This post has been sponsored by Gerber. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Guide to Introducing Baby Food + Two Quick and Easy Recipes for Older Babies: Italian Turkey Meatball & Peaches and Cream Pancakes using Gerber® Cereals from Target.
I can’t believe that I am already writing a post about introducing baby food to Baby Girl! She is five months old and was showing the physical signs of being ready for solids. I learned that you need to check for these physical signs:
- Able to hold head up
- Able to sit up with minimal support
- Can move food to the back of the mouth
- Doubled birth weight (and at least 13 lbs.)
- Shows an interest in foods others are eating
I could check off each one on the list, so after getting the OK from her pediatrician, I decided it was time to begin introducing baby food. It was perfect timing that Gerber® had invited me to try some of their cereals and baby foods. Before our weekly trip to Target, I checked out my Cartwheel App (as I do each and every week…LOVE MY Cartwheel) and learned that Gerber® Infant/Baby Cereals were 10 % off (now through 9/3/17)!! Bonus 🙂 Off to Target I go!!
I had learned that the first foods to introduce are the following fruits and vegetables:
- Apples
- Pears
- Bananas
- Peaches
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Carrots
I also learned that when you are introducing baby food, you need to start introducing an additional source of iron in their diets. This is because their iron stores are starting to diminish and one out of nine babies are not getting enough iron in their diets. Just two servings of infant cereal meet 90% of your baby’s daily iron.
Gerber® Infant/Baby Cereals contain iron and have calcium to help build healthy bones and teeth. They also contain Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and six B vitamins. I also love that they are Non-GMO (not made with genetically engineered ingredients) and contain no artificial colors or flavors.
Gerber® offers different Infant/Baby Cereals based on the age of the child.
-
4 – 6 months
- Oatmeal Cereal (also available in Organic)
-
6-8 months
- Multi Grain Cereal (with or without fruit)
- Whole Wheat Cereal (with or without fruit)
-
8-12 months
- Lil Bits Cereal
Not only did I pick up some Gerber® for introducing baby food to Baby Girl, I also thought it would be fun to whip up a couple of quick and easy recipes for finger foods that my twin 10 month old nephews would love!
I made them these Italian Turkey Meatball & Peaches and Cream Pancakes using Gerber® Infant/Baby Cereals that I picked up on my weekly Target run. 🙂 Here is more cuteness, these boys have gotten so good at feeding themselves and absolutely LOVED these recipes:
Now let’s talk about how quick and easy these recipes are! We will get started with the Italian Turkey Meatballs 🙂
Mix up all the meatball ingredients 🙂
Form into 1 inch meatballs and then sauté to a light golden brown. Remove meatballs from the skillet and place on a paper towel lined plate.
Add tomato sauce and squash to the skillet and stir to combine. Add meatballs back to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until cooked through.
Please make sure to test the temperature before serving.
Here is your printable recipe for Italian Turkey Meatballs:
- ¼ pound lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons GERBER MultiGrain Cereal
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried basil
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 container (3.5 ounces) 2nd Foods® Squash
- COMBINE turkey, cereal, garlic, egg, oregano and basil lightly but thoroughly in a medium bowl. Form into one inch balls.
- HEAT oil over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add meatballs and cook 30-40 seconds on top and bottom or until lightly golden. Remove from skillet to a paper towel-lined plate.
- ADD tomato sauce and squash to skillet and heat over medium. Add meatballs and gently stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until cooked through.
- TEST temperature before serving.
TIP: ADD HERBS AND SPICES THAT YOUR LITTLE ONE LOVES TO THE MEAT OR THE SAUCE. IF YOUR CHILD DISLIKES SPICES YOU CAN EASILY OMIT THEM.
Now let’s talk about those delicious Peaches and Cream Pancakes:
Whisk together the dry ingredients.
Add in the wet ingredients.
Cook up your cute lil pancakes 😉
Please make sure to test the temperature before serving.
Here is your printable recipe for Peaches and Cream Pancakes:
- ¼ cup GERBER MultiGrain Cereal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 container (3.5 ounces) GERBER Yogurt Blends Peach
- 1 container (2.5 ounces) GERBER 1st Foods® Peaches
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup water
- WHISK cereal, flour, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl. Stir in yogurt, peaches, egg and water until combined.
- SPRAY a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-low heat. Pour 1 ½ tablespoons of batter into a hot skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until bubbles begin to pop; flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- SERVE with your little one’s favorite toppings: peach jam or maple syrup, if desired.
- TEST temperature before serving.
TIP: IF YOUR LITTLE ONE DOESN’T LIKE PEACHES, TRY SUBSTITUTING WITH OTHER FRUITS THEY LOVE
Now I am sure that you want to make these recipes for your little ones. Don’t’ forget to grab this Cartwheel offer to save 10% on Gerber® Infant/Baby Cereals and head to your local Target to pick up the ingredients for these recipes! Or if your lil one isn’t quite ready for these recipes because you are just introducing baby food (like I am with Baby Girl), be sure to grab some Gerber® Infant/Baby Cereals and First Foods. Then be sure to pin this post to save for later when your lil one is ready for some fun finger foods 😉
Tell me what was your baby’s first food? What was that experience like?