Is it true that spinach is very rich in iron?

Extraordinarily high in vitamin C and rich in riboflavin, one cup of cooked spinach also contains a very high level of vitamin A, folate, magnesium, potassium, as well as vitamins E, B6, and thiamin.

However, although spinach contains high levels of iron and calcium, the rate of absorption is almost nil. The oxalic acid binds calcium into an insoluble salt (calcium oxalate), which cannot be absorbed by the body. The same applies to the iron, as it is bound, leaving only 2-5% of the seemingly plentiful supply actually available for absorption. The idea that spinach contained exceptional levels of iron originated in 1870 with Dr. E. von Wolf whose figures remained unchallenged until 1937, when it was discovered that the content was 1/10th the claim. The oversight resulted from a misplaced decimal point!!

Why is it OK to give baby yogurt and cheese before 1 year, but not cow's milk?

Infants can start yogurt and cheese at around 8 months of age (every pediatrician has their own advice, so check with them first)

• The medical community wants infants to keep taking breastmilk/ formula until they are 1 year old to keep their iron levels normal. Cow's milk can impede the proper absorption of iron.
• The culturing of yogurt and cheese breaks down lactose, and milk proteins are removed or limited so they are easier for babies to digest. Studies show that even people who are lactose intolerant may be able to easily digest yogurt.

Why is fish good? I've heard a lot in the news about mercury in fish, which fish are 'safe' to give my baby? When is a good time to give my baby fish?

Fish is a good source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids (good for the heart) and other important nutrients.

The mercury question: nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of methylmercury but it builds up in some types of fish more than others. Fish to avoid in young children are swordfish and mackerel. Most commonly eaten fish which are low in mercury are salmon and catfish.

Health advisors and dieticians are keen to emphasise that eating fish is very important for health and do not want higher cholesterol meats to replace this nutritious food.

Fish is considered an allergen and should not be introduced before one year.

My pediatrician told me to avoid giving my baby carrots and spinach as they could contain a lot of nitrates. Is this true?

Double check whether your pediatrician was talking about organic or conventional produce. Organic farmers do not use commercial nitrate fertilizers and so the risk of nitrate contamination is minimized, if not eliminated.

Another reason to buy organic!

Some days my baby loves zucchini and others she doesn't. Is she starting to be a picky eater?

Between starting weaning at 6 months until 2 years old, your baby should not be picky. This period presents a window of opportunity when you can give your child pretty much any food and she will try it. If your baby is refusing something, it could be for a few reasons. She could be craving variety: sometimes babies refuse foods that they have been given a lot as their bodies are instinctively wanting a new nutrient. She could be teething and the spoon is hurting her gums. Or she might have just had a growth spurt and not be as hungry as she was before. Whichever is the reason, leave the zucchini for a few days and come back to them later. Perhaps you could try a different zucchini combination.

Why is it important to give babies variety?

Babies' bodies crave variety - it is their way of getting in the various nutrients that they need. Also, the first foods that you give your child help set the foundation for a lifetime's eating habits. If you want to avoid having your child eat "only 6 things" when she is 5 years old, introducing a wide variety of foods between 6 months and two years will allow her to develop a more adventurous palate.

My baby eats really well at lunchtime but at dinnertime when her brothers are back from school, she doesn't do so well.

Babies need a calm quiet atmosphere to eat their best. They also need to be well-rested. When siblings are around creating distractions and noise, and your baby is tired, chances are she will not eat as well. Try feeding her a little before her brothers when there is less noise and she is less tired.

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the moms say they like it too!

"I just wanted to let you know we've been regularly buying your food at Whole Foods at Fresh Pond and my nine month old loves them.

As time seems ever more scarce, it is so great to know that I can finally conveniently buy baby food for my little guy."
– Finn’s mom

"Our daughter, Virginia (10 months) is now absolutely addicted and seems to want nothing else to eat. In fact, we all think it's delicious! Do you have plans to start selling anywhere close to the South End? Otherwise, it looks like we'll be making pilgrimages to the Fresh Pond Market soon.
- Virginia's Mom

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- Phoebe's mom

"The food has a 'fresh from the farmer's market' taste that appeals to my baby and me."
- Grace's mom

"It turned out that my baby had multiple food allergies and I found that even the organic jarred food I found in the market had additives like citric acid. It was the first food my baby liked, and it was so great to know that it was completely pure and fresh. It was the only baby food I could eat myself!"
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"Delicious and practical. So tasty that I eat the leftovers--rare that they are!"
- Thaddeus's mom

"It is a great feeling to know that I can have a full day out and about and still be able to provide my daughter with beautiful, colorful foods that I can enjoy licking off the spoon!"
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"Perfection in a jar."
- Ella's Mom

"Sara's baby food gives me total peace of mind. I know my baby is having the healthiest, most varied and tastiest food I can give him. I secretly wish he wouldn't always finish it so I could help him out, but he always clears his plate."
- Horatio's Mom

"My daughter Iona has a passion for this food, which I introduced as soon as she went onto solids. Her face literally lights up when she tastes it!"
- Iona's Mom

 

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