The ingredients that go into baby foods are the basis of early, healthy development. Babies will grow up fast, and will require different kinds of foods with different textures etc. Little ones need to have calcium, protein, vitamins, fat, carbohydrates and plenty of iron in their diets for physical and mental growth.

Here is a basic timeline for developing a baby’s eating habits:
The first six months or so you will want to breast feed if at all possible. If breastfeeding is not possible, consult your doctor about which formula might be best for your baby. After the first months try the baby out on soft, almost watery purees, such as runny yogurt. After seven months your baby can handle lumpy foods, with the mushy consistency of foods like rice pudding, mashed bananas etc. etc. Once the baby has become nine months old, you can feed him or her soft foods that are diced or shredded into very small pieces, such as Vienna sausages and cheese. Try to use the same types of foods that you are eating for that meal, if possible. You will continue this manner of feeding until the child is one year old. By their first birthday, babies should be adapted to family foods cut into very small pieces, as well as whole milk.

It doesn’t take much time to make baked potatoes and mash them to a pulp for the baby. And other kinds of fruits and veggies such as avocados, bananas and pears require hardly any prep work at all. Blenders and food processors, even manual potato mashers produce suitably runny purees with minimal effort, so you don’t have to worry about time. A great plus, considering the overall eating habits of Americans today, is that by making these mini-meals you're more likely to have fresh produce in the house.

A baby needs a lot of vitamins and iron. Vitamins promote growth and healing. Iron is important for babies between 6 months and 2 years because it aids mental and physical development. Vitamin C helps babies absorb iron, so try to mix iron-fortified cereals with foods high in vitamin C.

Some good foods for your baby include foods like apricots, avocados, broccoli, butternut squash, cantaloupe, cauliflower, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, rice cereal, and sweet potatoes.

Certain foods to avoid include:
Gluten, which is a type of protein found in barley, rye, wheat and some oats—avoid feeding these to your baby until he or she is six months old at least, high-fiber foods should also be avoided, honey (honey should not be given to your baby until he or she is at least a year old) According to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is a connection between honey and infant botulism, which is a potentially fatal illness.

Also, you will want to avoid nuts (not only can there be an allergic reaction to nuts, but they can also be a choking hazard. It is recommended that you do not feed your child nuts until he or she is at least five years of age.) Salt is another bad thing for babies under the age of one to consume. (Salts can strain their immature kidneys, as well as can cause dehydration.) Sugars are a no-no too. Try to save sugary snacks or deserts for rare occasions, and unpasteurized cheeses (which can promote listeria infection).

Talk to your doctor for more advice on making baby foods.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on parenting please visit Baby Care.

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