Organic Ingredients, Not Always Necessary

We all know that pesticides are not good for our bodies. The exposure to toxic chemicals can have an even more adverse effect in children. The metabolism of a fetus, infant and child is less able to metabolize and inactivate toxic chemicals, being more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides.

Consuming organic food minimizes the problem, but it is generally expensive, and not accessible to everybody. The Environmental Working Group developed a list of vegetables and fruits that contain the highest amount of pesticides, and the ones that are generally clear. So, be wise and don't spend the extra cash when not necessary.

Rank starting with the fruits and veggies with the highest load of pesticides:

Dirty Dozen:

1. Celery {highest load of pesticides}
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell Peppers
8. Spinach
9. Cherries
10. Kale/Collard Greens
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (Imported)

 Clean Fifteen:

1. Onions {lowest load of pesticides}
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mangos
6. Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potato
15. Honeydew Melon

  Source: EWG

Baby Food Recipes

Pediatricians recommend the introduction of solid foods at 6 months of age, although some doctors are ok with starting it a couple of months earlier. We think that breastfeeding at least until 6 months of age provides the ideal nutrition for babies.

Homemade solid foods for babies are the easiest to make, and a lot more nutritional than jarred foods. Preparing one single vegetable, legume, chicken, or fruit each time is very simple and fast. A very easy technique is to freeze the food in cubes, like ice cubes, and defrost 3-5 cubes per meal. Make sure you mix different flavors each meal for outstanding nutritional value, including a protein (chicken, fish, etc), a green and a yellow vegetable, legumes, and grains.

Freezing Baby Food is Very Easy!

All you have to do is boil or roast the veggies, legume, grains, etc, and blend it with a bit of water (see recipes below). Transfer the content to clean and sanitized ice cube trays. You can buy cube trays specifically made for baby food at baby stores. They come with a cover (e.g.kidco trays). Or, if you use regular ice cube trays, cover them with a plastic film before placing them in the freezer.

Sanitizing the ice cubes is important, and easily done through the dishwasher.

After about 10-15 hours in the freezer, the content is frozen. It is time to transfer the cubes to a labeled and dated plastic bag. Store in the freezer. We recommend using it for a month to guarantee freshness and taste, however several sources confirm that it is safe to freeze the food for 3 months without any problem.

Veggies and Legume Recipes (Stage 1)

Stage 1 is appropriate for babies 6-8 months, during the initiation to solid foods.

All of our recipes suggest the use of organic ingredients. If you can, opt for organic food, especially when your little one is growing so quickly! (Scrow all the way down for a list of non-organic vegetables and fruits with the highest and lowest load of pesticides available in the market).

Click here to see all Stage 1 recipes.

Veggies and Legumes Recipes (Stage 2)

Stage 2 is appropriate for babies older than 8 months.

Click here to see all Stage 2 recipes.

Fruits (Stages 1 and 2)

Some moms believe that fruits should be introduced a couple of weeks after the vegetables. The reason is purely taste! Fruits are sweeter and babies may not like vegetables if introduced to fruits first.

Good options to introduce fruits are apples, pears, bananas, avocado, papaya, plums and prunes.

Click here to see all Fruit Recipes (Stages 1 and 2).

Great Finger Foods

Around 9 to 10 months of age, a baby has developed enough motors skills to allow her to use the fingers to pick up food. This is a good time to start introducing finger foods. Kids usually have fun and enjoy developing their independence at this age, and this will work as a transition to eating with utensils at a later stage.

Click here to see all Finger Food recipes.

Organic Ingredients, Not Always Necessary

We all know that pesticides are not good for our bodies. The exposure to toxic chemicals can have an even more adverse effect in children. The metabolism of a fetus, infant and child is less able to metabolize and inactivate toxic chemicals, being more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides.

Consuming organic food minimizes the problem, but it is generally expensive, and not accessible to everybody. The Environmental Working Group developed a list of vegetables and fruits that contain the highest amount of pesticides, and the ones that are generally clear. So, be wise and don't spend the extra cash when not necessary.

Click here to see the rank of fruits and veggies with the highest and lowest load of pesticides.

Fish and Mercury: What to Avoid

We keep hearing about high mercury levels in fish, but always wondered which ones are safe to consume. The Environmental Working Group released a useful list of what to eat, and when.

Click here to access the list.

© Ecologicalmom.com 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.

Eco & Logical Picks

Here is a list of a few eco & logical products that have been useful for us and our families. We have no commercial agreements with any company or dealer that sell or manufacture these products and services.

G-Diapers

Earth-friendly, semi-disposable diapers. Great concept! Requires some practice, but works pretty well! For more information, check out their site at gdiapers.com

Patemm Pad

A smart and practical solution to the diaper bag. Its round design accommodates squirmy infants and serves as a sleek, all-in-one carrier for diapers, wipes, and even a change of clothes. Patemm.com.

Baby Food Freezer Trays

These BPA-free trays are very useful to freeze homemade baby food. There are a few brands available in the market.
The one we use is from Kidco, Inc.

Beaba Baby Food Processor

The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserver their vitamins and flavors. It then purees and blends them to the desired consistency. It can also be used to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. A bit pricey but definitely worth it!

By Beaba

Diner Placemat

This placemat is wonderful to keep in your diaper bag. It allows our toddler to have a clean surface to eat from at restaurants. Perfect for travelers as well. It is made of a durable material that can be washed countless times. It stays in place with seven strong suction cups, and it contains the mess with its rimmed edges. The scoop catches spills before they land on the child's lap. After meals, it folds, then rolls into the scoop and easily tucks into diaper bag so it is always available when eating on the go. I'm not sure how many options of brands are available in the market. The one we use is from Kiddopotamus.

Earth's Best Organic Food

When we travel, we usually take a few of those containers for the flight and first day, while we are settling in at our destination. We save the containers. They are very useful to store frozen food. The meals are organic, and contains no preservatives, salt, sugar or artificial flavors and colors.

By Earth's Best

Bouncer Chair

God bless who created the Bouncer Chair! That is the best invention ever. Infants and young toddlers can spend hours entertaining themselves in it. One of our best picks for sure! Several brands available in the market.

By Fischer Price

All-Terrain Stroller

This “all-terrain” type of stroller works really well. It is a bit heavy to take on trips, but a great gear to have in the city. The wheels are big and wide, so riding it on smooth or rough pavements is a breeze. And the suspension keeps the little one comfortable anywhere. Its large canopy protects our son against rain or sun.

By BOB

Umbrella Stroller

Our Chicco Umbrella Stroller C6 has been to several international and domestic trips. It is light, goes really well at airports, sand, grass, concrete, you name it! It comes with a carry bag with a strap that makes travel a breeze.

By Chicco

Gate Check Bags

If your umbrella stroller or car seat doesn't come with a gate check bag, you definitely need to buy one before your next flight! Protecting these items from dust, dirt and mold from the airline cargo compartment is a very wise idea. These ones fold compactly to fit in a small attached pouch that's sized to carry in a purse or diaper bag, and they a lot cheaper than branded versions.

By  JL

Travel Crib

This potable crib can be easily carried all over the world! It is also useful at home, serving as a bassinet, in early stages, or a contained space for young toddlers. There are several brands available in the market; Graco's Pack&Play and Baby Bjorn are the most famous. Baby Bjorn is a bit pricey, like all of their products, but claims to be the most portable of all brands.

By Graco

Baby Carrier

Baby carriers are very comfortable for the parent and the baby, and most important, hands are free! When the baby is a little older and has a stronger neck, the neck rest can be folded down so that the child can face forward and look around. We used it comfortably until age 1. Very useful for walks and trips! Several brands available. We tested the product manufactured by BabyBjorn.

Toddler Harness

A must for toddlers' parents, specially at airports, parks, museums.... Keeps you, parent, sane! We found that stuff animal harnesses are cute, but the backpack version is a bit more useful.

© Ecologicalmom.com 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Information in this website is not meant to be taken as medical advice, we are not licensed medical physicians; the information presented should not replace the medical advice of your doctor or pediatrician. Contents may not be reproduced for other use without the express written consent of ecologicalmom.com.