Page 61 - Special Issue: Healthy Baby

warn against giving salt to babies, salt is actually vegetables may be introduced, one at a time, so that any adverse reactions
critical for digestion as well as for brain devel- may be observed. Carrots, sweet potatoes and beets are excellent first
opment. Use unrefined salt to supply a variety of choices. All vegetables should be cooked (steamed preferably), mashed
trace minerals. and mixed with a liberal amount of fat, such as butter or coconut oil, to
Around four months is a good time to start provide nutrients to aid in digestion.
offering cod liver oil, which is an excellent Early introduction to different tastes is always a good way to prevent
source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA finickiness. Feed your little one a touch of buttermilk, yogurt or kefir from
(also important for brain development) as well time to time to familiarize them with the sour taste. Lacto-fermented roots,
as vitamins A and D. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of like sweet potato or taro, are another excellent food for babies to add at
high-vitamin cod liver oil or 1/2 teaspoon regu- this time.
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lar dose cod liver oil, doubling the amount at 8
months. Use an eye dropper at first; later baby AT EIGHT MONTHS
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can take cod liver oil mixed with a little water or Baby can now consume a variety of foods including creamed vegeta-
fresh orange juice. ble soups, homemade stews and dairy foods such as cottage cheese, mild
If baby is very mature and seems hungry, he harder raw cheese, cream and custards. Hold off on grains until one year,
may be given mashed banana during this period. with the possible exception of soaked and thoroughly cooked brown rice,
Ripe banana is a great food for babies because which can be served earlier to babies who are very mature.
it contains amylase enzymes that help digest
carbohydrates. 1 ONE YEAR
Grains, nuts and seeds should be the last food given to babies. This
AT SIX MONTHS food category has the most potential for causing digestive disturbances or
Puréed meats can be given at six months allergies. Babies do not produce the needed enzymes to handle cereals,
(or even earlier if baby is very mature). Meats especially gluten-containing grains like wheat, before the age of one year.
will help ensure adequate intake of iron, zinc Even then, it is a common traditional practice to soak grains in water and
and protein with the decrease in breast milk and a little yogurt or buttermilk for up to 24 hours. This process jump-starts
formula. 17 the enzymatic activity in the food and begins breaking down some of the
A variety of fruits can be introduced at this harder-to-digest components. The easiest grains to digest are those without
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time. Avocado, melon, mangoes and papaya can gluten like brown rice. When grains are introduced, they should be soaked
be mashed and given raw. High-pectin fruits such for at least 24 hours and cooked with plenty of water for a long time. This
as peaches, apricots, apples, pears, cherries and will make a slightly sour, very thin porridge that can be mixed with other
berries should be cooked to break down the pec- foods.
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tin, which can be very irritating to the digestive After one year, babies can be given nut butters made with crispy nuts
tract. (recipe in Nourishing Traditions), cooked leafy green vegetables, raw salad
As time goes by, move up in complexity with vegetables, citrus fruit and whole egg.
food and texture. At about six to eight months,

MAKING HOMEMADE BABY FOOD
Making homemade baby food may not be as easy as opening a can, but once you have organized a cook-and-freeze
routine, it’s a snap. This gives you the control over food choices and cooking methods, and allows you to avoid synthetic
preservatives. With careful preparation, you will maximize the nutrient and enzyme content of your baby’s food. This will
make for easier digestion and better overall nutrition. One timesaving method is to cook and purée a selection of fruits,
vegetables and meats in adult quantities, and freeze them in glass custard dishes or porcelain ramekins, or just clumps on
a baking sheet. These cubes can be placed in freezer bags, labeled and sealed, available for quick thawing and reheating.
Thawing in the refrigerator is the most nutrient-saving method. Simply place a covered dish containing food cubes in the
fridge; they will thaw in three to four hours. It only takes one to two hours at room temperature. When on the go, put the
cubes in a glass container and add hot water or place the container in hot water to thaw.
Little attention is necessary to seasoning baby foods, but texture is important. Besides the basic taste, the smoothness
or thickness of a food concerns baby most. To thin purées, use milk or formula. Puréed potatoes, winter squash, bananas,
carrots, yogurt, nut or seed paste, and peas make great thickeners.
The only special equipment you need is a food processor, blender or a baby food mill and a simple metal collapsible
steamer basket. Don’t forget the unbreakable bowls, baby spoons and bibs. Two-handed weighted cups for drinking
lessons are also a must.

Wise Traditions 59