STARTING SOLIDS

Baby foods have come a long way. They still have the old time favourites such as applesauce, pears, and carrots, but some companies have ventured into fancier flavours such as apple strawberry banana and chicken noodle dinner. At times, store-bought baby foods contain more sodium than you would like to serve your baby. There are also organic baby foods, but at a cost. So if you're like me when it comes time to serving solids, here are some important tips for those who want to make their own foods at home.

• Steaming instead of boiling your veggies and fruits help seal in as many vitamins and minerals as possible.

• Use ice cube trays to freeze puréed foods. Each cube should be about one ounce. Once frozen, pop out the cubes, store in a sealed plastic bag, and use within two months. Breastfeeding mothers may already be familiar with this technique.

• Unfinished meals should be tossed because bacteria forms quickly. If you don't think your child will finish a meal, put a few spoonfuls in another container and serve from there. The rest can be refrigerated.

Before you jump ahead with solids make sure your baby is ready. Baby cereals are the first foods recommended for all babies. Although 4-6 months is when babies may show signs of readiness, do not judge by the age, but by the baby's behaviour. Always check with your paediatrician before starting solids.