It is most important to wean your baby safely. Once you begin weaning, hygiene and the freshness of food become of the utmost importance. Your baby’s immune system is far less developed than an adult’s and is therefore more prone to bugs and infections. It is important not to put them at risk while they are still adapting to the weaning process.
Hands: Always wash your hands before preparing food, especially baby’s food. You should also wash your baby’s hands, because chances are, even if you are spoon feeding them they will stick their little hands into their dinner and then their mouth.
Surfaces: Ensure all the surfaces where you prepare and serve food are spotless. Wash highchairs, bibs, and eating areas in hot, soapy water. It would be smart to keep any pets away from such areas, to avoid them shaking or brushing hairs onto your counters or tables.
Utensils: All pots, pans, other cooking utensils, dishes and spoons should be well washed and sterilised where necessary. Sterilise feeding spoons until baby is at least 6 months old, wash your baby’s bowls in a dishwasher or very hot water,
Preparing food: Keep cooked and raw food away from each other, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat. You should also wash and peel fruit and vegetables. Throw away any food left in baby’s bowl after a meal as food that has come into contact with saliva contains bacteria and will multiply if stored. Always check the best before dates on food that you give to your baby. Also, it is recommended to keep the temperature of your fridge between 0°C and 5°C.
Cooking & Freezing: When cooking food be careful to ensure that it is cooked through. If you are using a microwave, stir everything to disperse the heat and avoid hotspots. If you serve it immediately after cooking, allow it to cool sufficiently so that it does not burn your baby’s mouth. If you are freezing or refrigerating it, leave it to cool completely before placing it in a suitable container and putting it away. Defrost it all the way through before reheating or serving it. Baby purees will keep for 8 weeks in the freezer.
Don’ts: Do not give your baby raw eggs, shellfish, or anything it is not yet ready to digest.
Remember; your baby’s system cannot confront things the way an adult’s can. If you are unsure about any foods then don’t give it to your baby.
