Traditional purées vs commercial baby food
When complementary feeding is introduced, parents have to decide whether to follow a traditional diet based on homemade purées and porridges or buy commercial baby food. Some people only use baby food jars for special occasions when they eat away from home, but are they appropriate to offer the baby
When complementary feeding is introduced, parents have to decide whether to follow a traditional diet based on homemade purées and porridges or buy commercial baby food.
Some people only use baby food jars for special occasions when they eat away from home, but are they appropriate to offer the baby on a daily basis?
In Guiainfantil.com we face the traditional purées and commercial baby food, what is the best way to feed the baby?
Traditional purees or commercial baby food, what is the best way to feed the baby?
When the time comes to introduce complementary feeding in the baby's diet, in many cases the breast has already been incorporated into their work routine, so if both parents work, that means that the baby will go to the nursery or will be with a caregiver.
In some cases, parents may say little about how supplementary feeding will be introduced into their child's habits, as day-care centers have fairly strict policies in this regard. If the baby stays at home in the care of a relative or a nanny, they may have an opinion, as long as it is accepted by the caregiver, since it will be the one with the baby, and he has to feel completely comfortable with the baby. the decision.
The first decision that parents take to this respect is when to start complementary feeding. Following the indications of the World Health Organization, should not begin to introduce any food until 6 months of age, and the baby should be fed only milk, maternal or formula until then.
Subsequently, the decision is usually how to choose between following the traditional diet based on purees, usually following the instructions of the pediatrician, or choosing the Baby Led Weaning method, that is, guide us through the signs of the baby and offer whole foods or in pieces so that the baby himself directs his diet.
In addition, parents must decide between offering their child home-cooked meals in a traditional way or commercial baby food. Commercial baby food is a viable alternative for occasional use, or to offer the baby when eating out, but are they appropriate for daily use?
Advantages of traditional purees compared to commercial baby food
In fact, although commercial versions are gradually becoming healthier and more balanced, homemade food still has advantages over industrial preparations:
- We know exactly what it contains and the quality of the ingredients chosen for its preparation.
- We can include the ingredients that we already use regularly in the kitchen, exposing the baby to foods that are consumed in the family nucleus, so that it is making contact with those flavors and is preparing to eat with the rest of the family.
- They do not have colorants, preservatives or any type of additive.
- A greater variety of food can be offered to the baby ya, since commercial options are limited. In addition, you can leave by varying the texture according to and when desired. - We canchoose the way to cook the food
, adding the minimum amount of fat, and choosing which fat is added - preferably olive oil- and conserving the nutrients of the ingredients as much as possible. In any case, you should offer a healthy and balanced diet, with various foods, including fruits and vegetables, red meat and poultry, eggs and fish introducing them progressively in the baby's diet from 6 months of age.
