Baby food with meat recommendation?

superlowamh · March 2016

Hello Ladies,
I haven't been here for a while, the babies + part-time work from home keep me absolutely overwhelmed...

I was wondering: is there any chance you'd recommend some specific baby food with meat that your babies like?
We tried Earth's Best Vegetable Turkey Dinner, and Gerber Chicken and apples I think, and both were not so good (I tried them, too) and my 8 month old just won't eat them.
I don't really eat meat and hate the idea of cooking just for him (he eats very little anyway).

Thank you in advance!

harmonicbabe26 · March 2016

Are you open to making your own? My almost 16mo barely has any teeth still and cheeing meat is tough for her (otherwise she's a stellar eater) so I make her 'soups' out of ehatever we are eating (meat, veg, carb, splash of broth) and grind it up with an immersion blender. It makes like 3-4oz at a time, so an individual serving.
If you don't eat much meat just get some good organic chicken, poach it one breast at a time and add it to other stuff and blend. One chicken breast will last you for a few portions.

Or you could buy ready made meat puree (I used to get Gerber) and mix it with a fruit or veg of your choice. Those baby pouches/jars/tubs which are supposed to contain meat have so little protein and iron in them that IMO it's a waste buying them...

mindaa · March 2016

DH and I don't really eat meat at home, so it's not something we plan to introduce to LO any time soon (is 9.5 months now). We do give him tofu, lentils and egg yolks as alternatives. Will probably start with just a little plain white fish that doesn't need to be pureed.
ETA, and quinoa, too!

marijaa333 · March 2016

You could just buy some pre-cooked frozen chicken that you can thaw in the microwave and then cut finely and mix in with veggies. Those jarred meat-based purees are really unappetizing for my LO too.

You may also want to ask your pediatrician whether you really need to give meat if you are giving enough fish (which is an animal source of protein)...

harmonicbabe26 · March 2016

.

jerseygirl227 · March 2016

mindaa said:

DH and I don't really eat meat at home, so it's not something we plan to introduce to LO any time soon (is 9.5 months now). We do give him tofu, lentils and egg yolks as alternatives. Will probably start with just a little plain white fish that doesn't need to be pureed.
ETA, and quinoa, too!

Would LOVE to know some of your recipes! I am making my own baby food and am a vegetarian. DH (to be) doesn't eat a lot of meat either. I know I need to get some protein in my LO.

niknak1208 · March 2016

We make our own baby food. My guy is 9 1/2 months. We started meats about 3-4 wks ago. I keep it pretty simple and when I introduce new foods I like to mix it with something familiar. I want to make sure I can pinpoint a food if he reacts to something. So mostly weave mixed chicken or beef with sweet potatoes or parsnips etc. he eats it just fine. I usually do one breast per batch of food. I freeze the rest until I'm ready for it.

Recently i I did quinoa, peaches, and chicken. He likes that a lot too. It's pretty easy. I steam it in water on the stovetop. I toss in the food processor with whatever I'm mixing it with.

Ive never liked jar baby meats. They just gross me out.

My DS also has 6 teeth tho. He very strongly expressed his desire to eat. Lol. So I've even cooked chicken and broken it into tiny pieces and let him feed himself which he loooves to do.

mindaa · March 2016

jerseygirl227 said:

mindaa said:

DH and I don't really eat meat at home, so it's not something we plan to introduce to LO any time soon (is 9.5 months now). We do give him tofu, lentils and egg yolks as alternatives. Will probably start with just a little plain white fish that doesn't need to be pureed.
ETA, and quinoa, too!

Would LOVE to know some of your recipes! I am making my own baby food and am a vegetarian. DH (to be) doesn't eat a lot of meat either. I know I need to get some protein in my LO.

Ha, I wish I actually organized to actually plan recipes! Poor little guy sometimes just gets weird combinations of whatever is on hand. This week he's having mashed potatoes and lentils, which I guess isn't too bad. We'll add egg to morning oatmeal, or with potatoes for dinner. I usually just cook our own meal, and pull some out for the baby before adding all the seasoning.
I'll confess to mixing tofu with all sorts of stuff... like applesauce in the morning or with broccoli for dinner.

jerseygirl227 · March 2016

Yeah, I understand that @mindaa. I do have a recipe book, but am starting to venture off on my own with the food combos. I think I'll talk to the pediatrician at our next appointment.

superlowamh · April 2016

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. I did end up making my own and freezing some. But it's just so frustrating. He used to eat avocado, sweet potatoes, egg yolk, and some other stuff and now it's either cereal with fruit or he won't eat anything! He's almost nine months now and refusing solids almost everyday. His sister was the same at his age and feeding time was always so frustrating to me.... And of course he never ever sleeps through the night. I seem to always have babies who don't eat and don't sleep :-(

Knottie1442268460 · April 2016

That's frustrating. I'm super tired too.
its cool there's so many veg moms on here. Haha! I give meat anyway. At 6 month check they said to give avocado & meat as first foods. Skinny baby. I was shocked! And it's switched to 4 mos again. Whatever!!

_beckywhite_ · September 2024

Let me share a few recommendations that have worked well for other moms in your situation.

For meat-based options, I'd suggest trying Plum Organics Chicken & Veggie Puree or Beech-Nut Naturals Chicken & Rice. These tend to have a smoother texture and more appealing flavor profile that many 8-month-olds enjoy. You can also try mixing in a bit of your own cooked, shredded chicken to add extra protein.

Another option is to look for the Gerber Organic line - their Chicken & Brown Rice or Turkey & Vegetables varieties are often better received than the standard Gerber blends.

I know it can be a struggle to find something your little one will actually eat. Don't get discouraged - keep offering a variety and eventually you'll find the right fit. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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