Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Baby Food
By Tamika Gardner
Making homemade baby food is becoming increasingly popular in most households and many parents are limiting the amount of commercial baby food their babies eat because some believe it is nutritionally inferior to fresh foods.
Here are some frequently asked questions about commercial baby food.
Is commercial baby food as nutritious as homemade?
Commercial baby food will provide your baby a nutritious meal, no doubt. However, homemade food may retain more nutrients, depending on how it is cooked. Some companies, like Gerber, have new technologies that retain more nutrients in the food.
Some baby foods on the market contain additives and thickening agents including cornstarch, flour, chemically modified starches or "tapioca" (corn syrup, starch). This means your baby is getting less fruit and vegetables and more "filler".
How much are jars of commercial baby food?
It depends on your geographic location, but jars can range anywhere from .39 cents to $1.09 and that includes the organic brands. As your baby get's older, so does the cost of commercial baby food.
Are organic baby foods better for my baby?
Yes! Organically grown foods are 100% natural and are not exposed to harmful pesticides or growth hormones. Organic foods are better for everyone.
Is sugar and salt added to baby food?
Yes, in some varieties. Be sure to look at the ingredients on the back of the label to be sure.
Are preservatives added in commercial baby foods?
There are no preservatives in commercial baby foods and an unopened jar of food will store on your shelf for years.
All my girlfriends make their own baby food. Am I a bad parent for giving my baby commercial baby foods?
Absolutely not! Your baby has to eat and giving him commercially prepared foods provides him everything he needs to grow healthy. Baby food companies would be out of business if the foods they made were not healthy for babies. Do not feel bad about buying baby food. Making your own is a personal choice and preference and will not make your little one less healthy than the next baby.
You can always make semi-homemade baby food by adding fresh ingredients to commercial baby food purees. Be sure to visit http://www.MyHomemadeBabyFood.com for semi-homemade tips and recipes and homemade baby food recipes.
Tamika, "Tamilyn", Gardner is editor and owner of http://www.MyHomemadeBabyFood.com which provides information about all the wonderful benefits of preparing baby food at home with great recipes, articles, a message forum, and e-newsletter for babies and toddlers.
