Gabby seems to really prefer table foods that are on my finger over anything else, is this odd? Stage 3's have not been a success with her. she loves banana, peaches, pears, puffs, cheerios, avocado, chick peas, wheat bread all from my finger but as soon as i give her a spoonful of a Stage 3 - doesn't seem to matter what kind she is not a happy camper. Is there any reason why I can't skip Stage 3's at this point? Oh
also I have found a decent selection of organic canned veggies - green beans, carrots, yams - low sodium too! Once I open a can and transfer it to a plastic container how long do you think i can keep it?
I'd say skip the Stage 3's, it's not necessary and think of it as Gerber, or whomever, just wanting to sell more items. She is ready for food!!!!!
My daughter, who is now a very happy and healthy 2 1/2 yr old absolutely hated stage 3 foods. We skipped them all together because she loved table food. If your daughter is doing well on the table food and is eating plenty of it, then there is no problem from what I can tell!
My son (8 months) also didnt like the stage 3's. We're now giving him yummy good for him table food. There is a website that I LOVE..has lots of yummy recipes for baby. www.wholesomebabyfood.com
I get lots of new ideas for food for my little man from it, and he hasnt had one he didnt like yet!
As far as the canned veggies...I agree with the other poster, 3-4 days.
I would look at this as an accomplishment, not a problem. it you feed her a healthy meal, like you would for you and your husband, she'll be fine. if you put small portions on her high chair tray she should be able to start feeding herself. it's messy, but you'll save money on baby food and it's a great way to get her used to eating what you eat. in a year you'll all be able to eat dinner together and you won't have to make something separate for her!
My daughter never ate any baby food at all. There is no problem if a baby does not want baby food and is interested in "real" foods. When I asked her doctor, she said that it is usually a problem to get their children to move from baby food to table food, so she said skipping that step was perfectly fine.
When my daughter eats canned veggies, I usually buy the smaller-sized cans, and it;s usually about 2 servings for her, so I keep the leftovers in the fridge and use them within 1-3 days.
We never fed our daugther jarred baby food. Since she always ate "real" food, it was very easy for her to transition... we just mashed it up less.
I think 2 or 3 days is probably good for your opened veggies. Any longer and I'd be tempted to freeze them.
I concur...skip stage 3. You sound like a great Mom..can you tell me what brand of organic veggies you found? I'd appreciate getting "in" on that! :)
There is no LAW that they have to eat Stage 3's! :-)
I would keep the canned stuff in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I agree with everyone else. Skip stage 3's. I made my son's baby food and the one time I tried to give him some from a jar he just looked at me like I was crazy.
Consider yourself lucky that she's eating table foods. It will make your life easier in the long run and you'll save money not having to buy baby food.
The more fruits and vegetables that you can get her to like now the better off you'll be later on.
Sounds like you are doing an awesome job!
Its very common when they are developmentally ready for advanced textures to not want to go backwards just as they no longer want to lay around when they learn to crawl and walk. 3 days in a plastic container is the recommendation.
D., At 8 1/2 months, Gabby is old enough to be on table food.None of my 3 children would ever touch stage 3 foods. Have you tasted them-YUCK!! Also at this age, most babies love finger foods and will not use utensils. Just keep safe utensils by her plate and when she is ready she will pick them up (especially if she sees you using them).If you are feeding her, use utensils. When she is hungry enough she will take the food off the utensil. I never kept canned veggies more than 3 days in the refrigerator.
Hi D.,
I am not sure whatthe "right" thing to do is. However I skipped stage 3 all together. I may have bought one or two. But just like your child, mine preferred table food.
The purpose of baby food companies is to make a profit. Meanwhile, people were feeding babies WAY before Gerber ever existed. My first baby NEVER ate baby food-- other than the powdered cereals, for convenience. We used a blender and she ate real food from day one. If your child is ready to eat food, feed her real food. It tastes a TON better than packaged baby food.
I would feed my child whatever is being cooked for the adults, unless it is spicey food. If you make veggies for you, and you want to cut them up small and give them to her, she'll be happy picking them up off her tray and eating them. I would make sure she can chew stuff, or grind it in a blender or baby food mill, but there's no need to pay extra bucks to feed your child, particularly when she WANTS to eat the food off your plates. :-)
