Baby led solids (or baby led weaning) refers to the practice of not giving babies pureed foods, and giving them regular foods so that they can decide how much they want to eat.
This is important because babies are born knowing exactly how much food their bodies need for survival, and then adults interfere and that instinct goes away. (Then...we eat emotionally, for fun, etc.). Many parents worry about choking, but if done properly, this is not a big problem.
Check out these great resources for information on Baby Led Solids:
http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/babyledweaning.htm
I have a great pdf. as well, leave me a comment and I will e-mail it to you!
Also watch these cool videos, both of which clearly demonstrate Baby Led Solids in practice:
Showing posts with label Wholesome Baby Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wholesome Baby Food. Show all posts
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Substitutions for Wheat and Eggs for baby
A great article from Wholesome Baby Food about using egg and wheat substitutes for recipes.
This page contains a compilation of egg and wheat substitutions for those infants who might have an egg allergy or a wheat (not a gluten intolerance) allergy.
ONE (1) egg equals any one of the following, simply mix together from Bread Beckers
2 Tbs. flour
½ tsp. oil
½ tsp. baking powder
2 Tbs. liquid
Yogurt, mashed banana, applesauce, pumpkin, or other pureed fruit or vegetables are good replacements for eggs in muffins or cakes.
To replace eggs in casseroles, burgers, or loaves try mashed vegetables, tahini, (sesame seed butter) nut butters or rolled oats.
cake flour
durum flour
plain flour
self-raising flour
all-purpose flour
wholemeal flour
"gravy" flour (like Wondra in the U.S.)
graham flour
Using non-wheat flours
If anyone in your family has a wheat allergy or a gluten intolerance, then you may already be cooking with non- wheat flours. Cooking with non-wheat flours is very tricky due to the lack of gluten in substitute flours. Gluten is what helps baked goods rise and gives them the lighter texture. Rice flour for example may yeild a more dry and crumbly baked good. You may need to add more liquid or egg yolks to make a more firm and "doughy" dough. Adding baking soda will also help. Note that baking soda may contain gluten so be sure to purchase a gluten-free baking soda. Mixing together different types of non-wheat flours will also give you a better texture and rise. Try using soy and rice or soy and potato flour to create 1 flour.
Wheat Flour Substitutes
The vast majority of baked good recipes call for all-purpose or wheat flour or wheat pastry flour. You may use an alternative flour. Whole wheat flour, specifically the gluten, makes baked goods more dense and helps some baked goods like breads rise. When you use an alternative flour, you will find the texture of baked good different if you are used to baking with all-purpose white flour or whole wheat flour.
"Using Substitutes for Wheat and Substitutes for Eggs in Baby's Food Recipes"
"Wheat and Egg substitutes may be an important part of an infants diet due to allergies or baby's age. There are babies may not be able to eat eggs or wheat in baked goods due to either their age or an allergy.This page contains a compilation of egg and wheat substitutions for those infants who might have an egg allergy or a wheat (not a gluten intolerance) allergy.
What are good substitutes for eggs in baby's foods? Pioneer Thinking
- Ener-G Egg Replacer - follow directions on box.
- 2 tbsp corn starch = 1 egg
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg
- 2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg
- 1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
- 1 banana = 1 egg in cakes (using a banana may alter the taste of the baked good.)
ONE (1) egg equals any one of the following, simply mix together from Bread Beckers
2 Tbs. flour
½ tsp. oil
½ tsp. baking powder
2 Tbs. liquid
- 2 Tbs. water
1 Tbs. oil
½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 Tbs. flaxseed* (ground in coffee mill)
3 Tbs. warm water
- 1 Tbs. gelatin or fruit pectin
3 Tbs. warm water
Yogurt, mashed banana, applesauce, pumpkin, or other pureed fruit or vegetables are good replacements for eggs in muffins or cakes.
To replace eggs in casseroles, burgers, or loaves try mashed vegetables, tahini, (sesame seed butter) nut butters or rolled oats.
What can be used as a substitute for wheat flours for baby's foods?
Please note that the following flours are wheat based:cake flour
durum flour
plain flour
self-raising flour
all-purpose flour
wholemeal flour
"gravy" flour (like Wondra in the U.S.)
graham flour
Using non-wheat flours
If anyone in your family has a wheat allergy or a gluten intolerance, then you may already be cooking with non- wheat flours. Cooking with non-wheat flours is very tricky due to the lack of gluten in substitute flours. Gluten is what helps baked goods rise and gives them the lighter texture. Rice flour for example may yeild a more dry and crumbly baked good. You may need to add more liquid or egg yolks to make a more firm and "doughy" dough. Adding baking soda will also help. Note that baking soda may contain gluten so be sure to purchase a gluten-free baking soda. Mixing together different types of non-wheat flours will also give you a better texture and rise. Try using soy and rice or soy and potato flour to create 1 flour.
Wheat Flour Substitutes
The vast majority of baked good recipes call for all-purpose or wheat flour or wheat pastry flour. You may use an alternative flour. Whole wheat flour, specifically the gluten, makes baked goods more dense and helps some baked goods like breads rise. When you use an alternative flour, you will find the texture of baked good different if you are used to baking with all-purpose white flour or whole wheat flour.
- barley flour This has a mild flavor and works especially well in pancakes, cookies, and quick breads. Replace up to half of any wheat flour in a recipe with this. May contain some gluten.
- buckwheat flour ( Buckwheat is NOT wheat ) YUMMY in pancakes. It tends to make baked goods heavier and stronger tasting. Replace up to half of the wheat flour in any recipe with this.
- oat flour Great for quick breads and cookies. It makes baked goods moister, chewier, and more crumbly. May contain some gluten due to cross-contamination.
- brown rice flour Brown rice flour is specially good for those with wheat allergies; replace up to 1/4 of any wheat flour with this. Baked goods made with rice flour tend to be crumbly, so consider substituting a mixture of one part arrowroot or other thickener plus four parts rice flour. Adding more eggs is another way to reduce crumbliness. Since rice flour absorbs more moisture, you may need to add more liquid to recipe.
- soy flour This is high in protein, but has a very strong flavor. Replace up to 1/4 of any wheat flour with this, then increase the liquid in the recipe and reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees. http://www.foodsubs.com/Flour.html#all-purpose
To help you bake gluten-free, the Land O’Lakes Test Kitchens developed a Gluten-Free Flour Blend. It’s easy to make and store, and has been used in many of these recipes with consistent and delicious results. It’s made with alternative flours that are easy to find in your supermarket:
Rice Flour - this alternative flour has neutral flavor and provides a light, somewhat sandy texture that is reduced when mixed with other substitute flours in baking.
Potato Starch - this is a fine, light powder that lightens baked goods and is also mixed with other alternative flours to achieve a satisfactory texture. Potato starch tends to clump, so always mix well for best results.
Tapioca Flour - this ingredient is also known as tapioca starch or manioc. This ingredient gives baked goods their desirable chewy texture and lightens them up. It also helps to give a lightly browned appearance to a crispy crust.
When you want to bake without gluten, use this mix for a variety of baking recipes such as cookies, cakes and quick breads.
Preparation time: 5 min Yield: 3 cups
2 cups rice flour
2/3 cup potato starch
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
Combine all ingredients in large bowl; stir.
Use mixture in baking recipes. Store mixture in container with tight-fitting lid"
(http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/wheatandeggsubstitutionsforbaby.htm)
Rice Flour - this alternative flour has neutral flavor and provides a light, somewhat sandy texture that is reduced when mixed with other substitute flours in baking.
Potato Starch - this is a fine, light powder that lightens baked goods and is also mixed with other alternative flours to achieve a satisfactory texture. Potato starch tends to clump, so always mix well for best results.
Tapioca Flour - this ingredient is also known as tapioca starch or manioc. This ingredient gives baked goods their desirable chewy texture and lightens them up. It also helps to give a lightly browned appearance to a crispy crust.
When you want to bake without gluten, use this mix for a variety of baking recipes such as cookies, cakes and quick breads.
Preparation time: 5 min Yield: 3 cups
2 cups rice flour
2/3 cup potato starch
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
Combine all ingredients in large bowl; stir.
Use mixture in baking recipes. Store mixture in container with tight-fitting lid"
(http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/wheatandeggsubstitutionsforbaby.htm)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
A Quick Start Guide to Making Baby Food...
A GREAT article from one of my favorite baby food resources- Wholesome Baby Food:
The Tools You Will Need
Use a Food Mill
Cut the food into pieces. Put the cooked food through the food mill. (The skin and seeds will stay in the mill.)
Chop or Grate Baby’s Food
Foods can be finely chopped or grated (with a cheese grater), then mixed with liquid. This is great for babies who are self-feeding.
Food Grinder
A food grinder can be used to grind up foods for your baby. This is a simple way to prepare meats and more textured foods. The food grinder is also great to take on vacation or when dining out with baby. You can quickly and easily grind up fresh baby food in your hotel or at the restaurant.
Blender or Food Processor
Add your cooked food to your blender or food processor and blend to the consistency your baby requires. If needed, add liquids such as breast milk, formula, water or the cooking water from the food you cooked to thin out the baby food.
Sieve or Strainer to Finish Homemade Baby Food
Many parents like to use a sieve or strainer to further thin homemade baby food. These gadgets may be particularly useful for foods that have stubborn skins, such as peas and green beans. Put the food into the sieve or strainer and push it through into a clean bowl. Repeat the process as many times as you need.
Storage Methods for Homemade Baby Food
How to make and store baby food cubes
Heating and Thawing Methods for Homemade Baby Food
For Fruits That Need to be Cooked
Wash the fresh fruit and peel and pit if necessary. Frozen fruits do not need to be washed however you may give them a quick rinsing. Steam or bake the fruits until tender and soft.
Ripe Banana and Other Fresh Fruits
Ripe bananas and avocados do not require cooking. Pears and peaches may not require cooking if they are fully ripened. Simply peel, pit and mash!
Using Frozen Fruits
If your choice of fresh fruits is not available, frozen unsweetened fruits may be used. Give these frozen fruits a gentle steaming prior to pureeing and refreezing. You may always take a handful of the fruits out of the bag and puree or mash them as needed; keep these prepared fruits in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
VEGETABLES (4)6 months +
All Vegetables Should be Cooked
Wash the vegetables and peel and deseed if necessary. Cook the vegetables by steaming or baking them.
MEATS AND PROTEINS 8 months+
Do not use lunch meats and do not use smoked meats such as bacon due to the high levels of salt and additives.
Basic Meat Recipe
Puree or grind 1 cup finely cubed and well cooked meat with as much liquid as needed to make a consistency your baby will tolerate. Grating or shredding meats is an option for babies used to texture and finger foods.
Egg Yolk
Boil the eggs (they will spin when they are fully cooked) and then allow to cool. Peel the shells and remove the cooked yolk; mash with a fork. Do not serve the egg white until baby is 12 months old."
"Wholesome Homemade Baby Food - A Quick Start Guide®©™"
"Homemade baby food is a simple, inexpensive way to feed your baby. By making your baby fresh homemade baby food, you can offer your baby more flavors and variety and only the finest quality ingredients.
Tips for Safe Baby Food Preparation:
- Always wash your hands before preparing foods for your baby.
- Ensure your cutting board, utensils, pots and pans, processing equipment and storage containers have been thoroughly washed and cleansed.
- Wash, peel and pit fruits and vegetables as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate or freeze cooked food immediately once you have processed or prepared the food.
- Store pureed foods in the refrigerator for no more than three days.
The Tools You Will Need
- Blender, Food Processor, Food Mill/Grinder, Potato Masher, Fork, Sieve or Strainer
- Vegetable Peeler
- Pots, Pans and a Steamer Basket
- Ice cube trays or other freezer safe containers in small sizes (2oz-4oz)
- Freezer bags and permanent marker
Various Methods for Making Baby Food - 
Here are a few ways you can make homemade baby food.
Here are a few ways you can make homemade baby food. Mash It!
Many foods can be mashed with a fork or potato masher. Foods such as ripe bananas, avocados and soft cooked foods such as sweet potato, apples or squash can all be made with a fork or potato masher. Using a fork or masher will depend on what type of texture your baby requires.
Many foods can be mashed with a fork or potato masher. Foods such as ripe bananas, avocados and soft cooked foods such as sweet potato, apples or squash can all be made with a fork or potato masher. Using a fork or masher will depend on what type of texture your baby requires.
Use a Food Mill
Cut the food into pieces. Put the cooked food through the food mill. (The skin and seeds will stay in the mill.)
Chop or Grate Baby’s Food
Foods can be finely chopped or grated (with a cheese grater), then mixed with liquid. This is great for babies who are self-feeding.
Food Grinder
A food grinder can be used to grind up foods for your baby. This is a simple way to prepare meats and more textured foods. The food grinder is also great to take on vacation or when dining out with baby. You can quickly and easily grind up fresh baby food in your hotel or at the restaurant.
Blender or Food Processor
Add your cooked food to your blender or food processor and blend to the consistency your baby requires. If needed, add liquids such as breast milk, formula, water or the cooking water from the food you cooked to thin out the baby food.
Sieve or Strainer to Finish Homemade Baby Food
Many parents like to use a sieve or strainer to further thin homemade baby food. These gadgets may be particularly useful for foods that have stubborn skins, such as peas and green beans. Put the food into the sieve or strainer and push it through into a clean bowl. Repeat the process as many times as you need.
Storage Methods for Homemade Baby FoodAn easy way to freeze homemade baby food is to use ice cube trays.
Freezing in ice trays will give you food cubes that are the perfect size. These food cubes are also easily portioned.
Each ice tray cube slot equals approximately 1 ounce of food. Using the food cubes method, you will have minimal waste and will be able to “mix and match” foods for your baby. Remember to never freeze foods in glass that is not manufactured specifically for freezing!
Freezing in ice trays will give you food cubes that are the perfect size. These food cubes are also easily portioned.
Each ice tray cube slot equals approximately 1 ounce of food. Using the food cubes method, you will have minimal waste and will be able to “mix and match” foods for your baby. Remember to never freeze foods in glass that is not manufactured specifically for freezing!
How to make and store baby food cubes
- Spoon the baby food you made into ice cube trays using a clean utensil.
- Freeze baby foods in ice cube trays.
- Once the food cubes are frozen, pop them out of the trays and store in clean freezer bags. Your food cubes will store for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- If you have difficulty popping out the frozen food cubes, simply run warm water on the underside of the tray to loosen the cubes
- Be sure to label your freezer bags of food cubes; include the date you froze them as well as the name of the food.
Heating and Thawing Methods for Homemade Baby FoodHere are a few ways you may thaw and heat homemade baby food. Baby food does not always have to be heated to be served. Offering your baby a few meals that are room temperature will be helpful in the event you are out and unable to find somewhere to heat baby’s food!
- Microwave Thawing of Baby Food Purées - If you are using a microwave to thaw or reheat baby food cubes, be sure to stir food to ensure no hot-pockets are left to burn baby! Many parents do not like to use the microwave for a variety of reasons. It is up to you to decide if heating or thawing your baby food cubes in the microwave is right for you and your baby.
- Refrigerator Thawing of Homemade Baby Food Cubes - If you do not wish to use a microwave to thaw your baby food cubes, you may thaw your baby food cubes in the refrigerator over night (ensure that the cubes remain a closed container and not in an uncovered bowl).
- Submersion Thawing of Baby Food Cubes - Place the frozen baby food cubes in a small bowl and then place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with hot water.
Basic Ways to Prepare Foods for Baby Foods
FRUITS (4)6 months +
For Fruits That Need to be Cooked
Wash the fresh fruit and peel and pit if necessary. Frozen fruits do not need to be washed however you may give them a quick rinsing. Steam or bake the fruits until tender and soft.
Ripe Banana and Other Fresh Fruits
Ripe bananas and avocados do not require cooking. Pears and peaches may not require cooking if they are fully ripened. Simply peel, pit and mash!
Using Frozen Fruits
If your choice of fresh fruits is not available, frozen unsweetened fruits may be used. Give these frozen fruits a gentle steaming prior to pureeing and refreezing. You may always take a handful of the fruits out of the bag and puree or mash them as needed; keep these prepared fruits in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
VEGETABLES (4)6 months +
All Vegetables Should be Cooked
Wash the vegetables and peel and deseed if necessary. Cook the vegetables by steaming or baking them.
MEATS AND PROTEINS 8 months+
Do not use lunch meats and do not use smoked meats such as bacon due to the high levels of salt and additives.
Basic Meat Recipe
Puree or grind 1 cup finely cubed and well cooked meat with as much liquid as needed to make a consistency your baby will tolerate. Grating or shredding meats is an option for babies used to texture and finger foods.
Egg Yolk
Boil the eggs (they will spin when they are fully cooked) and then allow to cool. Peel the shells and remove the cooked yolk; mash with a fork. Do not serve the egg white until baby is 12 months old."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Save money making baby food!
I loved making my own baby food. I could introduce different flavors, textures and spices that I would not get with using jar food. I also believe it has made my son the FANTASTIC eater that he is today.
He eats foods that adults are shocked by- I hear "Oh my goodness, how did you get him to eat that?" or "I could never get my child to eat that", all of the time! PLUS- it also SAVES YOU MONEY!!!
A website I LOVE that helped me with questions and gave me great recipes is wholesomebabyfood.com
On their blog- they have listed the savings of making your own baby food versus buying jar food.
(If you click on the picture- it should bring up a bigger image)
Thanks to Wholesomebabyfood.com for doing this research!
CLICK HERE to read the article and to download your copy today!
He eats foods that adults are shocked by- I hear "Oh my goodness, how did you get him to eat that?" or "I could never get my child to eat that", all of the time! PLUS- it also SAVES YOU MONEY!!!
A website I LOVE that helped me with questions and gave me great recipes is wholesomebabyfood.com
On their blog- they have listed the savings of making your own baby food versus buying jar food.
Thanks to Wholesomebabyfood.com for doing this research!
CLICK HERE to read the article and to download your copy today!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
One of my favorite sites
When wanting to learn more about making baby food- I found this great website with lots of useful information.
http://wholesomebabyfood.com/
The site is not as user friendly as I would like, but if you spend some time clicking around, you can find almost any answer to any question you have. They talk about introducing foods, allergenic foods, storage, recipes with many different ingredients and even a chart showing how much you can save by making your own food.
(Click on the topics above and visit the links for GREAT info- even if you have already started solids or even if this is not your first baby.)
I still use it as a primary resource when wanting to know more about baby/toddler nutrition and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Click here to visit Wholesome Baby Food!
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