Starting solids - what do I need?

[ETsMum]

Hi Everyone,

We are going to start DS on solids soon. I'm starting on rice cereal, I'm ok with that, but I'm not sure about the vege & fruit bit. This may sound stupid - but I have thought about it and I do have my own ideas, but I'd thought I'd ask anyway.

Should I steam, boil or microzap the fruit & veges or doesn't it matter?
What is the best way to mush it all up - should I get a blender/stab blender or whatever they are called or will a fork do? Is there something else better?
Do you sterilise the bowls/spoons in the early days? (My DS is not yet crawling and has no teeth.)

Anything else we need to get/know/do?

(We have a dog to clean up the mess under the high chair:D )

[stormanet]

Definitely invest in the Gina Ford Contented Baby Guide to weaning!! Takes the brain strain out of it and my bub eats EVERYTHING now at 9 months :) Enjoy the fun!!

[Rainbowbrite]

Starting solids is fun :)

Should I steam, boil or microzap the fruit & veges or doesn't it matter?
I steam all the vegies, & cook the fruit in a saucepab with a little water.

What is the best way to mush it all up - should I get a blender/stab blender or whatever they are called or will a fork do? Is there something else better?
Stab Blender is easy, & doesnt take up heaps of space, thats what i used.

Do you sterilise the bowls/spoons in the early days? (My DS is not yet crawling and has no teeth.)
MJ wasnt crawling, & has only just gotten her first tooth at 8.5months, & i've never sterilized her spoons or bowls. I just make sure they are washed up before everything else & rinsed with boiled water.

Hope that helps :)

RB

[Imogensmum]

If imy is eating at the same time as me- i just mush up (with the stick blender) some of my steamed vegies- If she is hungry earlier i microzap a few vegies seperately- as it is quicker!

I don't think it really matters- either way as long as they become soft enough to mush!

I also don't sterilise her spoon and bowl- just wash it out after each use!

[mummy sam]

well ive just started my lochie on solids his crawling and has no teeth.

i've boild his vegies and i prob will at some point also steam and zap them. i think it just depends on whats easier for you.

you dont need to sterilise spoons bowls ect. just wash in soapy hot water

and i got in ikea the masher thing that you out the vegies in and close it over and it mashes the vegies, its kinda like a giant garlic press, if you know what i mean.

oh and what i do is freeze the vegies in ice cube trays so as that way they are portioned..

i only mention vegies cause i'm waiting for fruits, i dont want him to have a sweet tooth.

good luck :)