First Foods Class with the Mama Circle

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER EMERLING

Earlier this month, we partnered with Erica Chidi from The Mama Circle to work with some first time mamas. Nurturing women into motherhood and helping new parents feel confident as they transition into a new phase of their lives, The Mama Circle is a wonderful support and resource for new parents in the Los Angeles area.  Erica opened up her garden to some gorgeous new mamas and babes for a first foods class. Gathered around a beautiful breakfast spread (mama needs nurturing food as well), she talked about how to gently incorporate first foods into a babes diet.  Mamas got to try out the new Ergobaby Baby Carriers while Erica demonstrated some recipes for baby’s first tastes.

Click on any photo to start slide show with take-aways from the First Foods Class.  And be sure to scroll down for the recipes after the photo gallery.

Enjoy zen moments.
Serene garden set up.
Walking to the Mama Circle.
Eating well for mama is important. Choose whole, organic and nourishing foods.
Breakfast set up.
The garden.
Organic Quartz Carrier. Photo by Jennifer Emerling.
The Ergobaby Wrap is a wonderful way to stay close with newborns. Celestine cuddles her three-week old Riley.
A staple of childhood, blowing on a Dandelion releases dozens of seeds, illustrating letting go and starting something new.
Zen Organic Carrier. Photo by Jennifer Emerling.
Enjoy the moment. First time mama Briana and her son, Seven.
Zen Organic Carrier. Photo by Jennifer Emerling.
Use fruits and vegetables that are in season. Fresh and organic is best.
Erica demonstrates preparing baby's first foods.
Babes tend to be teething when moving into solid foods, a soft-tip spoon will be more comfortable for them and help soothe sore gums.
Start with one solid meal per day, which may be just a tablespoon or two at first.
You can incorporate breastmilk or formula into your foods, in order to entice your babe with a familiar taste profile.
Don’t rush, if your baby is slow to start solids, not to worry. Just trust that they'll get into the swing of things eventually.
Nursing on one side or offering half of your usual bottle offering and then trying some solid food, then quickly returning back to the breast or bottle is a great trick.
Meal timing may be important to your success. If your baby is too hungry or too full, they may be less interested in solids.
If you choose to offer you babe a grain cereal, always choose a whole grain option .
Stay away from foods that might cause choking due to texture or size (like peanut butter or individual nuts) or trigger infections (undercooked fish, meat, or eggs).
Nurturing the first time mama.
Enjoying the fresh fruits and each other's company.
Offer your babe the same new food for 2-4 days to test for intolerance or possible allergies to that food.
Confirm allergies and intolerance, if you're worried about what your babe might not be able to eat, talk to your pediatrician.
Have fun, be curious, try and introduce your babe to variety of foods.
Hang in there, most babes end up loving a food after it’s been given to them every day for at least a week.

Here are the two delicious and easy recipes to start baby on first foods— happy eating!

Plum, Nectarine & Apricot Puree

  • 1 plum, chopped and pitted
  • 1 nectarine, chopped and pitted
  • 1 apricot, chopped and pitted

Method 

  • Place the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until pureed.
  • Place the puree in a sieve over a bowl and using a spoon or spatula, push the puree through, leaving the skins of the fruit in the sieve.
  • Serve or freeze.

Avocado & Banana Puree

  • 1/2 avocado, peeled and cubed
  • 1 banana, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk (you can also use almond, coconut, or breast milk)

Method

  • Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until creamy and smooth.
  • Serve or freeze

Want to join The Mama Circle and learn more?  Erica is conducting classes in her gorgeous Los Angeles garden this summer, click here for more information on The Garden Series.

Christina is a mama, conservationist, DIY’er, vintage fanatic, dog lover and the Ergobaby director of community.

She is passionate about babies, babywearing, birth, yoga, natural living, and healthy eats. When not online reading and writing about all of the above, she can be found spending time with her daughter, creating their family story in Los Angeles.

    

Christina Soletti

Christina is a mama, conservationist, DIY'er, vintage fanatic, dog lover and the Ergobaby director of community. She is passionate about babies, babywearing, birth, yoga, natural living, and healthy eats. When not online reading and writing about all of the above, she can be found spending time with her daughter, creating their family story in Los Angeles.

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