More Solids for Ada

We've continued introducing Ada to solids using the Baby-Led Weaning approach. It's so funny to watch her annihilate a banana, rip into a piece of asparagus, or smash unsuspecting avocado flesh.

As much as I enjoy the mess and Ada's enthusiasm, very little actually makes it into her tummy. Which is fine, since breastmilk is still her primary source of nutrition and will be for a long time to come.

Tonight we did some more traditional spoon-feeding for a change.


We had tried Ada on a big sprig of asparagus last week. She gummed it (or, rather, toothed it with her one tooth that has since become TWO!) and didn't have any adverse reactions. So, tonight I decided to get creative: One apple and three asparagus sprigs steamed and then pureed with about a teaspoon of water. Makes enough for two meals.

At first, she wasn't so sure about the texture/flavor (though the asparagus hid itself well -- the mixture really just tastes like unsweetened applesauce).


We took a short break and then started again. She warmed up a bit.



After a few minutes more, she couldn't get enough of the stuff!


Chomping and chattering away . . .


Overall, I think our mixed approach is working well. We often give Ada a banana, for example. A big chunk of it. We mash/puree the rest. We let her play for a long while and give her ample time to feed herself. Then, we spoon her some to get the taste-buds going. I imagine we'll change what we're doing -- like with everything else -- over time. For now, it's working for us. And her.

She's sure learning a lot. I love all the little faces she makes at mealtime each night.


Of course, I'd love to feed her all organic food, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary. Or in our budget, for that matter. Reading this Mayo Clinic Q and A helped me feel better about what we're doing.

Our CSA share is going to start soon and run for 20 weeks, so we'll have plenty of organic eats during the summer and fall months. But I'm wondering how you all feel about committing to organics for baby. Of course, in an ideal world, I'd like to provide the very best I can. But I still think I'm doing just that. Who knows!

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