Apple, take 3

One of the reasons I like baby-led solids so much is that it appeals to my experimental side. Every now and then I think, "I wonder what would happen if________." Obviously some foods are too dangerous to experiment with (like whole nuts), or just plain unhealthy. But, healthy foods make for great experiments. 

I recently experimented with giving Buttercup a whole apple. This is the method I used with soft fruits when we first began BLS 6 months ago. It worked well, but we rarely use it now that Buttercup's pincer grasp is in full force. Now she prefers picking up little pieces of food between forefinger and thumb. Because of that we have given her apple in thin slices, and in steamed chunks. Recently, though, I was eating a whole apple and began giving little bites to Buttercup from my apple. She loved it, and sat by me like a baby bird waiting for more bites. Eventually I handed her the whole apple to gnaw on. I'm not sure how much she ate, but it kept her occupied for a solid ten minutes.

I have tried similar experiments since, giving Buttercup the whole side of the apple. It had the same effect, and she'll eat roughly half.

PROS: easy!
CONS: it can get messy if your baby is wandering around the house with an apple

Apple, take 2

Now that apples are in season (and on sale!) we have been stocking up on them.

I was never completely satisfied with our previous experiences with apple, as Buttercup would get little tiny bits stuck in her mouth. But, a brainwave came to me one day: steaming the apple slightly!

So, here is the new procedure: I peel an apple (which is a lot easier than trying to wash off the waxy coating they put on them), then rinse and cut into slices or chunks. I steam them for just a minute, until they're semi-transparent. This yields apple chunks with a similar consistency to raw pear, which Buttercup can't get enough of. These squishier apples are also easier for her to hold. BONUS!

By the way, I've also heard that shredding apples (or carrots) is a great option for youngish babies just starting out BLS.

PROS: easier to handle and eat

CONS: requires a bit more prep work

Apple

This was our first experience with feeding a baby solid foods away from home. It was blissful to not have to pack food, spoon, bib. I rarely even grab a diaper bag these days if we're out for less time than a nap cycle, so this kind of portability is definitely a must for me. On the menu for the grownups was salads, which meant that there were plenty of things for Buttercup to choose from. In the end she sat on my lap and munched on some grilled chicken, a rice cracker and some finely sliced apples (with skins on). I chose those foods because they weren't going to stain her clothes or be too messy at someone else's house.

Apples are usually one of baby's first foods when introducing solids, due to their mildness of flavor and easy texture. However, since we started this adventure in the middle of summer I found I just couldn't bring myself to pay extra money for a fruit that's so out of season yet.  Maybe it's a silly of me, but I’m picky when it comes to quality produce for my baby!

Anyway, Buttercup liked the apples. I think she had 2 or 3 slices. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks when the farmers' markets start carrying locally grown apples and I can buy some nice sweet ones for Buttercup. Or maybe I should buy her a sour one just for fun...

Sidenote: some people think that apples pose a choking risk for babies. I think if they're sliced thinly enough they should be fine. I don't see any possible way Buttercup could have choked on these, especially since she is a seasoned veteran of the baby led solids.

PROS: A great first solid food, mild, easy texture, non-staining

CONS: none!