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Proteins in Purées

Congratulations! You’re starting your 6+ month old on “solids.” For a First Time Foodie, this is a time of exposure*. You are exposing her to new flavors, new textures and new concepts such as the feeling of food in her mouth and using a spoon rather than a bottle or breast.

Even though your baby will get all the nutrients she needs from breast milk, formula or a combination of the two, it’s not a bad idea to start mixing in natural sources of protein, too. After all, they’re just another element of flavor and texture you’re (literally) putting into the mix.

Here are some ideas for ways to add protein to purées for Vegans, Vegetarians and Omnivores. For every ounce of purée, mix in 1 teaspoon of protein. Just be sure to taste what you are serving to baby and adjust flavors and amounts accordingly. Who wants to eat something that tastes boring and flavorless? You don’t, so neither does your baby.

*For the parent of a First Time Foodie, this can be a time of anxiety. I reviewed the steps of infant CPR at least five times during every meal until Eliana was almost 2 years old. For some tips and ideas about surviving that time, click here. For some recipes for purées, click here.

Before adding anything to your baby’s food, be sure to check with your pediatrician. Also, you should introduce common allergens such as soy and nuts one at a time in case your baby has a reaction. Click here for more information about allergy symptoms.

 

Sources of protein that add minimal or no texture:

 

For Vegans:

 

For Vegetarians:

 

For Omnivores:

 

Sources of protein that add texture:

 

For Vegans:

 

For Vegetarians:

 

For Omnivores:

 

Whatever sources of protein you choose to add to your baby’s food, remember to:

 

 

 

Happy Cooking, Experimenting and Feeding!