Common Baby Feeding Problems

All mothers complain of some common problems while feeding their child. This might be due to two reasons. One is, they are too naughty and simply love doing so, and the other is this that they hate eating what you give. But knowing these common problems while feeding a baby will help you beware of the common baby behaviours. Here is a list of some of the most crazy activities that a child does while eating.

Spill Food- 
This is of the most common problems while feeding a baby. Most of the times it is seen that as soon as you feed your baby some food, they spill it out of their mouth. No matter what you give it, baby food or formula milk, they will do the same with everything. This becomes their habit. Get rid of baby problems as such by engaging then in games while you feed them.

Turn Mouth- 
This is another of the worse baby feeding problems that almost all mothers have to face. While feeding your baby you must have many times observed that as soon as you put the food into their mouth they turn it away. To get rid of baby problems as such, place a toy or any such thing that they love to watch in front of them. This way they will keep on looking in the same direction and will not move their head.

Keep In Mouth- 
Many babies have a habit of keeping the food in their mouth for a long while. After feeding your baby you will see that they will not at all chew or swallow the food in their mouth. Feeding problems as such can be dealt in a simple manner. Just take some food for you at the same time and put it in your mouth. Chew the food in front of them so that they copy the same activity

Own Hand- 
Children move around the whole house and keep touching all the stuff. Sometimes when you sit to feed them they will try to do so with their own hands. And in a try to do this they will smear food all over their body. The only way to solve this feeding problem is by training them the right way to have their food.

Run Around-
 Most children have a habit of moving around while you feed them. This is one of the worst baby feeding problems. Along with them you too have to run around. To make them sit in a place give their favourite toys or tell them a story. This will keep their mind engrossed and they will stay at one place.

These are all a few baby feeding problems and their possible solutions. If any other are known to you, do share with us.

Baby Sipper Cup to Wean Your Baby from Bottle Feeding

Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities especially for mothers. An infant baby demands different care and upbringing at different stage of its growth. In order to get a baby off to a healthy start parents need to expose them to products that are thoughtfully designed to promote baby's development, including independent feeding habits with high-quality, tableware products such as sipper cups, plates, bowls and utensils that would delight the little ones.

A baby should switch from a bottle to a sippy cup by the time they turn one. However, the key problem lies in making them learn how to use a sippy cup. In fact, learning how to hold a sipper cup ensures development of a strong fist grasp along with the ability to move things from the hand to the mouth with ease. However, using a baby sipper cup requires much more than simply picking an object up and putting it into the mouth.

Experts say that a sipper cup should be introduced when you introduce solid food to your baby i.e. around six months of age in preparation for dissuading the baby from the bottle or breast around one year of age. Drinking from a cup does not cause the liquid to collect around the teeth, which in turn is good for oral-motor development.

Babies have all good reasons for refusing sipper cups. Remember that all babies developing a different way so there is no need to get worried if your child is not able to handle one. Have a glimpse at some of the tips that could help you to introduce sipper cup successfully to your baby.

• Your baby may not be interested to suck the cup, you have to dip the spout of the cup into the liquid he drinks such as milk or juice to allow him to have a taste of it.

• You have to demonstrate how to use the cup by using different expressions and sounds.

• To begin with, a soft, rubbery spout that will seem more of a nipple should be given to your baby, which in turn will be more familiar to your baby.

Baby sipper cup is a great way to transit your baby from bottle or breast feeding to a regular cup. This helps improve hand-to-mouth coordination at the same time some independence to develop his feedinghabits. There are different kinds of sippy cups available in the market, with all kinds of spouts. In fact, you can shop them from online stores at highly affordable prices.

What Good And Bad Drinks For Your Baby ?

Here's the truth on your child's drinks and beverage options. Learn which ones are healthiest and which ones to limit or avoid and why.

Note: The information in this slideshow is for children ages 1 and older. Babies under 6 months should drink only breastmilk or formula. Infants 6 to 12 months can also have small amounts of water. Experts recommend that you wait until your child turns 1 to introduce cow's milk.

Water

You can't go wrong with safe drinking water. It hydrates, helps regulate body temperature, and helps prevent constipation and urinary tract infections, all without adding calories or sugar to your baby’s diet.

Coconut water (elaneer / nariyal pani)

Coconut water is a very healthy option for your toddler. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and is ideal in preventing dehydration because it replenishes the natural salts lost by the body through sweat or other fluid loss. It is a great drink to give your child if she has diarrhoea.

Note: Coconut water is not suitable for children with kidney problems.

Flavoured or enhanced water

You can make flavoured water by adding a little fruit juice to plain filtered or boiled water. Or you can add freshly cut fruit to a glass of water for a delicate fruity taste or freeze fruits and use them instead of ice cubes. Just be careful that the fruit pieces are not small enough to be accidentally swallowed or they could be a choking hazard!

Limeade (nimbu pani)

Limeade (nimbu paani) is a good source of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. It is also very refreshing in the heat, especially with a hint of mint (pudina). But limeade tends to be high on sugar, especially if it is bought in the market. Market bought varieties might also contain artificial flavours and colouring, which are not good for your child. Check the list of ingredients at the back to choose a variety made from real fruit.

Fruit juice

Juice is an acceptable way to get one serving of fruit each day, but whole fruit is a better choice. Juice lacks fibre and contains less of some nutrients than whole fruit. Plus, children tend to fill up on juice instead of healthier foods. 

You can make the juice at home or buy it in the market. If you buy it, make sure the package says ‘100 per cent juice’ otherwise there might be more colouring and artificial flavours than real juice. Limit your child’s juice intake to 3/4 cup per day. (Children age seven and older can have up to 1 cup a day.).

Milk drinks

After your baby turns one, she needs to have about 350ml of cow's milk each day. This will provide her with essential protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin). You can give her milk based drinks such as milkshakes, almond (badaam) milk, smoothies, lassi or chhaach. If she doesn't like milk, give two portions of calcium-rich foods instead.

It is not a good idea to give your child more than 350ml of milk a day. If you do, it may cut her appetite for solid foods that have other essential nutrients like iron and vitamins.

Cultured dairy beverages, yogurt drinks, probiotics and prebiotics

Most of these products have the same nutrients as milk, but some aren't fortified with vitamin D, so read the nutrition label if you are buying a packaged version. Some are made with live bacteria cultures which may aid digestion and protect the body from harmful gut bacteria. However, there may not be enough bacteria in one serving to make a difference to your child's health. Flavoured varieties contain added sugar. You also need to check the 'use by' date and storage instructions especially in hot humid weather.

Vegetable juice

Vegetable juices are a good way to feed veggies to a fussy eater. Tomato (tamatar) or carrot (gajar) juices are usually the favourites. You can try different combinations of vegetables. Some vegetables do not have much flavour on their own. Adding them into the juice with other tastier vegetables is a good way of getting your baby to have them.

If you buy vegetable juice, choose a variety with as little sodium as you can find. Some packaged juices contain more than half of a child's daily sodium allowance in one serving.

Soy milk (non-dairy made from soya beans)

Soy milk is an acceptable alternative to cow's milk (especially for those who are lactose intolerant), but it contains fewer nutrients. If your child drinks soy milk as a substitute for cow's milk, his doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement. He may also be put on a calcium supplement, especially if he does not have any other form of dairy products.

Some soy milk brands are fortified with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. Soy milk contains no saturated fat or cholesterol and may be enriched with omega-3 fats. Flavoured varieties tend to contain added sugar.

Rice milk (non-dairy made from rice grains)

Rice milk contains fewer nutrients and less protein than cow's milk. If it is given instead of cow’s milk, your paediatrician will advise you on other ways of getting the vital nutrients in your child’s diet.

Most families make rice milk at home because it is not easily available in the market. If you do buy it, check that the rice milk is fortified with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. Sweetened varieties of rice milk contain added sugar. Be sure to check the 'manufacture date' and 'use by' date.

Almond milk (non-dairy made from crushed almonds)

Almond milk contains fewer nutrients and less protein than cow's milk but almonds are rich in several vitamins. If almond milk is given instead of cow’s milk, your paediatrician will advise you on other ways of getting the vital nutrients in your child’s diet.

You can make almond milk at home by blending blanched almonds and water. If you find it in the market, check that it is fortified with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. Sweetened varieties of almond milk contain added sugar. Be sure to check the 'manufacture date' and 'use by' date.

Coconut milk beverages

Coconut milk beverage contains fewer nutrients and less protein than cow's milk, so it's not a good substitute. To make the most of this beverage, choose a brand that's fortified with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. Some varieties have a bit more saturated fat than low-fat cow's milk; others have less. And while health claims have been made recently for the fat in coconut oil, there's no real evidence that it's particularly good or bad for you. Sweetened varieties of coconut milk beverage contain added sugar. Be sure to check the 'manufacture date' and 'use by' date.

Fizzy drinks and sodas

Fizzy drinks have no nutritional value. Most brands contain artificial colouring or flavours. They also contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some fizzy drinks also have caffeine. None of these ingredients are good for your child.

Sweetened drinks

Cordial, syrups or other concentrates that are dissolved in water, flavoured drinks that do not specify '100 percent juice' or juice powders contain ingredients that your child doesn't need (sugar, artificial sweeteners) or already gets enough of (vitamins). They may even contain additives that could be harmful (caffeine, artificial flavouring and food colours). Sports drinks often contain extra sodium, which young children don't need.

Tea

Regular tea (green or black) contains antioxidants, which are beneficial, but the tea may also contain caffeine, which your baby shouldn't have. If your child is very fond of tea, give no more than 1/4 of a cup per day and make sure it is very weak. Ginger tea (adrak ki chai) is often given to help soothe colds and sore throats. You can make it with holy basil (tulsi) leaves instead of black tea leaves.

Coffee and cold coffee

Coffee also contains caffeine and often, when coffee or cold coffee is made for children, it has a lot of sugar as well. Store-bought cold coffee or coffee based drinks available in coffee shops and ice cream parlours also often have a dollop of ice cream or chocolate syrup. This makes the drink very high on calories with very few nutrients.

Energy drinks

These products have no nutritional value. Most energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine as well as sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some contain herbs and additives that may not be safe for children.

Finding the Right Baby Formula

Many a new mom stands in the formula aisle, takes one look, and instantly feels overwhelmed. Who wouldn't? Between the organics, the fortifieds, the generics, the premixes and powders, it's nearly impossible to know which one will be right for your baby (and you). Our guide will help take the guesswork out of your next shopping trip.

Q. I'm a savvy shopper and am curious about generic formulas. Do they contain the same key ingredients as brand-name formulas?

All formulas must meet the nutrient standards set by the Food and Drug Administration, and generic formulas are nutritionally sound, says William Klish, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. However, they don't always have the added supplements that many brand names do.

Q. I find the labels confusing. Any tips on how to best interpret what's there?

There is a ton of information to decipher, says Ann Condon-Meyers, a clinical nutritionist at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. It's always good to ask your pediatrician what she recommends, since there are reasons to give certain babies a specific type. Assuming you can start with the basics, the first thing to look for is one that's iron-fortified. You'll also see brands that contain DHA and ARA, two fatty acids that are abundant in breast milk and can enhance development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. The research on the benefits of these supplements is growing, and doctors are increasingly recommending them. These formulas may be a bit pricier, but they're very likely worth the splurge.

Q. What's the difference between premixed and dry formula? And if I use dry, does it matter what sort of water I mix it with?

The two types are equivalent -- the premixed formulas simply already have water added to them, Condon-Meyers says. "If you find yourself in a situation where you're unsure of the water supply, or if you're sending your baby to daycare and you want to make sure no mistakes are made in the mixing process, consider buying premixed formula," she adds. "If you use powdered, many doctors suggest sterilizing the water in the early months; after that, tap water is fine." Boil the water for a few minutes -- especially if you have well water -- and then let it cool to room temperature before mixing.

Q. Should I go organic? I've read that some contain more sugar than regular formula.

Nutritionally, the organic formulas are the same as any other, says Dr. Klish. And though some do contain sucrose, which may be a bit sweeter than other sugars, it's still on par with sugars in other formulas. The bottom line? "This is more of an emotional decision than a health one," says Dr. Klish. If living an organic lifestyle is important to your family, then by all means go for it -- just be prepared to spend extra.

Bottle Feeding

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Keep it clean.Before using a new bottle, unscrew the nipple, pop it out of the ring, and sterilize each part or boil in water for five to ten minutes. No need to sterilize after each feeding -- just put the bottle in the dishwasher or wash with hot, sudsy water, with a bottle brush to scrub away milk residue.

Heat it right. Run filled bottles under hot water or use a warmer, then test the milk's temperature on your forearm. Don't use a microwave, which may leave hot spots. It's also fine to give your baby a room-temperature or slightly chilled bottle. (He'll like what he gets used to.)

Work the angle. With your baby lying semi-upright across your arm, tilt the end of the bottle up slightly. Milk should fill the entire nipple so air can't get in (that can give your baby gas). Never prop bottles up while you multitask. If your baby's mouth gets full, he can choke.

Give enough. Newborns typically take one to two ounces per feeding during the first weeks, and eat every two to three hours. As their digestive systems mature, babies take in more but eat less often. Generally, your baby should be eating one or two ounces more than the number of months old he is (up to eight ounces).

Healthy Baby Feeding Tips

Should you worry about baby fat? Not so much. While some recent studies have found a link between fattening up too fast during infancy and childhood obesity, your number one job as a mom is to help your baby gain weight. Indeed, cutting calories during the first year could interfere with both your baby's physical growth and her brain development. Instead, just keep these guidelines in mind so your little cherub develops healthy eating habits:

Know the signs of satiety. A baby has had enough to eat when she closes her eyes, spits out the nipple, or pulls away, says John Worobey, Ph.D., chairman of the department of nutritional sciences at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, NJ. Don't insist that she continue to nurse or finish her bottle. (Of course, if your baby shows no interest in eating for two or three feedings in a row, give your doc a call.)

Avoid using food to soothe. You'll need to feed a newborn often and on demand. But an older baby who fusses between meals or not long after he has emptied his mom's breasts or finished off a bottle doesn't always need more food to feel better. First try offering him a pacifier, or help him relax with rocking, singing, or shushing, suggests Jennifer Helmcamp, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Texas A&M Health Science Center at Round Rock.

Put solids in perspective. During the first year, a child's primary source of calories and nutrition should be breast milk or formula, says Dr. Helmcamp. Even though babies typically start solids around 6 months, the main function of eating food at this point is to get a kid used to having it in her mouth and to provide her with a chance to "practice" eating. She doesn't need to polish off jar after jar every time she's plopped in the high chair.

Keep some barometers in mind. Babies should double their birth weight by about 4 months, and triple it by their first birthday. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is exceeding these guidelines.

Easy Bottle Feeding

Yes, bottle-feeding can be a breeze (for the most part). For a mom, the key is filling it with the right ingredients. For a baby, it's simply a matter of latching on (which is relatively simple, thanks to that sturdy easy-to-nip nipple). Still, there are things you can do to make bottle-feeding even easier, and more intimate, enjoyable, and rewarding for both of you. Check out these five strategies for easy bottle-feeding.

1. Let your baby know what's coming.Prepare your baby for feedings by stroking her cheek with your finger (or the tip of the nipple) or putting a drop or two of formula on her lips. That will clue her in to the fact that dinner (or lunch, or breakfast, or a snack …) is on its way and encourage her to root, turning her head in the direction of the stroke. Then place the nipple gently between her lips and let her dig in.
2. Keep air out of it. To eliminate gassiness, tilt the bottle up so the liquid fills the nipple completely. Otherwise, your baby might be gulping down air — and that could spell trouble for that tiny tummy. Using disposable bottle liners (which automatically deflate and eliminate air pockets) or angled bottles that keep the formula pooled near the nipple are other useful ways to minimize gas.
3. Follow your baby's cues. Watch for signs that your baby has had her fill so you don't overdo it. Babies, especially newborns, can't always drain a bottle. If your baby drifts off to sleep after drinking several ounces, she has probably had enough. If she turns away from the bottle fussily after just a few minutes of sucking, she may be experiencing gas. If that's the case, burp her, and offer her the bottle again. If she still rejects it, take that as a sign that the meal is over.
4. Go with the flow. Nipples are available in different sizes (newborn nipples dispense milk more slowly), so be sure the one you're using is right for your baby. If your baby makes gulping and sputtering sounds during feedings, and milk tends to dribble out of the corners of her mouth, the flow is probably too fast. If she seems to work very hard at sucking and acts frustrated, the flow might be too slow. If that's the case, loosen the cap a tiny bit (if the cap is too tight it can create a vacuum), or try a new nipple.
5. Nourish her with love. Bottle-feeding provides a delicious opportunity to get close to your baby. So take time to cuddle her, look into her eyes, and talk or sing quietly to her. Open your shirt for some skin-to-skin contact and you'll be offering her a soothing sensation.

Homemade Teething Biscuits

Please note: Many of these recipes will yield a dough that is "not your momma's cookie dough". The dough may be very sticky and "goopy" or may seem too thick. This will be common for many of these recipes due to the nature of the ingredients.

IMPORTANT CAUTION: When feeding your infant Teething Biscuits,Baby Finger Foods or any other food that may pose a choking hazard, it is VERY important to watch the child closely. Always ensure the child is in a totally upright sitting position as well. Some parents will tell you one brand or recipe is great while others will tell you the very same brand/recipe was horrible and their child choked due to crumbling or breaking.

There is no brand or recipe for teething biscuits that is guaranteed not to crumble or break off into pieces. (Visit the substitution links below if you don't want to use a whole egg, milk or a wheat-based flour.

Oats & 'Naner Drops   
Ingredients:

1 c quick oats
1 c ground oats (grind oats and make a coarse oat flour)
1/4 t salt
1/4 t cinnamon or ginger or cardamom (we'd try it with all 4 spices.)
1/4 t nutmeg
1 t baking powder
1 c (~2) overripe bananas, mashed
1 t vanilla extract
3 T oil of choice

Directions:

Mix dry, mix wet, add wet to dry. Drop by the spoonful onto parchment paper or greased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 min at 350. (adapted from a vegan cookbook)

Teething Biscuit Recipes - Eggless Baby Cereal Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup dry infant rice cereal with bananas (or other flavored or
unflavored infant cereal)
3 tablespoons cooking oil
ice water

Directions: 
Preheat oven 425F
Mix flour and cereal.
Gradually stir in oil. Mix a little ice water at a time (start with 1/4 cup) until dough begins to form a ball and pull away from the bowl.
Roll out to the thickness of a cracker on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 10-12 min. or until lightly brown. Cool completely.

Store in an airtight container. (you may want to try 1/2 plain and 1/2 flavored baby cereal as the taste when using full flavored baby cereal is very strong.)

My Favorite Baby Cereal Cookie Recipe 

Ingredients:

2 Tbs Shortening
1/2 C. sugar
1 egg
1tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp water
1 1/2 C. rice baby cereal

Directions:

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and water. Mix until well blended. Gradually stir in cereal.
Knead until smooth. Pat into rectangle. Cut into 12 1" bars, smooth edges so they will not be sharp. Place on ungreased sheet. Bake 20-30 min or until dry.
Store in uncovered container overnight. 

You may need to add some flour to this mixture to stiffen the dough if needed. Add the flour by tablespoonfuls until a more firm and stiff dough is formed.

Homemade Wheat Thins (8mos and up)

Ingredients:

3 cups uncooked oatmeal
2 cups unbleached white flour (you may substitute 1cup of whole wheat flour for
the white)
1 cup wheat germ
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt (not necessary - omit if you choose)
3/4 cup oil
1 cup water

Directions:

Mix all together, and roll out onto 2 cookie sheets. Sprinkle with salt. Lightly roll again to press salt in. Cut into squares or diamonds - a pizza cutter works well.
Bake at 350F.

After 15 minutes begin checking the crackers and remove the ones that are golden brown and hard. Continue checking every 3-5 minutes. Optional sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.

Eggless Baby Cereal Cookies 
Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup baby cereal
1 cup juice

Directions:

Mix ingredients well. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20-30 min @ 350 deg. F.

Freezes Well *Dough will be very sticky and seem "wrong" and may be hard to work with. This is as it should be so do not panic. You may wish to add more flour and/or cereal to achieve a more doughy consistency.*

Wholesome Wheat Cookies 
Ingredients:

2/3 cup milk
4 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 cup plain, untoasted wheat germ
1 cup whole wheat flour, approx.

Directions: 
Beat together the milk, butter and sugar. Stir in the wheat germ and enough flour to make a dough.
Knead until smooth and satiny, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Pinch off balls of dough and roll them into sticks about 1/2 in. thick and 4 in. long
Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until browned and hard. 
Makes about 20 depending on the size you make them.

Monkey Cookies (may turn out soft)

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter/margarine, softened
2 eggs
2 bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F degrees
Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Mix well.
Add butter or margarine. Mix well.
Add remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake around 12 minutes.

Makes about 3 dozen. These are very cake-like and you may wish to add more flour for a stiffer "cookie".

Teething Biscuits* - Buffalo News

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 cup wheat germ
11/2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup undiluted, frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Directions:

Combine flour, milk powder, wheat germ, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together.
In another bowl, combine sugar and oil. Beat in the egg and orange juice and gradually add flour mixture to make a stiff dough. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Place greased cookie sheet on damp towel to keep from sliding. Place dough on cookie sheet and flatten, rolling out to within 1 inch of the edge. Cut into 2 by 3/4-inch bars; separating the cookies isn't necessary. Bake 15 minutes in preheated 375-degree oven until light brown.

Remove from oven; re-cut on the same lines. Return to oven. Turn off heat and let set until oven is cool. Makes about 6 dozen cookies that can be frozen and thawed as needed.

Nutritious Teething Biscuits 

Ingredients: 
1 beaten egg yolk
3 Tbsp maple syrup or molasses (May be omitted)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 Tbsp oil
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp uncooked oatmeal
1 cup flour (white, wheat or combo)
1 Tbsp soy flour
1 Tbsp wheat germ
1 Tbsp nonfat dry milk.

Directions: 
Blend wet ingredients, add dry ingredients. Dough will be stiff. Roll dough thin and cut into strips or desired shapes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet.

These can be made without the last 3 ingredients, but they add to the
nutritional value. **Freezes Well**

 What Type of Cooking Oil Should I Use in Teething Biscuit Recipes?

The best type of cooking oil to use would be canola or corn oil. Vegetable oil is also a good oil to use however you should use vegetable shortening sparingly when cooking. Using vegetable shortening in a baked good every so often should not pose any health issues.

Baking with olive oil is a good option as well. You would need to use an extra-light virgin olive oil so that you avoid the taste of the olive oil. A "heavier" olive oil can be used when you are baking a food that is highly flavored such as a spice cake or a gingerbread cake.

Teething Biscuit Recipes - Try These Banana Bread Sticks

Ingredients:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup mashed banana
1 3/4 cups flour (white, whole wheat, or a combination)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Combine ingredients and stir only until smooth. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour or until firmly set.

Cool, remove from pan, and cut into sticks. Spread sticks out on a cookie sheet and bake at 150 degrees F for 1 hour or longer until the sticks are hard and crunchy. Store in a tightly covered container. 

Yummy Rice Banana Baby Cereal Cookies - 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups banana rice baby cereal (commercial baby cereal)
2 tablespoon wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-2 teaspoon water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Beat oil and egg yolks together then add the sugar, mixing well to combine.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and fold into wet mixture until everything is combined.
If this seems too dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. This dough will be very stiff.

Knead dough and roll out into a log on a floured surface. Cut 1⁄4-inch slices from log and arrange on the baking sheet. You may make these any shape you like.

Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes flipping biscuits over halfway through bake time.

Zwieback Toast
Ingredients:

1/2 c milk
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c butter -- melted
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground anise or anise flavoring
3 eggs
3 c flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Scald the milk and when lukewarm add to the yeast.
Add the sugar, butter, salt, anise and the eggs unbeaten, and enough flour to handle. Let rise until light.

Make into 3 inch oblong rolls, place close together in a buttered pan in rows, two inches apart. Let rise again and bake 20 minutes. When cold cut in 1/2 inch slices and brown evenly in the oven. If desired you can ice with a glaze made from confectioner's sugar
or dust with confectioner's sugar. 

Overnight Teething Biscuits 

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar  (white or brown)
2 to 2 1/4 cups flour (white, whole wheat, or a combination)
1/4 cup wheat germ
dash of cinnamon

Directions:
Break eggs into bowl and stir until creamy.
Add sugar and continue to stir. Gradually add enough flour to make a stiff dough.

Roll out between two sheets of lightly floured wax paper to about 3/4" thickness. Cut into round shapes or whatever shape you choose.
Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Let stand overnight (10-12 hours).

Bake at 325°F (165°C) until browned and hard.
This will make about twelve durable and almost crumb-free teething biscuits.

 Ingidients:

SUGAR
While some baked good recipes call for sugar, We do NOT advocate adding sugar to any -mealtime- baby food at all. For example, there is no need to add sugar to baby's applesauce, cereals or sweet potatoes. Using sugar in a baked good product is a personal decision that should be made by the individual parent.

 SALT - Salt is often required in baked goods to make them set-up properly. DO NOT add salt as a flavoring to everything and anything that you prepare for your baby. There is no reason to add salt to baby's mashed potatoes or green beans for example. Remember, as with sugar, a pinch of salt in an entire baked good recipe does not mean that your infant will be consuming that pinch of salt in each bite of baked goods

 EGGS - Some pediatricians will say that it is ok to use whole egg in a baked good recipe for an infant over 8 months old who has no history of, or has not shown any propensity to food allergies. Read more about Eggs.

 FLOUR - Some pediatricians will say that it is ok to use a wheat based - such as all purpose white - flour in a baked good recipe for an infant over 8 months old who has no history of, or has not shown any propensity to, food allergies. Remember, if your baby has had oats and barley without any trouble, odds are there are no gluten issues. Read our Wheat & Egg Substitutions page.

AS ALWAYS - You should consult with your baby's pediatrician when concerned about specific foods. Generalities may NOT apply to your baby.

Baby Cereal Pancakes - not a biscuit recipe but a great finger food and I just had to include it.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup baby barley cereal (or other baby cereal)
1 cup formula (or another liquid such as milk)
1/2 cup mashed banana (or fruit of your choice)
1 tbsp melted margarine or butter (unsalted type)
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup baby oatmeal
apple juice (about 1/2 cup) Use water if you prefer

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla or other flavorings if you wish.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and add enough juice to make pancake consistency. Cook on cook top in frying pan as with "regular" pancakes. 

 Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

Baby Food : Fruit Recipes 3

Peary Pumpkin Peaches 

Ingredients:

½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 pear, peeled & cored & diced
1peach – peeled, pitted & diced

Directions:

Combine all food (steam pear and peach together if need be) and mash or puree if needed.

You may also buy a can of pumpkin from your local grocers. Make sure you buy Pumpkin and NOT Pumpkin Pie mix however. Learn more about Cooking with Pumpkin

Blueberries**
Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Ingredients:

1/2 pint of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 c. water

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil. Add blueberries and simmer for 15 minutes until soft.
2. Reserve liquid and use a slotted spoon to transfer blueberries to
blender/processor/mixer and puree.
3. If needed, add some of the liquid to blueberries.
Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up
*You can save the liquid to serve as juice or to blend in with cereals etc..

Serve raw and pureed or raw and smooshed if preferred.

Yummy Blueberry Applesauce 

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 medium apples

Directions:

1. Peel, core & dice apples.
2. In a saucepan, add blueberries and apples with 1 cup of water.
3. Bring water to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes until soft.
Puree or mash as needed. Add yogurt or cereal or both for a yummy breakfast, lunch or snack.

Blueberry Peach Surprise 

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 peaches
¼ cup oatmeal

Directions:

1. Peel, pit & dice peaches.
2. In a saucepan, add blueberries, oatmeal and peaches with 1 1/2 cup of water.
3. Bring water to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes until soft and oatmeal has absorbed all the liquid. Stir frequently.

Puree or mash as needed. Add yogurt or cereal or both for a yummy breakfast, lunch or snack.
*The color of this will look very icky*

Blueberry Banana Yogurt 

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberries
1 whole banana
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons wheat germ

For Babies: Use 1 cup of your already made blueberry puree OR Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place the banana, yogurt and blueberries in a blender and puree until smooth.

For Toddlers: Slice the banana. Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place a little yogurt in a dish and top with banana slices, blueberries, wheat germ and serve. This will make 2-3 servings.

Kiwi 
Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

Ingredients:
1 ripe kiwi

Directions:

1. Peel ripe kiwi
2. Puree or mash with a fork - add cereal (if desired) to thicken and achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Kiwi does not need to be cooked and it should not need to be de-seeded as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits and a bit of texture.

*Kiwi is high in Vitamin C and is also acidic, you may wish to wait to introduce it when baby is 10 months or older. Visit our Kiwi Page for more recipes and information about Kiwi.

Kiwi Banana Tango 

Ingredients:

1 ripe kiwi – peeled & diced
1/2 ripe banana – peeled
1/2 ripe mango – peeled & diced

Directions:

Mash all fruits together and then blend or puree as needed. Make it Creamy Kiwi Banana Tango by adding yogurt and/or cereal.

Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon) 
Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sliced, soft, seedless melon, rind removed

Directions:

Puree or mash with a fork - add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the melon achieve a smooth, thin consistency. **Melon does not need to be cooked as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits. Melon may be steamed to tender and then mashed if you prefer without harming it.

More Fun Fruit Baby Food Recipes 

Fruity-Pops

Here are some ideas to get you making healthy teething/ice pops for your older baby or child.

Buy Ice Pop Trays and offer these healthy pops to your toddlers and older kids as well.

Cooling Baby Banana Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

1 cup banana puree (or 2 very ripe bananas)
1 cup plain yogurt

Directions:

Blend and/or puree until you have a smooth liquid

Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Pop out a cube or 2 and add to a baby safe feeder. Viola. Healthy Baby Pops.

Variations:
Blueberry Yogurt Pops
Peach Yogurt Pops
Papaya Yogurt Pops

Mango Pops

Ingredients:

3/4 peach nectar or plain water
2 1/2 cups frozen mango pieces
1 16 ounce container of plain yogurt

Directions:

Blend and/or puree until you have a smooth liquid

Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Pop out a cube or 2 and add to a baby safe feeder. Viola. Baby Pops.

Apple Ice - Yummy for Toddlers

Ingredients:

5 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith or Macintosh apples
1 cup water
3/4 cup apple juice (100% juice only.)
1 drip lemon juice

Directions:

1.) In large saucepot, simmer apples, water, and juice until apples are tender -- about 20 minutes. Once tender, transfer to blender or food processor and add 1 drip lemon juice. Puree mixture until smooth

2.) Transfer mixture to large freezable container and freeze until almost solid. Add mixture back to the food processor of blender and puree until chunks break up and mixture is fluffy. Refreeze until firm to make Apple Ice for Toddlers

3) Skip #2 and simply freeze mixture in ice cube trays and then pop out a cube or 2 and add to a baby safe feeder.

**Some babies enjoy holding and manipulating ice cubes on a hot day. If you don't mind the mess, let baby have the "ice pops" while sitting in the highchair**

Tofu-Fruit Mush

Ingredients:

4oz firm tofu
1 ripe banana, peeled
1/4-cup (frozen) blueberries, peaches or *strawberries
3 tbs of Wheat Germ

Directions:
1. Puree all ingredients in a blender or food processor until a fluffy type texture is achieved.
2. Serve by spoon or spread on toast. This mix is GREAT for learning how to spoon feed. This mix will "cling" to the spoon and help eliminate baby's frustration with food falling off the spoon. You may also freeze this mix and call it "Ice Cream"

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.