Ethan is really getting the hang of solid foods… when he feels like it. He had been a good little eater up until this week.  While he’s had some good meals, he’s also been quite stubborn and screamy about others. Win some, lose some. Here’s what I’ve found that helps:

• Solid meals when he’s in a good mood, like after a nap or when daddy gets home
• Bottles during cranky times
• Don’t expect him to eat much of a new veggie (I can’t blame the kid for preferring fruit)
• Foods that are yummy (if he doesn’t like it, don’t push it)

Here’s what we’ve done so far:

• Started solids around 5.5 months, so he’s been at it a month or so now
• Began with rice in the bottle early for reflux, so I don’t count that as a “solid”
• Purchased baby food purees to see the ideal consistency before making my own
• Followed the 3-day rule (some say 4 days, some say zero days, we go with 3) between the introduction of any new foods to make sure there aren’t allergic reactions
• Thrown out the rest of the food he didn’t eat, like you do with a half-used bottle

Here’s what we’ve tried in order (if I remember correctly):

• Baby oatmeal (loves), carrots (loves), sweet potato, banana, butternut squash, avocado, green beans (hates), pears (loves), peas, summer squash (hates), apple
• I’ve prepared the banana, avocado, some of the sweet potato, butternut squash, summer squash, and apple; the others have been packaged.

How to make baby butternut squash:

1. Wash squash, dry, cut in half, and remove seeds.  Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Bake squash cut-side down for about an hour.  Baking brings out sweetness.
3. Allow squash to cool slightly, then puree in food processor.
4. Freeze in individual containers (or the ice tray method).
5. Defrost in microwave when ready for use, and thin with water.

How to make baby apples:  *on my first and only attempt, I used 3 gala, not too tart*

1. Wash, dry, peel, and core apples. (I recommend organic per the “dirty dozen” list.)
2. Cut into cubes and place in pot. Add enough water to pot to almost cover cubes.
3. Boil/steam for about 10 minutes, stirring and covering regularly.
4. Drain most of the water, allow to cool slightly, and puree in food processor.
5. Freeze in individual containers (or ice tray method).
6. Defrost in microwave.  Add water and/or baby oatmeal to thin if necessary and to take out the tart flavor if cooking didn’t bring out enough sweetness.  Apples can also be baked.

I’m obviously spoon-feeding the little guy instead of following baby lead weaning techniques. I see benefits to BLW, but mamas been feeding babies with spoons a long time. Plus, choking hazards seem higher with BLW, which freaks me out. While I’m certainly not against BLW, I don’t see any reason for me to reinvent the wheel.

• Mamas, what did your baby like? Did you DIY baby food?