I would say I did a of research when I began Abigail on solids. I started her on Earth's Best Rice Cereal because it is supposed to be safe on the side of non-allergetic and easy to digest. I also read up on what fruits/vegetables were good starters. I spaced out introducing foods to every 4 days so I could pin point any reactions to what I was giving her. Her beginning weeks consisted of bananas, peaches, avocado, yams, applesauce, and then steamed carrots. All was going well...her diapers were changing as I read they would..less messy...was a trade off for more smelly...oh well.

My husband took me out for a really nice birthday evening...and my in-laws watched her so we could have some time together. When we came home to pick her up..we were told she was quite fussy and not happy as the evening wore on. We attributed it (to put it bluntly) being constipated. Her diapers were proof. Not terrible...but still enough to make her uncomfortable. Sure enough, the next morning I got online and read what kinds of foods would have that affect on a baby. I knew carrots wre the newest thing on the menu..and I was dubfounded to discover everything I was feeding her for the past 2 days..were ALL binding!! Bananas (which was as much a staple as the rice cereal in general)....and carrots mixed with applesauce (to sweeten it naturally)..and her rice cereal!?

So I wasted no time in preparing some pears that morning, crossing my fingers she would like them. Yesterday I cut out the cereal...and gave her just fruit and veggies for lunch and dinner..besides her regular nursing intervals.  She loved the stewed organic pears I made...it was like a sweeter, applesauce taste. I do pass everything through my pallete before hers...for personal approval. I figure if it doesn't taste good to me..she will probably agree. They were sweet as candy. I also defrosted some frozen yams I had in ice cub trays..which were not a hit the first time around..and warmed them up with some frozen peaches...also a dud. Ironically she gave the combo of the two rave reviews.

Today, I picked up a jar of prunes with oatmeal...stage 2 from Earth's Best, since I couldn't find organic prunes by themselves.  I also picked up Baby Oatmeal Cereal to switch her to from Rice. As I was reading what kinds of foods would bind a baby up after some time...I was not pleased with what I was reading about Rice Cereal..and it being an empty food. A lot of women commented that their pediatricians pushed it due to its iron content..but that the iron used isn't pure and doesn't absorb sufficiently anyway...making me want to go back to basics of fresh and pure ingredients. Live foods you can call them. I am going to implement some oatmeal..which I heard is not only more flavorful...but also good on the digestive system and had health benefits...instead of a filler.

Again, I am reminded how this is all a learning process...I learn as I go. I am happy though that Abigail is enjoying these new tastes and sensations. While I did get jarred applesauce because my first batch came out too tart...and jarred prunes...I balance it with things I can easily steam, bake, and boil at home with half the cost, hopefully more nutritious, and double the volume.

Once her little system is back in the swing of things...and not as binding...I can mix and match throughout the week bringing her adored bananas back on the menu...for now...I think I'll stick to what I call the mostly "p's" diet....pears, plums, peaches etc...until she's in the clear. She's a very happy baby..I just want it to stay that way...it's bad enough..that we are awaiting teeth any day...we'll save that for another blog session!

All the fruits and vegetables mention above are wonderful...it's just a matter of knowing how they affect the little system of a almost 7-month old digesting it spoonful by messy spoonful. It's a balancing act...but well worth it.