Baby Chef classes teach parents how to prepare nutritious and affordable baby food

August 5, 2016

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

For new parents, learning how to properly care for their little bundle of joy can be a daunting and exhausting task. From learning how to properly breastfeed to burping and correctly changing a baby, the list of what to do and what not to do seems endless and ever changing.

And when it comes to feeding a baby a well-balanced and nutritious diet, the list just goes on and on.

Which is why Nicole Watson, Nutritionist for the Genesis Program, has been teaching a series of classes called Baby Chef, that aim to educate Community parents about baby nutrition.

The program, which is under Gila River Indian Community’s Tribal Health Department, is designed to offer parents nutritional education, recipes, and food demonstrations for babies 6-months and older, who are moving on from formula or breast milk to solid foods.

Watson said that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing pureed foods to babies at 6-months of age. Starting even later, at the ages of 7 or 8 months and even 12 months is OK, however, solid food feeding before the age of 6 months is not typically recommended because it can increase overeating and obesity, she said.

Babies who are under 12-months of age must continue to consume breast milk or formula as their main source of nutrition but starting the practice of eating pureed foods can be a fun and educational tool.

“Early solid feedings are mostly for fun and practice,” said Watson. “As they develop, they are learning how to grab stuff, they are learning how to put their tongue or lips over the spoon and take food off of it, this is a practice [and] learning stage for them.”

When babies start eating solid foods, there is a sequence of foods that should be followed, said Watson. First, parents should start feeding their baby cooked and pureed cereals, then after several weeks introduce vegetables then fruits, and finally cooked proteins.

“The reason, is if your baby [has an] allergic reaction, you know where it came from. If, in a week, you do all different kinds of foods, you are going to have no idea where the allergic reaction is coming from,” said Watson.

Watson’s Baby Chef classes include lessons on how to prepare and store baby food, how much and how often to serve solid foods, and how to create a nutritionally healthy environment for the whole family.

While learning about proper baby nutrition is the focus of the Baby Chef classes, teaching Community parents how to make quick and affordable meals is also part of the curriculum.

Watson said that baby food can be expensive and making homemade meals is a more affordable and healthier option. “It is like $2 for a little [jar], whereas if you go and you buy two carrot sticks [for $1], then you puree it…and separate the pureed carrots into eight compartments in an ice tray, that’s eight little meals for your baby. And you [can] store it in the freezer and it can last for up to 3 months,” she said.

Watson added that some pre-prepared baby foods available at stores have more sugar added and avoiding that extra sugar is important for a growing baby’s health.

The next series of four Baby Chef classes will all be held at the District 6 Tribal Health Department from 6 to 7 p.m. on August 10, 17, 24, and 31. Community members who are parents of children zero to 7 years-of-age and attend all four classes will receive a free blender.

For more information about Baby Chef classes call Nicole Watson at 520-562-1237.