Feeding FAQ: 6-9 months – Commercial Baby Food

Question – What to look for in a commercial baby food?

I have not given my son commercial food yet and I am thinking about plane travel. I know you can take packets of food with you on board, but not any home cooked meals, so want to get him used to some commercial food at home before I try him with it on an outing. I am sure lots of mums use these meals, when travelling or out.

Answer:

While many mums are concerned about using commercial baby food, for time–pressed parents or those who are out and about, they can be a godsend. While my recommendation is that home–cooked food should make up most of a baby‘s diet, it is incredibly useful to have a baby who also enjoys commercial baby food. Then, if you are travelling, you will feel comfortable in the knowledge that you can have a transportable meal that your baby will eat happily.

In reality, it is almost impossible to replicate the smooth consistency of commercial baby food at home, and the taste will not be the same as the meals you make yourself, so a few practice meals may be required before your baby is happy with it. If your baby does not like it, remember that you may have to offer the food quite a few times before he accepts it – researchers from Pennsylvania State University in the United States found that after offering vegetables five to ten times, babies doubled the amount they were happy to eat. You could also try adding a little commercial food to a home–cooked meal, then gradually increasing the amounts until your son is eating a full commercial meal.

The next issue is which one to choose. While we all want the best for our babies, a commercial baby meal can vary hugely in price, and we can‘t all afford the organic and expensive brands. Firstly, be reassured that the UK and EU have set standards for baby foods. For example, no salt is allowed, and pesticide levels are controlled at a lower level than for other foods. Try to buy the best you can afford but don‘t feel bad if it isn‘t organic. When looking for better choices, keep a special eye on the protein and sugar content – compare a range of brands and, for “protein” meals, aim to choose commercial foods that are higher in protein and lower in sugar. Look at the amount per 100 grams on the nutrition panel rather than the amount per pack: your baby will eat the same amount, no matter how big the pack is. Some brands may contain a higher amount of cheaper “filler foods” that are not rich in protein.

Savoury meals can also be surprisingly sweet. Check the ingredient list, remembering that the ingredients are listed in order from largest to the smallest amounts in the food. Then think about what you would use to make up the meal at home. For example, we would be unlikely to make a casserole with apple juice making up almost a quarter of the ingredient weight, though this is the case with one of the commercial brands. The same casserole is just 8% pork – I think most of us would be more generous with the meat than this, but it is rare for a commercial baby food to contain more than 10 to 12% meat, chicken or fish.

One issue that has been raised regarding organic baby foods is that additives are not permitted. While that seems like a good thing, it does mean that organic foods are not iron fortified, while others (like the one described above) are. From the age of six months, a baby‘s iron reserves from before birth are running low, so iron in baby food is a priority. I feel that if organic commercial baby foods make up a large proportion of the diet, it‘s important to ensure that other foods rich in iron are provided, such as red meats, pulses and green leafy vegetables.

If travelling, I would suggest being flexible about protein and non-protein mealtimes. Also remember that if you are out and about for meals and your baby is not used to it, he may be distracted and eat less than usual. You may also find that meals are at slightly different times, which can result in your baby eating less. While this could mean a bit of grumpiness or interrupted sleep, eating a little less at a few meals will not have any long–term consequences. He may eat more at the following meals though, to make up for it. Finger foods can be a useful thing to take along if travelling as they also provide a distraction.

A note from personal experience: After numerous flights from the UK to Australia with babies I know that even if a baby meal has been ordered, you may find no suitable foods on board – once the airline only had pureed carrots or creamed spinach. I would recommend taking enough food to satisfy your baby for the time you will be on board, plus the time of check in and from leaving the plane until you reach your accommodation. Remember, too, that flights can be delayed – imagine a few hours delay trapped on board with a hungry baby! So take extra if you can!