On the one hand, store-bought puree is much more convenient than cooked in your own kitchen. On the other hand, maybe it’s worth spending time, but providing the baby with a maximum of nutrients? We figure out what are the disadvantages, and what are the advantages of baby puree from a jar.
Babies who are breastfed should receive their first complementary foods at the age of about six months. If the child is “artificial”, complementary foods are introduced two months earlier. First, vegetables appear on the child’s menu, then cereals, and then meat. And you can cook all this yourself, or you can buy it ready-made. What’s better? With this question, Wday.ru came to a specialist.
Neonatologist at the National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakova
“Baby food is now almost as varied as food for adults — anything you can grind and put in a jar is called baby food. As soon as our baby begins to show nutritional interest, it’s time to start introducing complementary foods. Should I buy baby food or make mashed potatoes at home? “
Many parents like baby food bought in the store more simply because it is convenient. And the variety is impressive: a huge line of products from different companies, different price ranges, you can buy at any grocery store, the range of tastes is endless.
But here there is always a chance to hear from the mother or from the mother-in-law: we, they say, did everything ourselves so that the child got everything fresh and useful. And what about the banks? One chemistry, I suppose. And they’re right: some brands of baby puree shouldn’t be bought at all. But it also has pluses.
Advantages of canned baby food …
Convenience and portability – baby food cans are easy to store, take with you on the road, on the street or on a visit.
There is no need to cook anything and waste time.
… and cons
Factory-made baby foods often include additional ingredients, such as rice flour, that are added to create the desired consistency in the product.
Preservatives may be present to ensure the stability of the products during storage. Acceptable preservative is vitamin C.
Cost – After all, canned baby food is more expensive than the homemade alternative.
Baby food in jars can be a great helper during a long journey or travel, but it can hardly be called a good option for a baby’s daily nutrition.
Unlike factory food, homemade puree does not include anything that you did not know about: you choose all the products yourself. In general, making baby food is cheaper, even if you have to buy a blender or food processor to get started.
Food combinations can be made to suit your child’s taste and nutritional preferences.
Homemade baby food contains no preservatives, so it is not stored. It can be frozen, but it should be done in small portions.
If you have the time and desire, making baby food can be a great option to ensure your baby has healthy and organic food.
Vice President for Quality, Union of Producers of Soft Drinks and Mineral Waters
“Please inspect the packaging carefully before purchasing. It should be undamaged. Check for a swollen jar lid. Violation of sterility can occur as a result of careless transportation or shock – in production, the sterilization regime and the quality of the raw materials used are strictly controlled. If the cover is covered with a paper cuff (napkin), carefully remove it or lift it up and examine the cover. If the center of the lid is even slightly curved, then this may indicate that the jar is leaking, it is better to refuse such a product “, – said Lyudmila Khomich to the portal”».