Back from the pediatrician's clinic with the approval to feed your baby with Stage 1 of Solid foods. Your baby has turned 4 months old and now requires complimentary healthy food along with breastmilk. Wondering how you will prepare for different purees and easy-to-have liquids for babies. Be patient! You will be answered to all your questions here.
What is Stage 1 Food For Babies?
Stage 1 food for babies refers to one ingredient food that is pureed or thin in its consistency. Here in this pureed food- it means that the bowl should only have thin liquid without any chunks or bites so that the baby can easily swallow it. Stage 1 food is always best to be made with single-ingredient so that the little one is slowly and gradually introduced with new fruits or vegetables.
The sole reason behind this is to let the baby get familiar with different tastes one by one. Also, for you to know about his/her body's digestive and allergic actions.
Can a baby have purees along with Breastfeeding?
Introducing purees to a 4-5 months old baby is okay (after consulting with your pediatrician). Yes! Babies can have purees- as it is the best way for them to adapt to new flavors. However, fruit and vegetable purees for babies are just complimentary food along with breastmilk. Still, it is always crucial for you to get assisted with the doctor's view of the baby's diet plans.
Medical studies state that babies who have breastmilk longer than four months have fewer chances to grow overweight or become obese. Breastmilk has antibodies that help the baby's body fight viruses and flu. Here is the food chart for a 4-6 months old baby.
Read Also: Best Finger foods for babies
Importance of Introducing purees to a 4-5 months old baby
Starting with stage 1 of baby food is altogether a new and exciting experience for you and the baby. Isn't it Mummies? But what kind of purees baby will like and how to cook them is still a brainstorming question. Before that, you must get familiar with the importance of introducing purees to a 4-5 months old baby:
- The baby will get adaptive towards new food other than breastmilk.
- It will help the little one develop swallowing habits and tongue control.
- You will get to know about the baby's digestive and allergic actions.
- The tiny tot will enjoy different food textures and flavors.
5 Yummy and Healthy Puree Recipes for Babies
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Apple and Cinnamon Puree
Take 3-4 apples, peel, and chop them into small cubes. In a saucepan, with little water, simmer the apples on low flame for about 12-15 minutes. Add a dash of cinnamon powder for a sweet flavor. Now let it cool for a while. Grind it into a fine puree until smooth consistency. It's ready to go into the little tummy! Apples are sweet and well-accepted for first baby food from 4-6 months of age. They are a great source of vitamin C.
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Avocado Puree
Cut one avocado into halves. Twist and take out the pit. In a bowl, take out the avocado meat. With the help of a blender, make a fine puree. Adjust consistency with water, and then it's ready to serve. Avocados are high in fiber, vitamin K, folic acid, and vitamin B6. It encourages brain and nervous system development.
Read Also: yummy and quick potato recipes for children
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Sweet Potato Puree
Take 2-3 sweet potatoes, wash them nicely. Peel and dice the boiled sweet potatoes. Blend the small cut pieces until a smooth puree. Adjust consistency by adding warm water. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, B6, C, and E. they are best to boost the immune system and eye vision.
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Carrot Puree
Start with one or two carrots. Peel them and cut them into small circular slices or cubes for faster cooking. You can boil them or steam them until soft. Once done, puree them until smooth and serve it to the little love with a dollop of butter. Carrots are a great source of vitamins and fiber. It helps improve the eye vision of the child.
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Broccoli Puree
Take broccoli, wash it in running water and cut into small florets. In boiling water, add the florets and let simmer for 6-8 minutes, maintaining its bright green color. Keep the water aside (in which the broccoli florets are boiled). In a food processor or blender, add the boiled florets and grind until smooth. Adjust thinning with the water preserved. And let the baby relish his/her meals.
It is a nutritional powerhouse for babies. Broccoli contains vitamins A, C, K, B6, and folate that are essential for a baby's optimal development.
IMPORTANT TIP- Always taste the fruit or vegetable from which the puree has to be made. Ensure it is fresh and sweet or according to the baby's taste. Give the puree in small quantities to observe the baby's likes-dislikes and allergic actions.
Take Home A Message
A baby's first food is always exciting for the mother and the baby. Those mentioned above were 5 yummy and easy puree recipes for the baby. Fruits and vegetables are always a healthy choice for kids to have; however, always look closely at their ill reactions to the body. Since babies will have these vegetables and fruits for the first time, it is essential to notice his/her response towards it.
Happy Feeding!