Starting your baby on solids

When baby starts showing an interest in solid foods, it is an exciting time for both mom and her little one. Not only will baby be expanding his repertoire of new tastes, but mom can also start experimenting with different ingredients that will contribute to baby’s healthy development and growth.

Philips Avent provides some tips and hints below that will help make the transition from milk to food as smooth as the purées baby will learn to love:

1. Keep it Clean: Hygiene is of the utmost importance when it comes to preparing food for baby. Always cook in a clean kitchen using sterilised utensils and bowls. Be sure to wash your hands and baby’s before cooking and feeding
2. Wash, Wash, Wash: All fruit and vegetables need to be washed thoroughly before being puréed unless otherwise stated. Tomatoes can be easily peeled by simply plunging them into boiling water for 10 minutes
3. Water Conservation: It’s a good idea to save your cooking water. This can either be used directly in baby’s bottle or to thin food to the desired consistency

A Tasty Introduction
The secret to successfully guiding baby’s journey on to solid foods is to begin slowly, introducing one fruit or vegetable at a time. Start by puréeing ingredients to a very smooth consistency for baby’s first meals. Peaches, apples, pears and bananas or carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, pumpkin and broccoli make a tasty introduction to a healthy diet that will ensure baby’s optimal growth.

One piece of fruit is usually sufficient per serving. Simply wash the vegetable or fruit thoroughly as mentioned above. Peel and remove all seeds or pips, chop finely and then steam or cook with a small amount of water until tender. Approximately 10 to 20 minutes should do.

The Right Start
Make sure baby gets the right start in life by making his transition to solid foods a nutritious one. Teach baby to enjoy new and interesting tastes early on in life and you’ll pave the way for baby’s healthy eating habits going forward.

We reccommend: The Philips Avent Steamer Blender available at Baby City



Visit the Philips AVENT website at www.philips.com/avent to learn more about its product portfolio, and for valuable information and tips on feeding