Friday, March 20, 2015

Feeding your baby the healthier way

Start them young.

I remember my mom used to tell me that instead of eating Cerelac, I’d rather munch on string beans. I am a big fan of vegetables that is why I also want my daughter to savor eating veggies too.

All babies can handle interesting foods before the age of 1 that’s why as early as now, I am teaching my daughter to eat vegetables so by the time she has mastered the art-of-eating, I wouldn’t have a hard time feeding her.

This is also the reason why I decided to make her baby food. I feel more confident and safer if I am the one who prepares her food. (plus its cheaper) As much as possible, I do not want to give her ready-made rice cereals and jarred baby foods. These types of foods are really sweet because of its high sugar content and since diabetes runs in our family, I’d rather be on the safe side.  I am also afraid of its long term effects. Just like Gerber. Most moms I’ve talked to are telling me that babies who grew up eating Gerber tend to be picky eaters. (Is it true that these jarred foods do not have preservatives? If a fresh baby food only lasts 3 days in the fridge and 1 month in the freezer, how come these jarred baby foods has an expiration date of almost 2 years?) I am not against ready-made and jarred baby foods, and to tell you honestly, I almost resorted to giving her these type of foods because there are times I am already running out of ideas what menu to prepare for her (plus pagod from work). Actually, I have one box of Cerelac readily available just in case I won’t be able to make her own meal. So far, the box is left untouched and has been sitting in the pantry for 2 months already. :D

I go to the market every day to buy fresh vegetables that I can steam, boil or puree. And now that she enjoys munching on vegetables or any food that has more-texture, preparing her meals is now easier because I don't have to puree veggies and fruits all the time. I feel very proud of myself because I've been making her own food for 3 months already and I know that I am doing the right thing. 

The other day, I experimented to check if she'd choose veggies over cookies. I placed 2 Bibibons cookies and sayote sticks on her table and guess what - she chose the vegetables. (Way to go baby).She was able to finish 1 whole of sayote in one sitting while she barely touched the cookies. Actually she just tried to nibble then threw it on the floor. hehe.  I just hope that she will have the same appetite with vegetables as she grows up.

Here's a pic of my baby enjoying her okra for yesterday's breakfast. Aside from Okra, she also ate Pureed Bananacado with brown rice. haha




For recipes, you can check my other blog at: Mommy Katrina Cooks

This is a good guide for parents who are wondering what to feed their babies. This is more of a helpful rule of thumb and not a law, meaning you can give foods earlier or later as long as you make sure your baby can handle what you feed them. Not all babies are created equal and there are some babies who can handle foods better at an earlier age, while others need more time to get the hang of it. Just like Milly, I started giving her Potato & Pasta as early as 6 months.




Again, its just fine to give Cerelac, baby cereals or any commercialized baby food you see in the market. You know what's best for them, and as long as your baby is healthy and doesn't have any allergic reaction to any food you give him/her, then you're on the right track. But if you have the time to prepare their own meals, go ahead. It's fun and fulfilling. Remember, mommies make the best food ever. ;) 

15 comments:

  1. Good for you that your baby likes homemade food. When my son was still a baby, he only eats mashed fruits so I have to buy cerelac and gerber.

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  2. I try to make puree but my daughter is a picky-eater. I want to make her eat more veggies but she only loves carrots. I hope it is just a phase.

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

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  3. Oh, wow! Okra! :) way to go, mommy! :) My eldest used to not mind eating veggies but now he's changing his preferences. Ugh! My youngest naman has his share of veggies that he like, yey.

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  4. I have nothing against those who feed their babies with cerelac or gerber. But I prefer that I feed my baby with 'real' mashed food prepared by myself so I can be assured it has no preservatives or anything.

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  5. Good job mommy..starting them early with veggies is a wise choice. :)

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  6. My baby don't eat cerelac or gerber or anything with preservatives too. She loves her veggies and well, anything. It's a training for later so we won't have eatng issues.

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  7. Same here. Di ko sya pian cerelac instead fresh fruits and vegetables. Your baby is super cute, nakakagigil.

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  8. wow, galing! patience and dedication talaga :)

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  9. Thanks for sharing your tips! All the best to you and your cute baby! Great job, Mrs. A! :)

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  10. ang cute ng baby mo na kumakain ng okra... super adorable. :)

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  11. Like you, when I was a baby I love 'sitaw' (string beans) and made it my snack. It is really best to provide the best food for your child and start developing a healthy eating habit that is beneficial until a child gets older. Thanks for sharing this valuable article. -MacySantos

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  12. I think it's really up to us moms how our baby's tastes will turn out. My daughter is already seven years old, and the only vegetable she doesn't like is Ampalaya. I also made sure she ate vegetables when she was a baby and toddler.

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  13. Although Gerber and Cerelac offer healthy options for our kids plus giving us less trouble in making our own baby food, I still prefer preparing the food myself just to be sure.

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  14. Wow, you're a mother's dream child! My son is still very picky, but I hope he will overcome it and try more, healthier food soon.

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  15. we started with boiled veggies or saging pag walang time :) nung nagka ngipin na sila, kung anong food sa table, un na rin sa kanila.

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