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A purée primer

For many babies, the first morsel of food comes from a jar—we examine what's on the shelves

By
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Originally published in Today's Parent June 2004

“What’s up with all the baby food?” This from my 10-year-old son after surveying my home-office desk, which is strewn with little jars — a sea of labels plastered with impossibly cute babies staring out at me. Amid the strained squash and puréed peas, toddler banana graham pie and junior turkey stew are umpteen boxes of mixed and rice baby cereals. Nobody in our home has gone near a spoonful of Pablum in almost a decade, and I have to admit I share my son’s confusion.

What is up with commercial baby food?

To begin with, the product range is bewilderingly huge, growing bigger every year. “Choice” appears to be the mantra among manufacturers, and it’s reflected wholeheartedly in the vast array on supermarket shelves. Indeed, it’s estimated the average North American household buys some 600 jars, or 2,400 fluid ounces, of commercial baby food in year one of an infant’s life.

If you’re a first-time buyer (i.e. a sleep-deprived parent), you can expect to spend some quality time in the baby food aisle deciphering lingo, labels and contents before making that first purchase. Here’s a guide to help you find your way:

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