New survey on baby feeding

Braun, who make hand blenders and other kitchen essentials, have many products which help turn those first meals from steamed carrots and peas into a wholesome, yummy mush for babies. However, whilst many new parents understand the nutritional benefits of giving their babies freshly cook food, they turn to jars and packaged baby foods from supermarkets.

Why do parents opt for shop-bought baby food?

The main reasons cited for this trend were:

- A feeling that they do not know what makes a nutritionally balanced meal for their babies.
- A lack of knowledge in how to prepare the food correctly and a lack of the right equipment.
- A lack of variety in the meals they can confidently prepare for their babies.
- A lack of time to prepare fresh meals or cook up batches to freeze.

Feeling confident in the kitchen

It can be really difficult to feel confident preparing meals that is sufficiently mashed up for your baby when he is new to food. Also, a new parent may be terrified of preparing food without having sterilised everything properly.
However, the reality is that you can start by steaming a carrot and mashing it with a clean fork, in a clean bowl. (Milk bottles etc need sterilising but other items which are thoroughly washed present no great danger.) Or try a banana or avocado.
Some babies will seem more fussy than others, and some jarred foods do offer convenience when you are out and about.

Also, these are nutritionally sound, though you may want to choose organic options. (Even then, check they do not have sugar in, as some baby foods do carry small but unneccessary amounts of sugar.) Another good option is to buy unsweetened fromage frais or natural yoghurt. Babies love its smooth texture and it's great for calcium.

For more about preparing food for a weaning baby, check out the ThinkBaby Introduction to Weaning article.
For more about Braun's products aimed to help prepare baby's first foods, go to www.braun.com.