Baby foods should be supplemented at the age of 6 months when your baby requires additional nutrition in addition to breast milk. Although breast milk will suffice for a baby’s needs up to the age of 6, after that there is a need for additional nutrition to meet the demands of a growing baby.

Since the baby did not develop a complete dentition, the digestion of food did not occur properly in the initial stages. Thus, to overcome this problem, smooth purees are prepared so that the food can be easily digested.

Do you need a blender and steamer?

A blender makes the job easier. Earlier in the old days there were no blenders so one had to do it manually and the main problem with this manual process was that the food would not blend properly. As these foods contain fibrous elements that are not easy to digest, it should be mixed properly.

How to make baby food using a steamer?

The job of a steamer is to soften food so that it blends easily with a blender. The steamer allows the water to absorb into the fruits and thus softens them. Once this food has softened, it is easy for a child to digest.

  • The first initial step involves peeling fruits or vegetables. These fruits and vegetables include apples, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and bananas.
  • Slice the vegetables and then place them in a steaming basket and steam until you can easily stab them with a knife.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes before blending.

How to mix food using a blender-

The blender breaks down the food into small pieces. This is what our teeth do for us. Since children have underdeveloped teeth, these blenders facilitate the action of the digestive system by turning food into smaller pieces or ground form.

After you have steamed all the vegetables and fruits, add them into a blender or food processor and puree on medium speed until these vegetables become a puree.

Before serving this puree, add a little milk or water to make it more digestible.

Before giving your child these purees, you should consult your pediatrician. It is always better to take the advice of a doctor in these matters.

Stage 1 baby food should be thin and runny. These are those foods that are easily digested since the baby did not fully develop her digestive system. Never replace these foods with breast milk as there is no supplement for breast milk.

There is a myth that one should stop breast milk at the age of 6 months and allow their child to be completely dependent on such purees. But this is really not apt as it may cause various diseases in your child and lower your child’s immunity.

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