Weaning is the process of gradually introducing the infant to solid diet and reducing the supply of mother’s milk. A fully weaned infant derives all its nutrition from solid foods and is off breast milk completely.
Today, most pediatricians advocate starting weaning only after the infant is six months old. Infants who are weaned too early may suffer dietary deficiencies as the milk is replaced by weaning foods.
Also, weaning around six months is easier and more enjoyable as the baby can sit up and take an active part in feeding. The tongue thrust reflex is settled by now (young babies will automatically push solids out of their mouth with their tongue).
Let's begin with some healthy and colorful purees. I am trying to help new mothers with some of the baby food recipes which are not just easy to make but also healthy to eat. I searched for these recipes at various places and with some edits, I am putting them here for you now -
Ingredients:
Half a ripe avocado
1 ripe kiwi fruit
Method:
Mash the avocado well. Peel and mash the kiwi. Push the kiwi through a sieve to remove the pips, then mix with the avocado.
Note: If you prefer, offer individual fruit purées instead of a mixture of avocado and kiwi fruit. Do speak to your doctor before offering your baby any imported or exotic fruits.
Ingredients:
1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
1 apple, peeled and sliced
Method:
Place the pear and apple in a small saucepan with one tbsp of water and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender. Purée in a blender or mouli (food mill).
Today, most pediatricians advocate starting weaning only after the infant is six months old. Infants who are weaned too early may suffer dietary deficiencies as the milk is replaced by weaning foods.
Also, weaning around six months is easier and more enjoyable as the baby can sit up and take an active part in feeding. The tongue thrust reflex is settled by now (young babies will automatically push solids out of their mouth with their tongue).
Let's begin with some healthy and colorful purees. I am trying to help new mothers with some of the baby food recipes which are not just easy to make but also healthy to eat. I searched for these recipes at various places and with some edits, I am putting them here for you now -
- Avocado and kiwi purée : This refreshing combination of fruits is a great source of vitamin E and vitamin C
Half a ripe avocado
1 ripe kiwi fruit
Method:
Mash the avocado well. Peel and mash the kiwi. Push the kiwi through a sieve to remove the pips, then mix with the avocado.
Note: If you prefer, offer individual fruit purées instead of a mixture of avocado and kiwi fruit. Do speak to your doctor before offering your baby any imported or exotic fruits.
- Broccoli and cauliflower purée : This combination of vegetables is a good source of iron and vitamin C.
Ingredients:
1 large floret broccoli
1 large floret cauliflower
Method:
Steam the vegetables until they are tender. Purée in a blender or mouli (food mill) and adjust the texture with boiled cooled water or baby's usual milk.
Note: If you wish you can opt to prepare a purée with only broccoli or only cauliflower.
1 large floret broccoli
1 large floret cauliflower
Method:
Steam the vegetables until they are tender. Purée in a blender or mouli (food mill) and adjust the texture with boiled cooled water or baby's usual milk.
Note: If you wish you can opt to prepare a purée with only broccoli or only cauliflower.
- Pear and apple purée : This tasty mix of fruits is an excellent source of vitamin C
Ingredients:
1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
1 apple, peeled and sliced
Method:
Place the pear and apple in a small saucepan with one tbsp of water and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender. Purée in a blender or mouli (food mill).
- Musk melon purée : Musk melon is a good source of betacarotene and vitamin C
Ingredients:
Large slice of musk melon (kharbooja) or any other melon like honey dew.
Method:
Peel and deseed the melon. Purée the melon and, if desired, add a little baby rice to thicken up.
Large slice of musk melon (kharbooja) or any other melon like honey dew.
Method:
Peel and deseed the melon. Purée the melon and, if desired, add a little baby rice to thicken up.
- Lentils with pumpkin pur: This wholesome meal is a good source of iron, betacarotene and B vitamins.
Ingredients:
50g split red lentils (masoor dal)
120g pumpkin(kaddu), peeled and diced
Method:
Boil the lentils in water until soft. Steam or microwave the pumpkin until tender. Drain the lentils in a sieve. Add the pumpkin to the sieve and place the sieve over a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, press through the mixture, stir and serve.
