Baby Matters: Second-Stage Baby Food

A recent column explored “Introducing Solid Foods to Your Infant.” Once you have successfully introduced those first foods, it’s time to move on to bigger, better and tastier items. It is wise to take things slowly so that potential allergens can be identified and some things should be completely avoided in the first year, for both health considerations (raw honey) and for those who have a familial allergic predisposition to specific foods (dairy, strawberries, grains). It is also important to try to include foods in this stage that are higher in nutrients, waiting until your child is eating a healthy amount of solid food to add those to the repertoire. Many starches, such as pasta, potatoes, and white rice, are relatively bland in flavor and palatable to an infant, but are also lower in nutrient value than the foods recommended.

As in introducing the first foods to your child, it is still wise to introduce new foods no sooner than every two weeks. In addition to the four first foods (cereal, banana, avocado and sweet potato), the most benign items to try in the second stage are:

Fruit

• applesauce
• apricots
• peaches
• pears
• plums
• prunes

Vegetables

• butternut squash
• carrots
• green beans
• peas
• pumpkin
• zucchini

You can mix up combinations of foods that have been previously introduced, such as cereal with some applesauce, pears, or prunes. Or you can serve two items side-by-side. Meals can be served 2-3 times per day. It is wise to have a set environment for feeding, such as a high chair and to avoid distractions. Children also seem to like to eat when others are eating, mimicking mouth behavior, chewing, and holding utensils.

After 8 months (or when your pediatrician approves), you can add protein. Usually this means chicken, turkey or tofu. You can also add in whole-milk PLAIN yogurt at this time. While plain yogurt can taste a bit sour, you can alter the flavor with any of the fruit choices already introduced. Mixing yogurt with fresh pureed peaches is sure to please even your own palate.

All of these baby food items are readily available in grocery stores, in both regular and organic versions. But they are also very easy to prepare. For guidance, read my recent column, “Baby Matters: Preparing Homemade Baby Food.”  A small investment in a food mill means you and your baby can be eating the same items and won’t cost you a fortune. You can also make food in advance, freezing small amounts in ice cube trays for later use.

Happy eating!