until soft and pureed with a little water. Bananas and avocados are simple to prepare. Just mash the ripe fruit with a fork until smooth.

Start your child with small servings of solid foods. These first tastes are just to get him accustomed to solids. Offer a small amount of food on a baby spoon. Hold it between his lips and let him suck the food off. Stop when he turns away or closes his mouth. One or two tablespoons of food is plenty at first. Food should not replace breastfeeding. And never put baby food in a bottle. The unfamiliar texture may cause choking.

Each new food you introduce should be offered alone (or with a food already introduced), so if there’s a sensitivity or allergy, you will recognize it. Wait three to five days before introducing the next food. Allergic reactions may include bloating, gassiness, diarrhea, rash around mouth or anus, or runny nose not associated with a cold. Do not introduce a new food if baby is sick. You will not know if reactions are from his illness or food.

Obesity, diabetes, and learning disorders are rampant in today’s kids. Children become addicted to the artificially colored and sugared foods marketed for kids. Start your infant with breastmilk and fresh, organic, unprocessed foods. He will grow up appreciating the colors and flavors of fresh produce, whole grains, and legumes, rather than craving the sugar and salt found in processed foods. If you start your child eating right, he will establish good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Cathe Olson is the author of “The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook: Whole foods to nourish pregnant and breastfeeding women – and their families” and “Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes Your Infant and Toddler Will Love.” For more information or to order a book, visit www.simplynaturalbooks.com.

RECIPES

Whole Grain Infant Cereal
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast 1 to 2 cups organic brown rice, millet, quinoa, or barley for 5 to10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when grains begin to pop. (Toasting grains is optional but it helps the cereal from become gluey when cooked.) Cool grains completely and store in a covered jar.

To serve: Grind desired amount of toasted grain (about 2 or 3 tablespoons for an infant) to fine powder in flax seed grinder or blender. In a saucepan, whisk together 1 part cereal powder and 6 parts water. Bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes (stirring occasionally), or until soft and smooth. Add extra water if necessary.

Note: The rest of the family can enjoy this cereal too. It tastes similar to Cream of Wheat. Use 1 part cereal to 4 parts water. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pear-Applesauce
1 pear, peeled and diced
1 apple, peeled and diced
½ cup water

Place fruit and water in pan. Cover and simmer over low heat until soft. Add more water if necessary to keep fruit from scorching. Puree or mash.

Yield: About 2 cups

Note: Freeze Pear-Applesauce in ice-cube trays. When firm, remove to freezer bag or container. Cubes can be stored in freezer for several months and will thaw quickly when needed.

by Cathe Olson