cooking first solids?

[nbatti88]

I read a link off of someone elses thread, that had a chart of first foods and when to offer. Under the 6 to 9 months, it said "All cooked" and had bananas as well as some others listed. How should I cook the banana? Is it not okay to give them fresh fruits that are mashed a bit or just shredded? Also, as far as steaming veggies, do you use microwave?

[kellyd]

I don't cook bananas that I give my ds. I've never read anywhere that they have to be cooked. I just mash them up with a fork. I also feed my ds avocado- and that I just mash with a fork too. I've steamed veggies in both the steamer on the stove and in the microwave. Either works fine to me.

[carpentergirl]

I just lop off a good sized piece of banana (1/4 of a whole) and let him feed himself. He sort of uses it like a giant marker pen and paints himself from head to toe with banana. I couldn't get him interested when it was mashed and on a spoon. Also I have tried avocado and hard carrots (5 inch pieces). The carrot is helping with his teething. I would say that cooking everything is a ridiculous waste of your time, but its just my opinion.

[AJsmommy]

www.wholesomebabyfood.com has some great advice. I loved that web-site when LO started food. HTH.

[nbatti88]

Thank you all so much! That's what I was thinking about the banana. I will check out that web site from pp in the morning. Thanks.

[@llli*mary.mud]

My LO is 7 months and has had bananas 4 times now raw and just squished with a fork. One time we fed organic bananas from a jar so they were almost a liquid and likely cooked in processing. We have not had any problems yet.

[MNTwinsMama]

I'd be cautious about giving a LO pieces or chunks of banana or carrot. They are serious choking hazards...