The De-Bunking of Baby Food as Necessity

It’s finally happened, and in print no less! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9646449/

“…most advice parents get about weaning infants onto solid foods — even from pediatricians — is more myth than science.”

Some doctors, other parents, and maybe a few holistic practitioners would have told you the same thing: kids with as little as one tooth can eat finger food versions of meals at the table right along with Mom and Dad.

Do we have to limit them to boring, stodgy old American standbys? Heck no!

“It's easier — and harder — than it sounds. Easier because experts say 6-month-olds can eat many of the same things their parents do. Harder because it's tough to find detailed guidance for nervous parents.

"Parents have lost touch with the notion that these charts are guides, not rules," says Rachel Brandeis, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Babies start with a very clean palate and it's your job to mold it."

It's easy to mistake that for a regimented process. Most parents are told to start rice cereal at 6 months, and then slowly progress to simple vegetables, mild fruits and finally pasta and meat.

"Ethnic foods and spices are mostly ignored by the guidelines — cinnamon and avocados are about as exotic as it gets — and parents are warned off potential allergens such as nuts and seafood for at least a year.

Yet experts say children over 6 months can handle most anything, with a few caveats: Be cautious if you have a family history of allergies; introduce one food at a time and watch for any problems; and make sure the food isn't a choking hazard.”

Is there a particular order to introduce these foods, like the baby book say? Heck no!

“…rice cereal may not be the best first food. Peanut butter doesn't have to wait until after the first birthday. Offering fruits before vegetables won't breed a sweet tooth. And strong spices? Bring 'em on.

"There's a bunch of mythology out there about this," says Dr. David Bergman, a Stanford University pediatrics professor. "There's not much evidence to support any particular way of doing things.

Word of that has been slow to reach parents and the stacks of baby books they rely on to navigate this often intimidating period of their children's lives. But that may be changing.”

So there you have it—Gerber, Heinz, and even organic baby foods aren’t necessarily the best way to start baby off with good nutrition and a healthy exposure to a broad array of foods (to avoid picky eating). As far as I’m concerned, these hideously-overpriced little jars are crutch convenience foods. The manufacturers have been brainwashing us into thinking this is “THE way to feed baby” for years. Now it comes to an end.

As long as baby doesn’t risk choking, he/she will tell you if something’s objectionable, trust me. They have tremendous throwing and screaming capability.

If it’s good enough to put into your mouth, then baby can have some too. For both your sakes, I hope you eat right. At least two lives depend on it. If you think about it, baby ate everything you ate during your entire pregnancy, so why should things be different now?