What are “Stage 2″ Baby Food Recipes?
8-12 Months – Time to explore!
Bring on some spices and the softly mashed, or chopped into fine pieces of fruits, vegetables, meats, pasta and dairy such as yogurt and cheeses.
Pasta, veggies, and fruit should all be soft cooked and possibly mashed with a fork or masher. (Bananas need only be mashed.) Raw fruits are often introduced at this stage.
Meats and proteins such as egg yolk, should be cooked and pureed or chopped into small soft bits. If offering Tofu, you need not cook it first. Ensure dairy offered is easily manageable.
Remember, baby will not have molars until sometime around the 14-18 month age range. Foods should be easily mashed between the gums.
Blueberry Banana Yogurt
Ingredients:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 whole banana
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons wheat germ
For Babies: Use 1 cup of your already made blueberry puree OR Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place the banana, yogurt and blueberries in a blender and puree until smooth.
For Toddlers: Slice the banana. Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place a little yogurt in a dish and top with banana slices, blueberries, wheat germ and serve. This will make 2-3 servings.
Rice Breakfast Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (Brown/or Jasmine) Rice (grind to barley size – don’t grind if serving to a Toddler )
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup apples sliced into small dices or slivers
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/8 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
Directions:
Step 1: Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until rice is soft, fragrant and a bit soupy
Step 3: Stir 1/8 cup milk into the rice, keep on heat for 10 more minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure that the consistency remains soupy but not pasty.
Step 4: Stir frequently to stop sticking to the pot and add more milk or water if necessary.
Step 5: Serve warm then transfer remaining portion to the fridge.
Pastina and Bananas
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Prince Pastina (little tiny star shaped pastas – **wheat based)
- 1 whole fresh banana)
Step 1: Prepare pastina as directed for hot cereal. Do not add milk. Stir in banana and serve.
Step 2: Add formula or breast milk as desired (1 serving)
**A few sources do say to not introduce wheat until after 1, 2 or even 3 years old. The majorities of sources however indicate and agree that wheat may be introduced around the age of 8-9 months old. It is best to wait to introduce wheat until you are certain that your infant has no reactions to rice, oats or barley. Consult your baby’s pediatrician.