A recent report from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has revealed that baby foods contain detectable levels of lead, further diminishing consumer trust in corporations. The EDF examined 11 years of FDA data and found that 20% of 2,164 baby food samples contained lead, with grapes, apples, pears, sweet potatoes, carrots, arrowroot cookies, and teething biscuits being the worst culprits.
Lead exposure is dangerous at any level, especially for infants and young children, as it can lead to lifelong behavioral issues and reduced intelligence. Although lead naturally occurs in soil, the increase in lead-contaminated foods is largely due to prolonged pesticide use.
Benefits of Making Baby Food:
Making your own baby food offers several benefits beyond reducing lead exposure:
– You control the quality of ingredients. Commercial baby foods are often processed at high temperatures to kill bacteria, which also destroys many vitamins and nutrients. For the most nutritious baby food, use homegrown fruits and vegetables, or opt for organic produce.
– Reduce packaging waste by using glass jars or ceramic containers, which are better for the environment and prevent chemical leaching from plastics.
– It’s more cost-effective than buying jarred foods and pouches.
– Making baby food is not too time-consuming, especially if you prepare it while cooking for the rest of the family. You can freeze purees in ice cube trays for quick, single servings.
Wholesome & Nutritious Baby Food Recipes:
When your baby reaches 4 to 6 months and can sit upright and show interest in food, you can start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of solid food per sitting. Begin with single-ingredient purees to monitor for allergies, then mix and match ingredients as your baby grows. Here are some easy recipes:
1. Green Bean, Potato, and Kale Puree
Packed with vitamins C and K, iron, and beta carotene, this puree includes chicken stock and fresh parmesan cheese.
2. Yogurt & Berry Swirl
Introduce dairy with whole-milk yogurt topped with a puree of blueberries and raspberries.
3. Chicken & Apple Puree
Steam apple slices and chicken breast, then process until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays for individual portions.
4. Baby Cereal
Use whole grains like brown rice, barley, oats, or pastina, and mix with bananas, raisins, or apples.
5. Healthy Teething Biscuits
Made with dry oats, banana, and coconut oil, these chewy biscuits are perfect for teething babies.
6. Carrot Beet Soup
High in vitamins, iron, and fiber, this root vegetable soup is ready in 10 minutes using a pressure cooker.
7. Sweet Potato & Carrot Fries
Ideal for baby-led weaning, these fries are roasted with olive oil and paprika.
8. Broccoli & Cauliflower Cheese
A family-friendly casserole with small pieces of broccoli and cauliflower covered in white cheddar cheese.
9. Tomato & Avocado Scramble
Scrambled eggs with diced tomato and avocado, or any meat, cheese, and veggie combo your child likes.
10. Baby Popsicles
Great for hot days or sore gums, made with mangoes, bananas, and coconut milk, or peaches, yogurt, and banana.
11. White Fish, Carrot & Leek Puree
Boost cognitive function with this puree rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish.
12. 3 Cheese Mac
A quick 10-minute recipe with parmesan, gruyere, and mascarpone cheese with mini pasta shells.
13. Mexican Fiesta Stew
A vegetarian, freezer-friendly stew with onions, sweet peppers, corn, tomatoes, brown rice, and black beans.
14. Pea Fritters
Little green pancakes made with peas, eggs, and self-rising flour, with optional feta cheese, parsley, and spring onions.
15. Yogurt Melts
A healthier version of Gerber’s yogurt melts, made by blending fruit with plain yogurt and freezing.
16. Banana Sushi
A quick snack of softened tortillas spread with peanut butter and cinnamon, wrapped around a banana and sliced into rolls.
