User post: Fresh Baby: Go Gourmet with Your Baby

Cheryl Tallman, www.FreshBaby.com


By Cheryl Tallman

www.FreshBaby.com

Studies are revealing that children who are fed diets of bland, tasteless food are more likely to have issues with weight. Unlike the jarred foods, homemade baby food is full of delicious fresh, wholesome flavor and adding herbs and spices is a great way to enhance this flavor.

Here are a few tips on how your baby's food can go from simple to a culinary treat:

· Introduce herbs and spices at 8-10 months. Keep it simple for the first few months.

· Add herbs and spice in the cooking step. It is best for flavors to blend in cooking and become more subtle. Do not sprinkle herbs and spices on the food prior to serving. The flavor will be too strong.

· A little goes along way. Use herbs and spices sparingly. As a general rule, add 1/8 teaspoon of spice per 16-24 ounces of fruits or vegetables.

· Add herbs and spices only to foods that you have previously fed to your baby. Remember the "One at a Time" rule to ensure that any food allergies are detected early.

· Avoid sugar and salt. There are healthier and more flavorful choices to add to your baby's foods.

Baby-friendly herbs and spices:

· Cinnamon

· Dill

· Ginger

· Mint

· Nutmeg

· Oregano

· Parsley

· Garlic

· Lemon or orange zest

· Vanilla


About the author: Cheryl Tallman is the co-founder of Fresh Baby, creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit. Visit Cheryl online at www.FreshBaby.com for more delicious tips.