Solid Food

Over the last month, we have been introducing Annika to solid foods. We started with rice cereal, then after a week of that, we tried oatmeal, and then barley. She liked it all. We did one cereal per week. The oatmeal seemed to be the best because it has the added benefit of keeping her regular!

As we head to the 6-month mark, I decided that it was time to try some "real" foods. The pediatrician said that we should try some veggies and fruits before her next visit so we can report on how it went. I've read and heard that it's good to start with orange/yellow veggies first, then green veggies, and then fruits. The reasoning behind this is that the orange veggies are a little sweeter than the green veggies, so presumably more palatable to babies. Then you try the green veggies, and you leave the fruits for last. The reason for this is supposedly if babies have fruits, they will get used to eating sweet things and then won't try the veggies.

While grocery shopping last weekend, I saw the store's nice fall selection of squashes and decided that this would be an easy food to start. I can cook it myself, and then put it through the food mill. I picked up a small acorn squash. Plus, Jim is away this week, so he doesn't have to be around when we try the squash. He HATES squash! :) Apparently he can't even stand the smell. I'm not a big squash fan either, although I don't mind it that much. I am mostly put off by the texture.

I started Annika on squash on Wednesday. She is not a big fan.

I don't know if she just doesn't like the taste, or if she's just not used to the taste and/or texture of the squash.  It's quite different from formula and cereal. The first time she tried it, she gagged and then literally threw up a whole bottle of formula that she drank about an hour before. The next time, I only gave her a little bit. She gagged a little, but swallowed it and there was no barfing. Today, I alternated between spoonfuls of squash and barley cereal. That seemed to work better, but she still seemed put off by the squash. But I guess we've tried it enough now that if there's going to be an allergic reaction, we will see it soon.  I think we're going to try carrots next.

Eventually, I'll have to give her peas. This pains me. While I like eating fresh, raw peas, straight from the garden, I have never liked cooked peas. I'm one of those people who, even now, will eat vegetable soup and leave all the peas in the bottom of the bowl! Perhaps I'll have to go on a business trip during the week when peas are on the menu! :)