Best Books for Introducing Solids to Baby!

I can speak from personal experience, and from talking to numerous other moms, that one of the most confusing and often overwhelming times in the first year of your baby’s life, is when and how to introduce solids.  Your pediatrician may be of some help, but I’ve often heard and experienced that most pediatricians simply offer a few general bits of advice and guidelines, but what most of us moms crave is mass amounts of knowledge, along with some charts mapping out the territory ahead, and even better, great recipes.  I’ve read a few books on the subject, and also asked around to some of my most trusted and respected mommy friends to find out what were their most valued resources for this tricky time in baby’s life.  Read on to see which books were top picks from some experienced moms.

Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron

Super Baby Food was my everyday go-to guide for the first 6 months. Comprehensive and detailed lists for introducing which foods when, and lots of great ideas and recipes for making your own baby food from scratch, even how to make baby cereal!

First Meals by Annabel Karmel

While Annabel Karmel has written quite a few baby food books, several of my friends recommended this one as their favorite. The book ranges in recipes for first purees all the way to lunch box and family meals that everyone will love. Pretty pictures and styling presentation too.

The Best Homemade Baby Food On The Planet by Karin Knight & Tina Ruggiero

A fellow new mom recommended this as her favorite baby food book so far because of the easy and simple to understand charts and recipes. Feeding your baby doesn’t have to be complicated and this book proves that.

The Healthy Baby Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel

Next to the simplicity of Super Baby Food, this was my second favorite meal planning book when I fed both of my babies. Inventive and interesting recipes kept me on my toes and trying new ingredients so we never felt like we were in a puree and finger food slump.

Baby-led Weaning by Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett

A great book if you’re interested in an alternative to feeding your baby purees. The authors wrote the book with the premise that if you follow your baby’s cues by about 6 months, you can skip purees and go straight to self feeding, enabling baby to be a part of family meals from the get go.

The Toddler Cafe by Jennifer Carden

I found this book just doing some research, and it seems to be a great resource for transitioning from pureed baby foods to toddler finger foods. Over 50 original recipes that encourage families to prepare and eat meals together, with some funny quips and illustrations.

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Read more of Andrea’s writing at her life and family blog Four Flights of Fancy and her style blog For The Love Of
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