Baby's First Foods
Homemade Whole Grains For Baby!
My family census is growing! It is with delight that we welcome our new members. The arrival of grandchildren is something as sweet as pie but with double scoops of ice cream, topped off with whipped cream, specialty sauce, and extra garnishes; that extravagant treat we wait with anticipation for then ogle over.
During my education at http://www.integrativenutrition.com/ I listened to many lectures surrounding nutritional needs of children. I learned how to initiate change in childcare and school nutrition programs and focused on what http://angrymoms.org/ brought to our lectures.
However, what I keep thinking about is how little education, support, encouragement there is for families to make their own organic, whole food, nutritious baby food. And, as a mother of 3 children (now adults with own families) and a grandmother of 3 (1 more on the way) I can honestly say that the thought of making baby food is overwhelming! The time, energy and expense of it all can make a person's head spin. And, let's put it out there, where we all know it is-when you have a hungry infant crying impatiently to be fed we look for in the moment, prepared, convenient here you go baby food.
It is my hope to reduce the fear and anxiety of making own baby food for new families. Starting within my own. A little organization, prep work, and getting used to something can make all the difference in feeling like you can manage making food from scratch! It really can be simple, easy, and fun.
I have engaged in a bit of research surrounding making baby food. I've browsed credible websites, read books specifically for baby food, and talked with different persons within medical and nutrition fields. They all have one thing in common-it is healthier for baby to have less processed, whole food baby food.
So with all of this, and my grandson coming of age to start on "first foods," which is usually rice cereal, I have begun to practice the art of making baby food. While I did make my own baby food for some of my own children from time to time, it wasn't until they were older and on more of a solid/chunky/introduce meat phase that I dared put our family meal in a blender and serve it up to them. My approach now is a bit different. My current approach is well organized with an organic, whole food, alternative food choice exploratory approach.
I found two recipes in http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Toddler-Cookbook-Homemade-Healthy/dp/1740899806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447874771&sr=8-1&keywords=the+infant+%26+toddler+cookbook that I really like and feel they speak to the organization, ease, and wholeness of the approach I want to share with families of infants.
The first one is for Rice cereal and the second is for Millet cereal. Whole grains. Grains are easy to store and have a good shelf life (I store mine in mason jars). They are cheaper to buy in bulk as compared to prepared foods, and are less expensive in the long run. These recipes call for the grains to be "processed" into flour by using your food processor or blender. A tip to save on time is to make batches of the flour ahead of time so it is ready to go when you need it. If you compare the grain flour price to the whole grain price, you will see a big difference. Tossing your grains into a blender costs nothing but the electricity you use and is a safer choice as you know when, how, and in what conditions your grains were "processed." It only takes a total of up to two minutes, so really, what is holding you back?
The recipes also calls for brown rice, as apposed to white rice. I have added the second recipe as millet is an easily digested alternative to rice. As the author of the cookbook states "It is an excellent source of B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals."
Another tip to share is that you can make batches of the cereal and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze. I suggest making batches ahead of time and freezing, then taking out servings the night before so they are more readily warmed up. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick this was to make! (Total 5 minutes-including time for water to boil!)
Finally-the recipe!
Rice Cereal Millet Cereal
1/4 cup brown rice flour 1/4 cup millet flour
1 cup water 1 cup water
In sauce pan, bring 1 cup water to a simmer. Add grain flour of choice, reduce heat to low and whisk constantly, until the water is completely absorbed and the cereal is smooth, about 2-5 minutes. Add enough breast milk, formula, or water to thin cereal as desired. Let cool before serving. (Makes approx 1 cup)
Easy whole food from your heart and kitchen for your baby! A great way to feel a deeper connection. Be mindful of how you feel when you make a meal for your family. Do you feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, satisfaction, gratitude, or delight? How is that energy that you give out received? When we act with love and with intention, it is indeed absorbed by those all around us. Be a model to your child, your family-nourish nourishment and foster a sense of well being around meals, and attitude about food!
This is just the start of my journey in educating families on how to make whole foods. I am so excited to share what I've learned, experience, and continue to explore. Please-feel free to share your experience, knowledge, and ideas with us!
