Bilingual Baby

Babies exposed to a second (or third or fourth) language learn to differentiate between different languages before they even learn to talk.  The authors of SoulTravelers3.com have proven that it is possible to raise a child to be bilingual (or in their case, multi-lingual) even if you are only monolingual.  The younger children are when they learn a second language, the better their pronunciation and accent (or lack thereof) will be.  It is incredible how young brains work, isn't it?

Johnnie is half Guatemalan, which makes Cameron a quarter Guatemalan.  Even if she had no hispanic blood, I would still want her to learn Spanish as it is the second largest spoken language in the United States and in the top languages spoken in the world.  Johnnie's parents and many of his many relatives are fluent or native Spanish speakers.  Johnnie's spanish is at a high-intermediate level.  My Spanish is limited but still better than the average monolingual person.  I am going to try my best to make Cameron as bilingual as possible and hopefully improve my own Spanish skills in the process.

Author Tim Johnson recently contacted me and offered a free electronic version of one of his books if we would give it an honest review.  The Adventures of Bosley Bear books are a dual-language series available in many different languages, Spanish included, so of course we said yes!  We received an electronic version of Bosley Goes to the Beach... a fitting book since we live in Hawaii.

Bosley Goes to the Beach is a well-written and engaging story with cute and relatable characters.  The attractive and colorful illustrations highlight key parts of the story and capture the attention of those reading the book.

The text of the story is displayed in two columns: one in English and one in Spanish.  The sentences and short paragraphs of each language line up across the two columns and key words are highlighted.  This layout is brilliant because it allows you to visually see the translation and make connections between the two languages.

The story makes excellent use of repetition, context clues, and descriptive language.  All of these aspects greatly help with comprehending the story and learning new vocabulary.  The story itself is written for young readers but when it comes to learning a new language, people of all ages could benefit from this book.

There are a few pages throughout the book that introduce new vocabulary before it is mentioned in the story.  The images on these pages are labeled with both English and Spanish names.  The vocabulary pages are helpful because they visually show what each word is.  There is also a glossary page at the end of the book that has a list of the key words in both English and Spanish.

The only thing that I was disappointed about with this book is that it doesn't include any pronunciation help at all.  If you don't have a basic understanding of Spanish pronunciation, then you would have a difficult time reading this book correctly.  This applies to the book in any of the languages available.

For example, when I was in middle school I tried to learn a few Spanish words from our encyclopedia set (this was before internet... I'm that old).  I could see that thank you was por favor but I didn't know how to pronounce it.  When I said "por FAVor" instead of "por faVOR" to a friend, she laughed at me for days.  She wasn't a very nice friend.  Of course, if I pronounced it like that in a Spanish speaking country, I would be laughed at then as well.  In many languages, changing the accented syllable of a word can change the meaning of the word completely.  We even have many words like that in English... for example, the singer will record a new record.

My point is that pronunciation help, if even only for the key words on the glossary page, would be helpful to your average non-fluent Spanish reader.  If I'm reading a book like this to my children, I want to be sure that I am pronouncing teaching words correctly.

Ultimately, I really do love this bilingual book about Bosley Bear because it improves my own Spanish as I read it to my daughter.  The repetition, short paragraphs, and highlighted text make it easy for me to learn the vocabulary and sentence structure.  I even appreciate recognizing different verb tenses throughout the story :)

Cameron also seemed to love this book about Bosley Bear as it certainly held her attention for a long while.  She pointed at the pictures while I read the text and named what she was pointing at.  Her only complaint (if she could talk) was that there were no pages to turn, at least not ones that she could physically grab.  Turning pages is "her thing" right now.  I think we'll add the paperback version of another Bosley Bear book to her Christmas list this year :)

Cameron currently loves books.  She sits happily turning the pages and pointing at the pictures.  We have many English-only books in our house but I am encouraging bilingual books as much as possible to help both of us learn the language.  We have a small collection of Spanish books (shown below) that we purchased ourselves.

Brainy Baby Spanish & English Simple Words and Phrases and My BIG Book of Spanish Words are both extra large board books that have words in Spanish and in English.

La Granja Sonora is currently Cameron's favorite book because six of the pages make animal sounds when opened and the pages are filled with detailed images.  This is an extra large board book and the words are only in Spanish.  Note: Cameron's grandma bought this book in Guatemala and I have not found it in stores or on Amazon.

We also have the Spanish versions of Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear? and Good Night Moon.  These small board books also only have words in Spanish.

I may have just ordered Cameron some more Spanish books for her upcoming birthday... shhh! ;)

We have one bilingual interactive toy (a gift from grandma) and that is the Chicco Talking Farm.  This electronic toy can be set to speak in Spanish or English.  It will name what object you press or it will play a game, asking you to "press the animal that makes this sound..."  Occasionally when Cameron is playing with it, I will hear it say "Correcto!"  Lucky guess, Cameron!

As I mentioned, my Spanish is limited but I use what I do know every day with Cameron.  Here are some of my current efforts:

• I read books in Spanish to her (started at birth)
• I say the Spanish names (if I know them) of pictures and objects when she points to them
• I ask her basic questions in Spanish about what we see when we are outside
• I ask her questions in Spanish about where things are
• I sing songs in Spanish to her (okay, I know one song but I'm learning more!)
• Many of Dulce's commands are in Spanish so she hears those words often!

I've started a Pinterest board of Bilingual Baby Inspiration that will grow as I come across more resources.  If you know of any great websites, let me know in a comment!

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"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."

~Frank Smith
  

Baby Favorites

I think all mommy bloggers eventually do a "favorite baby things" post.  I've finally gotten around to  doing a "baby favorites" post myself... and it's a big one with six categories!  I actually started this post months ago but never got around to finishing it but that has turned out to be a very good thing!  I have now had almost nine months to use all of our baby gear and actually changed a few things from what I originally had listed.  Everything you will see here are items that turned out to be amazingly helpful and/or has lasted the test of time.

Some of you are reading this post because, like I did, you are doing research as to what to buy and/or put on your registry for a baby.  My lists will hopefully give you some good ideas by showing what I bought and love to use but remember that a lot of it is personal taste and that there are constantly new items coming out for babies every day.

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NEWBORN SLEEPING FAVORITES
Cameron was sleeping 6 hrs straight at night by two months old, 8 hrs straight by three months, and 10 hrs straight by four months.  This is what I used:

1. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp - I read the book before I realized there is also a movie of the book.  Seriously, if you have a newborn, you must buy this movie and watch it.  It's even available for download on iTunes.  The techniques that Dr. Karp teaches are magic and I credit this knowledge for helping Cameron become the happy baby and awesome sleeper she is.  
2. Summer Infant By Your Side Sleeper - Cameron slept in this bassinet at night until she was four months old.  We have a king-sized bed so there was plenty of room to put it between us on the bed.  It's a great way to co-sleep with your baby but keeping them safe in their own space at the same time.  It has a sturdy metal frame and mesh sides.  Having Cameron right next to me at night made it super easy to get her for a feeding or to reach a hand in to calm her if needed.
3. Twilight Turtle - This is an awesome night light for any age!  It projects a starry sky (with real constellations) onto the ceiling.  It has a plush body and a hard shell with four buttons: an on/off button and three buttons to change the color of the stars.  I kept this on our bed by the bassinet to turn on if I needed to see Cameron in the middle of the night.  It was much easier on the eyes than turning on my nightstand lamp.  I think she'll love the stars when she gets a little older :)
4. Cloud b Sound Machine Soother, Sleep Sheep - I knew we needed a sound machine after watching the Happiest Baby on the Block.  This one looks like a stuffed animal, has four sound options, a volume control, and a velcro strap to attach it the the crib.  Ours is attached to the outside of the crib and we still use it every night and every nap.  We even take the removable sound box with us on vacations to give Cameron a familiar sound to help her sleep in strange environments.
5. Aden + Anais 100% Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets - These are a little more expensive than other cotton swaddling blankets but they are so worth it!  They are softer, stretchier, and larger than all of the other brands that I tried.  Flat blankets were the best way to swaddle Cameron when she was a tiny newborn. 
6. Swaddleme Blanket - This is a swaddle sack with velcro closures.  This worked great once she grew big enough for it to be snug.  As she grew and got stronger, she started working her arms free and waking herself up.  That's when we moved on to...
7. Miracle Blanket - This is an awesome blanket that keeps the baby's arms pinned to his/her sides.  There is only one size to this blanket so it didn't work well until Cameron grew into it (she was a tiny baby).  Once it fit, it worked perfectly at keeping her swaddled (and asleep) all night long.
8. Wearable Blanket - Once Cameron no longer needed swaddled, we switched to wearable blankets or sleep sacks.  It is dangerous to have loose blankets in the crib.  Wearable blankets are worn over sleepwear, leave plenty of room for movement, and move with the baby.

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BABY NURSERY FAVORITES

1. Playtex Diaper Genie Elite or other comparable diaper disposal pail - soiled diapers, even if they are only wet, get stinky!  You need something to contain them and the smell.  The Diaper Genie Elite is only about $30 so we got one for the nursery upstairs and one for downstairs too.
2. Foscam FI8910W Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera with Two-Way Audio and Night Vision or any video/audio baby monitor - The Foscam is not a baby monitor, it's a security camera, but it is awesome as a baby monitor!  It mounts to the wall so it's obviously not portable but the video/audio feed can be viewed and controlled (we can move the camera) with our iPhones, iPad, and computer via our wireless internet.  It has very clear video and infrared vision and you can set up audio and motion alarms.
3. Summer Infant 4-sided Changing Pad - We did not buy a changing table.  Instead, we have a changing station set up on top of a long dresser.  Having a changing pad with four side makes Cameron seem more secure in it since there is nothing containing the changing pad itself.
4. Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier - I honestly didn't use this very much at first but when Cameron got her first cold, I was so grateful that I had it!  A humidifier is extremely helpful in helping babies breathe when they get sick under one year of age and you can't give them any medicine yet.  It is also very useful if you have air conditioning or heat on in your house, both of which tend to dry out the air.  This humidifier does not require a filter, emits cool water vapor, and is very quiet.
5. Breathable Crib Bumper - In case you don't already know, padded baby bumpers are a suffocation hazard and are not recommended for use in cribs, even if they come with your bedding set.  A breathable bumper is a safe alternative.  It prevents limbs from getting stuck in the crib slats but allows air flow through it.  The morning I found Cameron sleeping with her face pressed against the side of the crib, I knew that this was a good purchase!  I customized it myself to match our nursery by adding coordinating ribbon around the top.
6. Glider Rocker and Ottoman - I basically lived in our glider rocker for the first three weeks of Cameron's life while I recovered from my c-section.  The smooth rocking motion is great for calming babies, even still at 9 months old!  You can use it rock, feed, calm, cuddle, and read to your baby.
7. Natural Crystal Salt Lamp - This was the very first thing that we bought for our nursery :)  The large chunk of natural crystal salt (about 7" tall) is hallow in the center and a small light bulb is inserted inside.  It gives off a beautiful soft warm glow which is perfect as a night light.  Crystal salt lamps supposedly work as natural air purifiers, releasing negative ions that clears the air of allergens.  Whether it actually does or doesn't, it's still a beautiful light.
8. Adjustable Hanging Closet Rod - A hanging closet rod will double your space for hangable clothes.  Hanging closet shelves are also a great way to add extra space and organization.

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BABY BATH FAVORITES

I am proud of this group of items.  We used all of these when Cameron was a newborn, still use them all now at 9 months, and will continue to use them all for many months more (most of them for years more).  Talk about getting your money's worth!

1. Munchkin Shampoo Rinser - This is a soft flexible cup with a big handle.  I use it to pour water over Cameron to get her wet and to rinse off soap.
2. Leachco Safer Bather Infant Bath Pad - This plush bath pillow is a great alternative to bath bath tubs.  It absorbs water creating a warm, non-slip, soft surface for your baby to lay down on or to sit up on.  Wring it out and hang to dry, machine wash occasionally when needed.
3. Bath Kneeler - Trust me, you'll want something comfortable to kneel on next the tub.  Any bath kneeler will do, there are many kinds available.
4. Mommys Helper Safe-Er-Grip Drip Dry Portable Drying Rack - This drying rack suctions to the wall or side of the tub.  I hang our rinse cup, the bath kneeler, and wet washcloths on it.
5. Trend Lab Hooded Towels - These towels are large, thick, and well-made.  They are great for babies and for small children. We have three of them and will be using them for years to come.
6. Duckymeter Floating Bath Tub Thermometer - I actually started using this myself when I was pregnant and couldn't have the bath water too hot.  It floats in the tub and displays the water temperature, lighting up blue, green, or red showing if the temp is too cold, just right, or too hot.
7. Bouncy Chair - wait, what?!  Let me explain, I do not use this in the bath tub!  Bath time is a one parent deal in our house so the bouncy chair is vital.  I spread a towel over the chair (toy bar removed) and Cameron sits waiting in it while I get her bath ready.  Then I put her back in the chair after the bath, folding the towel around her, while I do a quick clean-up of the bath stuff.  The chair is my extra set of arms :)

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BABY BOTTLE FEEDING FAVORITES

Using the first two things on this list, I can make a warm bottle in 42 seconds flat... that's from start to finish and not rushing!  I love all of these things because they make bottle feeding quick and easy.

1. Baby Brezza Temperature Control Kettle - I love love LOVE this thing!!!  It is an electric water kettle that keeps water at a bottle-perfect 98° all day.  If you make the bottle with warm water, then you don't need to heat it.  It saves so much time and hassle... especially when you have a hungry, crying baby waiting.
2. Formula Dispensers - I have a few of these, different brands, and refill them every few days with perfectly measured formula powder.  To make a bottle, I use the warm water from the Brezza Kettle and mix in a section of pre-measured formula.  It is so super quick and easy that even the most sleep deprived parent could do it!
3. Munchkin Dishwasher Basket - A dishwasher basket is a huge time saver!  I washed all bottle parts by hand for months before getting one of these... why did I wait so long?!  You can load it full of bottle parts, breast pump parts, pacifiers, mesh feeders, and toys.
4. The First Years Spinning Drying Rack - This drying rack can hold a lot of things but doesn't take up much counter space.  It has gotten used daily since Cameron was born.  At first I used it to air dry my breast pump parts.  Now I use it to air dry bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc.  
5. Dr. Brown's Deluxe Electric Bottle Steam Sterilizer - You need to sterilize bottles, breast pump parts, and pacifiers after you wash them for the first six months of your baby's life.  There are inexpensive microwave sterilizers available.  This sterilizer is electric and fits a ton of things in it!  You pour water in using a provided measuring cup, arrange your items inside, turn it on, and walk away.  It shuts off by itself when it is finished.  We used this at least once every day (sometimes more) for six months.
6. Bottle Brush - These brushes are very useful for cleaning the insides of bottles, breast pump parts, toys, etc.  We have one that we only use for bottles and other baby items.

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BABY ON-THE-GO FAVORITES

Cameron and I get out of the house a few times during the week.  Here are the things that make our outings easy and stress-free.

1. Ju-Ju-Be BFF Diaper Bag - Diaper bags are purely a personal taste and preference thing.  You need to find one that is convenient and that you don't mind carrying around.  Ju-Ju-Be bags come in many different styles and patterns and have a lot of great features.  I was sold on the BFF after watching the video on their website and hearing great things about it from friends.  The BFF has a handle, a removable shoulder strap, and removable backpack straps.  It has plenty of room and numerous pockets for everything I need to travel with.
2. Pacifier Leash - Whether you buy some or make your own, a pacifier leash will keep that binky from falling on the ground and needing cleaned, or worse yet... getting lost.  I never leave home without one.
3. Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station - I take this instead of the diaper bag on quick trips.  It can hold diapers, wipes, and a few other small items.
4. Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat and Liteway Plus Stroller - We bought the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat after seeing how easy it was so snap in and out of the base and the Keyfit Caddy stroller (which we used for 7 months).  The Liteway Plus stroller is a new item that we recently bought to replace the Keyfit Caddy.  The Liteway Plus is an umbrella stroller that is also a car seat carrier.  It is so incredibly convenient, especially when we recently traveled through airports with the car seat and the stroller.  It's great just for around town as well because you don't always have to unhook the baby from the carseat, you can just snap the seat into the stroller!
5. Pacifier Wipes - These are super handy to keep in your diaper bag.  Use them to safely disinfect pacifiers or toys when you are out and can't get to a sink.
6. Pacifier Pod - This is a tiny pouch for keeping pacifier handy.  It has a snap closure so that it can hook onto a car seat, diaper bag, stroller, purse, etc.  Keep a clean extra pacifier in it at all times and it will be lifesaver if you are out and forgot one, lost one, or need a clean one!
7. Thermos Nissan 16oz Stainless Steel Backpack Bottle - This is a great little thermos that holds enough water for two bottles and keeps the water warm all day.  I fill it with warm water from our Brezza Kettle and can then quickly and easily make warm bottles when we are away from home.  It fits in our diaper bag and cup holders perfectly.
8. Formula Dispenser  - This is also in my Bottle Feeding Favorite list.  I always have some of these filled for daily use at home so when we are heading out, I grab one and throw it in the diaper bag.
9. Summer Infant Snuzzler - This provides soft head and body support that can be used in car seats, strollers, bouncy seats, and infant swings.  We use this specifically in our strollers to give Cameron a softer and more supportive seat to ride in.  It was especially useful when she was tiny and needed the extra support to hold her in securely in place.  We still use it now in our Bob stroller (it adjusts to grow with your child) to provide Cameron with a more comfortable ride.

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NEW MOM FAVORITE SPLURGES

As a new mom, you will be exhausted and won't have the time to pamper yourself like you used to.  Here are a few splurges that can make a huge difference in how you feel.

1. Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System - Giving yourself a mini facial everyday in the shower will leave you feeling refreshed, no matter how little sleep you got the night before.  Clarisonic can remove dirt and impurities, clear your pores and help them appear smaller, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Robe - I basically lived in a robe and pajamas from the day the baby was born in the hospital until months afterward.  It's nice having something cozy to wrap yourself in while you are up all hours of the night with a new baby.
3. Pajamas - We kept our house cool for the baby (and my hot flashes) so my little nighties where out of the question.  Having new pretty pajamas will keep you comfortable and help you feel better about your post-baby body.  Get loose pajama pants (or shorts) that won't dig into your still-swollen belly.  A button down pajama shirt is easy access for breastfeeding and easy to put on and take off even if you are sore.
4. Birchbox - I love to browse makeup and beauty items in stores but since I had a baby, I don't get to browse anything in stores very long anymore (unless she's napping!).  I learned about Birchbox from fellow a mommy blogger, Keith&Angie, and I love it!  For a $10 a month subscription (less if you subscribe for a year at once), you get a monthly box delivered containing beauty and lifestyle items customized to your profile.  Some items are samples and some are full sized.  It is such a treat to open every month - especially since some are expensive items I would never purchase just to try on my own.  This is beauty browsing brought straight to my door :)

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"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter,

nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier,

the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

~Author Unknown

DIY Pacifier Leash Tutorial

One of our cannot-live-without baby items is a pacifier leash.  It keeps the pacifier from falling to the floor and therefore needing washed.  If you have a baby, you know that a dirty pacifier is a tragedy when you are out and have a fussy baby!  Now that Cameron can put the pacifier in her mouth by herself, the leash also keeps it within her reach.

I bought a pacifier leash that we used for months.  I love that it kept the pacifier off of the floor but I didn't love that I couldn't take the clip off.  I needed to wash it often because Cameron likes to suck on the leash as much as she likes on the pacifier that it's attached to it.  Despite hand washing and drying it, the metal still began to rust.  I know that this was partly from me washing it and partly from Cameron's saliva.  Of course I don't don't want her to suck on something rusty so we needed a new one.

Pacifier leashes are such a simple design that I had no doubt that I could make some myself... and with a removable clip so that I could easily wash them and replace the clip if ever needed.

My first attempt worked but I am too much of a perfectionist to be happy with the reinforcing stitches that were necessary and visible.

After a day of contemplation, I figured out how to change the design to make it stronger with even more reinforcing stitches and more professional looking because those stitches are all hidden away inside.  I am thrilled with the result!

Materials needed:

• 19 inches of ribbon
• 4.5 inches of thin elastic
• 2 pieces of velcro the width of the ribbon
• 1 suspender clip
• coordinating thread

How to sew the ribbon and elastic:

Sew on your two pieces of velcro, leaving enough space in between for the clip.

Attach the suspender clip to the leash and you're done!

They are quick and easy to make.  I made two during Cameron's morning nap and still had time to get other things done before she woke up :)

Because the loop is elastic, it can easily go around toys to become a "toy leash"!

Washing these pacifier leashes is so simple without a metal clip to worry about!  I simply remove the clip and throw the leash in the wash with a load of her clothes.  I have even put the leashes in the dishwasher basket along with her pacifiers and then let them air dry.

The pacifier leash is Cameron tested and approved :)

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"Sewing fills my days, not to mention the living room, bedroom, and closets."

~Author Unknown

Family Friday: March 29

29 Weeks Old

I cannot believe it's the end of March already!  I've been a "single" parent for five months now.  It feels like forever ago that Johnnie actually left but at the same time, it feels like time has flown by.  The good news is that Johnnie is due back next month!  To celebrate his impending return, I will be having our blog's first giveaway soon.  Look for it within the next week.  It... will... be... awesome!

Cameron is still teething but she doesn't have any teeth yet.  It could take days, weeks, or even months before the teeth finally erupt.  There are times when she gets really fussy and I can actually feel the sharp tip of a tooth but then later it's gone.  It's like that darn tooth is teasing us.  Cameron has always been a big drooler but lately she has been drooling so much that she often chokes on it.  This week she has also started sucking and chewing on her lower lip.

A while ago, I bought Cameron an Amber Teething Necklace.  Amber necklaces are not for babies to chew on, instead they are simply to wear.  The claim is that "amber contains succinic acid, an all-natural anti-inflammatory with antibiotic and pain-relieving properties" so when babies wear the amber necklace (or bracelet), the succinic acid gets absorbed into their skin and helps relieve the pain, inflammation, and irritability associated with teething.  Do I think that it works?  I'm not sure yet.  Cameron doesn't even notice that it's on and she seems calmer when she has it on but it could be a coincidence.   The necklaces are not that expensive so I figured it was worth trying.  Besides, it fits around my wrist perfectly when looped twice so I can always wear it myself as a bracelet.  The healing properties of amber (assuming there really are some) are beneficial for adults as well.

One of Cameron's new favorite things to do is shake her head side to side.  Sometimes we will sit looking at each other and take turns shaking our heads.  It's obvious that she doesn't know that the gesture means "no" yet but it's still fun to ask her "no" questions just to see her shake her head in correct response :)

Cameron also loves to move around and reach for things all the time now, especially when I'm holding her or when I'm changing her diaper.  I swear that it's like trying to diaper an octopus at times.

I recently bought a Summer Infant Play Safe Play Yard for Cameron.  Honestly, this is more to keep Dulce out than to keep Cameron in.  I'm not worried about Dulce being around Cameron and they actually interact really well.  However, I am very tired of having to wash Cameron's toys and quilt practically every single day because Dulce licks them.  It's also nice having an area free of dog hair for Cam to play in.  For now, the fence is simply set up as a barrier.  As soon as Cameron starts pulling herself up, I will connect the fence which will make it more sturdy.  I was actually surprised by how comfortable Cameron seems to be in her play area.  She crawls all around and plays with her toys, content as can be.

I've mentioned my love of the RIE approach to parenting before.  One of the things this approach recommends is to provide a safe, enclosed area for your baby to encourage independent and uninterrupted play.  When babies are in a safe, child-sized environment, they feel comfortable to relax, play, and explore on their own.  Think about how differently you would feel being at a large amusement park as opposed to being at a neighborhood playground.  The world living room is a very big place for babies.  By giving them their own space, it helps make it less overwhelming for them.

Dulce on the other hand, doesn't like it so much.  She misses her play buddy.

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“Play is the answer to how anything new comes about.”

~Jean Piaget

Ready For First Foods

This is not a sponsored post.  We purchased all of these items ourselves and simply want to share our opinions. Thank you for joining us!

When you make your own baby food, you know exactly what your baby is eating because you choose the ingredients.  There is no chance of preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.  You also save money and the environment by not buying and discarding baby food jars and containers.

Making baby food is so easy and you don't need anything that you don't most likely already have.  You have to steam or boil the food which can be done in a microwave or on the stove, you need a blender or food processor for blending the food, and you need a way to freeze the food if you make large batches of it (ice cube trays work for that).

However, if you want to make the process super quick and simple, I recommend the Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker.

I am in love with the Beaba Babycook!  It's a small appliance about the size of a two-slice toaster.  You put a measured amount of water in the reservoir (on the left), put fresh or frozen food in the steamer basket inside the cup, lock everything into place, and turn it on.  The Beaba will steam the food perfectly and will shut off when it's finished.  Steaming food doesn't get any easier than that.

When the steaming process is complete, lift out the basket and save the remaining water to use for blending.  Put the steamed food into the blender cup, add some of the water saved from steaming, and blend it into a puree.  I got perfect creamy smooth puree each time.  All of the steaming and blending is done in this one device so there is very little cleanup involved as compared to using other baby food preparation methods.

There are many foods I will buy fresh but there are some foods that are so much easier to buy frozen.  When there are organic frozen foods available, I think it's worth using them to save on prep time.  Especially for things like butternut squash which are a pain to cut up yourself.

You can use ice cube trays for freezing baby food.  However, there are better alternatives available such as the Mumi&Bubi Compact Baby Food Freezer Storage Trays.  This is a pack of two trays with lids that each hold 21 perfect 1oz portions of baby food.  The lids protect the food while it's freezing and allow the trays to stack neatly.  The portion slots are rounded on the bottom so that the frozen food is easy to remove.

Once the portions are frozen, run the bottom of the trays under warm water for a few seconds, and then simply push the portions out.  I put the frozen portions into a freezer bag for storage until use.  The trays are top-rack dishwasher safe.

I'm already formulating ideas in my head for using the Beaba and Mumi&Bubi trays for things other than baby food... can you imagine blended fruit frozen into 1oz portions to use in smoothies, or frozen portions of sauces or herbs to quickly add in when cooking?!  So many possibilities :)

I also have the Baby Bullet Complete Baby Care System but only because I bought it from a neighbor friend at an unrefusable price.  The Bullet comes with two blades, two cups for blending, a silicone freezer tray, and six storage cups.

I admit, I do really like the milling blade.  This blade allows you to turn grains and rice into a fine powder to prepare by itself or to combine with any fruit and veggie puree.  You know that homemade baby rice or oatmeal cereal is a great thing if you've ever looked at the list of ingredients on the average store-bought box.

However, the average food processor will also turn grains and rice into a fine powder.  If you have a food processor or a really powerful blender then the Baby Bullet really is not worth buying.

I blended up some avocado puree (avocado and water) in the Baby Bullet while food was steaming in the Beaba.  The end result was a smooth and creamy puree although I had to shake the cup a few times to ensure that all the pieces made contact with the blade.

The one thing actually love about the Baby Bullet is the manual/cookbook that comes with it!  It contains some great recipes, feeding charts and schedules, and baby food making tips.

The Baby Bullet claims that you can "Make an entire week's worth of all natural baby food in less than 5 minutes!". The blending time certainly takes less than 5 minutes, but that obviously does not include cook time.  The instructions tell you that in addition to the Baby Bullet system, you also need a vegetable steamer.  The Beaba is a steamer as well as a blender which is much more convenient.  However, the Bullet does come with food storage containers and the Beaba does not.

A big difference between Beaba Babycook and the Baby Bullet is the blade.  The Beaba's blade is removable which allows for a complete and thorough cleaning of all the parts.  The Bullet's blade is not removable so you can never completely clean the underside of the blades or where it is connected to the base.  I have a personal blender that I use for smoothies and like the Bullet, the blade is not removable.  Food "gunk" inevitably builds up under the blade and I do my best to scrub it with a toothbrush occasionally.  For making baby food, I feel more comfortable with the cleanliness of a removable blade.

One necessity for feeding baby is a high chair.  I personally never wanted to get a typical high chair because 1) it takes up too much space and 2) it separates the baby from family meals.  Children learn by example.  I want our children to eat with us at the table so that they are part of our meal and can learn table manners by watching us.  There are some great options available for this purpose including tray-less high chairs that pull up to a table and booster seats or space-saver high chairs that attach to a regular dining chair.

Being a military family that travels as much as we do, I considered portability as well and therefore went with the Inglesina Fast Table Chair.  It folds flat so that we can take it with us whether we eating away from home or traveling.  The couplings under the table twist securely onto tables up to 3.5" thick and the top arms won't scratch the table's surface.  It is lightweight, washable, and holds children up to 37 pounds.  We will use this chair until she graduates to a booster seat.

Welcome to the world of food, baby girl!  It's going to be an exciting culinary adventure that we can't wait to share with you!

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"Cooking is so popular today because it’s the perfect mix of food and fun."

~Emeril Lagasse