Baby Food Recipes for Thanksgiving

Baby Food Recipes for Thanksgiving
An article from iParenting Media
By Donna Smith and Jessica Williams

Don't let the word "homemade" scare you. Preparing baby food is simple and a wonderful way to know exactly what is going in your baby's mouth. This Thanksgiving, prepare a feast for Baby while the turkey bakes and the stuffing browns. How's this for a meal?

Turkey and Sweet Potato Puree
1 slice cooked turkey
1/4 cup mashed sweet potatoes
Water, formula or breast milk

Place turkey in a blender or food processor. Blend with water, formula or breast milk (1 tablespoon at a time) so it becomes a smooth liquid. Blend in sweet potatoes to desired consistency. You may need more than 1/4 cup to make it thicker than a puree if you are feeding an older baby.

Butternut Squash Mash
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 cup water

In a saucepan, combine the squash and water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer about 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and cool slightly. Add to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.

Pureed Green Beans

1 cup green beans
2 tablespoons water, breast milk or formula

Steam the green beans until very tender. Place in a blender and puree for 30 seconds, or until they reach a smooth consistency.

Pumpkin with Bananas

1 banana
2 to 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 to 2 tablespoons formula, breast milk or water

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. For older babies, a dash of cinnamon can be added for extra flavor.

Baby Food Safety Tips

* Never leave your baby alone with food. Stay close during feeding time and know how to handle a choking baby.
* Don't give your baby nuts, hot dogs, pretzel sticks, chips, raw carrots and other items that could cause choking. Give your baby foods that are mashed, pureed or easily dissolve in Baby's mouth (like crackers).
* Never give honey to a child under 12 months of age. Some pediatricians even recommend waiting until your child is more than 18 months old.
* Be careful with common allergens such as peanut butter, orange juice, eggs, corn and wheat. If your family has a history of allergies, speak to your pediatrician about what solids you might avoid and for how long.
* Don't store uneaten portions of food in the fridge – throw them out. Saliva from your baby's mouth can cause bacteria to grow in unused portions of food.
* Never microwave food for your baby. Even if stirred thoroughly, some parts may remain hot and could burn your child. Most jarred baby food doesn't need to be heated anyway, and you can always heat food in your oven or on the stovetop.
* Don't reduce your baby's fat intake when feeding him solids. Your baby will not benefit from "light" foods or "low-fat" foods – he needs the fat.
* Never put baby cereal or any other solid food into a bottle for Baby. It can be a choking hazard and is not good for the teeth.
* Don't give your baby food in the car. Unless you are watching him at all times (which means you aren't watching the road!) you may not hear him if he starts to choke.
* Be careful with foods that can get caught in the teeth, such as raisins. Wipe your baby's gums and teeth with a wet washcloth until he is old enough to brush.