If you are a new parent or parent-to-be, chances are that the anticipation and excitement of your new bundle is the only thing on your mind. You have visions of them as a football star, the next political leader, or a world renowned musical artist. And, of course, you just want them to be healthy.

I’m constantly alarmed at the numerous, daily studies there are on childhood obesity. No source of justification can support it – it is wrong; it is abuse.

Studies do, indeed, show that healthy eating habits start right at your baby’s first nutritious noshes. In turn, then, when responsibility is taking as a parent, educating yourself and creating a solid knowledge base for your child about healthy food choices is a priority.

It has reached the point that they are now testing toddler’s for obesity.

Health risks, perhaps obvious, include higher levels of blood pressure and cholesterol, risk of heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, stroke… The list goes on.

One step in starting your baby in the right direction is making your own baby food. It isn’t as laborious as you might think; you can make it in advance and often use parts of your own meals for it. Making your own from scratch eliminates additives, increases nutrition value, and improves the level of freshness. It also encourages healthy eating habits and provides variety – both for yourself and your babe – and gives you exact control of knowing what goes in your baby’s mouth. It also is better for the environment – less waste – and much better for your wallet.

Fresh Baby has designed baby-specific containers for this sole purpose. A little easier to use that regular ice cube trays, they provide a tight-fitting lid as opposed to the freezer-burn bags normally used to cover the foods. Each cube is designed as a single serving and can be used for both baby food or breast milk.

The containers are spill-proof, stackable, and dishwasher safe, but foremost, BPA and PVC-free. At $13.95 for two, they are a great way to start providing your baby with optimal nutrition.

Detailed and helpful articles in Canadian Living and Canadian Parents are great guides to getting started.

Avocado-Banana Pudding
Simple and delicious, you’ll enjoy this one yourself, too. Freeze half for baby, and enjoy some as a nutrient-rich treat.

1 ripe avocado
1 over-ripe banana
2-3 tablespoons baby-friendly milk

Scoop meat out of the avocado and place in blender or food processor with banana. Puree until smooth, adding milk to desired consistency.

Need a helping hand?

If you don’t think you can do it on your own (and can’t convince a friend or relative to do it for you), then try Homemade Baby, and American company developing fresh, all natural baby food. Bohemian Baby is another, but only if you’re in the California area.

If you’re in Canada, try Sweet Pea Baby Food, a Toronto-based company with delicious-sounding frozen portions of everything from quinoa to lentils.

Because of the care that goes into making these, the costs are a little higher than the average container of Gerber. And once you realize how simple it is, you’ll decide you should have been doing it yourself all along.

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