I'm sure by now, most of you can tell that I have a passion for food. I love cooking, eating, exploring cultures through different cuisines, and just about anything related to food, so one of the things I've been looking forward to the most is cooking for Taylor. At 4 months, I already had a list of recipes to try, but Tay was nowhere near ready to begin solids. Despite her eating well and growing at a consistent pace, her pediatrician was still concerned with her reflux issues and her low body weight. She recommended we wait until she was 6 months and reached at least 12 bs before introducing solids. In the meantime, all I could do was make sure to feed her well and make a conscious effort to work on exercises to help strengthen her core and back, in hopes that her reflux would improve.

It was at about 5 months, that I noticed that Taylor was beginning to show signs that she was ready. I would catch her eyeing every bite that I would take and she would begin to salivate and even smack her lips. These cues only heightened my excitement, but still I wanted to make sure she was fully ready.

Developmental Signs can include:

holding their head up unsupported
putting textured toys in their mouths
showing interest in food that you’re eating

This past weekend, Taylor turned 24 weeks and I had to call her pediatrician to do a weight check. Tay was weighing in at 10 lbs 9oz and despite being a bit shy of 12 lbs., I knew it was time! I immediately asked my husband to set up her high chair as I sterilized all her bowls and utensils and thought about what I wanted to introduce to her first. I’d been anticipating this milestone so I had already went out and bought organic sweet potatoes, butternut squash, avocados, and bananas to have on standby. 😉 All great choices for Tay’s first food, but after contemplating my options, I decided that avocados would be the best option.

1/4 of a small ripe avocado mashed along with 2 TBSP of breastmilk.

BUT.... WHY AVOCADOS?.

Avocados are often called one of nature’s perfect foods because they are said to contain everything a person needs to survive. A wonderful “good fat” food for baby’s (and adults too!) brain and physical development. In addition to being nutritious, avocado makes a great first food for baby due to its texture and creaminess. The best part is that avocados are super simple to serve to your baby since there’s no need to cook them!

THE BREAKDOWN—Avocados contain:

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Niacin
Folate
Vitamin B6
Potassium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium
Iron

Basically a POWER HOUSE of nutrition.

(**When choosing an avocado for use that day, look for one with dark green color with bumpy texture that yields, but doesn’t collapse when you gently squeeze it.)

and... SHE LOVED IT!

We are now on day 4 of avocados and I think it's safe to say it was a SUCCESS! (I had to pry the spoon away from her!)

I can't wait to introduce new foods to Taylor and pray that she will be a good eater without issues or allergies. Introducing solids to your baby is exciting, but can be a daunting task. I'm hoping that as we move onto more complex foods and recipes, I'll be able to share them and our experiences with you all.

Next up.... sweet potatoes! Wish us luck!!

xoxo,

Su

** Avocados have been associated with Latex allergies and sensitivities so ask your pediatrician about introducing avocados to your baby if there is a history of Latex issues.