My family and I eat a lot of fish. When my son started eating solids at six months, one of the first foods I fed him was salmon and sweet potato. Not only is fish like salmon great for the body and brain, but a Danish study that I had read a few years ago found that not introducing babies to fish between six and twelve months is linked to an increased risk of asthma. Wanting to introduce my son to fish as quickly as possible, I also whipped him up a batch of salmon and avocado baby food in addition to the sweet potato combination.
Salmon is low in sodium and high in omega-3 fatty acids. The pink fish is also a good source of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus and a very good source of protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. Avocados are very low in cholesterol and sodium. The green fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, protein, and healthy monounsaturated fat.
To make my homemade baby food, I started with organic avocados, frozen salmon, and fluoride-free baby water. I washed, peeled, and pitted the avocados and then combined the fruit in a glass bowl with water. I cooked the mixture for two minutes in my microwave to prevent browning and kill any pathogens. I also cooked the salmon in my oven according to the directions on the package.
After allowing the cooked avocado and salmon to cool slightly, I spooned equal parts of both foods into my Baby Bullet and added some additional water. I then blended the mixture into a thin puree. (For older babies, use less water for a thicker mash.) Once puréed, I spooned the baby food into freezer containers and ice cube trays for easier freezing. After the puree froze, I moved the frozen cubes into freezer-safe baggies for easier storage. Now as my son needs baby food, I simply thaw a few cubes in the refrigerator or microwave.
When did you first introduce fish to your baby? Does your baby like fish? Do you make your own baby food?
Image Credits
Baby Water and Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Peeling the Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Cooked Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Frozen Salmon © 2015 Heather Johnson
Raw Salmon © 2015 Heather Johnson
Pureeing the Salmon and Avocado © 2015 Heather Johnson
Homemade Salmon and Avocado Baby Food in Ice Cube Tray © 2015 Heather Johnson
