Starting Solids

[Rachel V]

My DD is 14 mo and has just begun to really eat solid foods about 3 weeks ago. She is still mostly breast fed. I have done elimination diets with her while she was EBF and we avoid gluten, dairy and legumes. I wanted to stay away from grains with her, but, the only way I could get her to eat was with Happy Baby Gluten Free puffs (rice, apple juice, sweet potato and vitamins). I thought we could start with these and transition into other foods. She also eats coconut flour pancakes, scrambled egg yolks and beef. I'm still working on introducing more foods. 

So, the first week she did not have a BM for 5 days, I gave her a suppository and she went a lot. 

Then into the 2nd week she didn't have another BM for 4 days, so I gave her another suppository and she went a normal amount. (I was nervous she was in pain because she has been very whinny since starting solids. BUT, she has also cut 2 teeth and has begun working on her 1st molars as well.)

Both times the pooh was thick like peanut butter and a dark orange (and stinky). 

2 days later she went on her own and her pooh was green and mucousy. I know this is usually an indication of a food intolerance but I have also read that it is "normal" when baby transitions to solids. 

That was 2 days ago and we are halfway through the day and no pooh today.

So, my question is, does this sound like a food allergy or a typical transition into solids thing?

Thanks!!! 

Rachel

[Pat Robinson]

Have you tried broth, smoothies, cooked veggies? Does she like warm or cold foods? Crunchy, carry it around  --- or liquid type foods? Creamy/buttery? Salty? What about raw fruits and veggies? (avocado/banana) Puddings? Hummus or veggie dips or sauces/mashed potato? What about raw dairy?

Our son liked salmon and sweet potato cooked plain.

Green pooh is not ideal. Was there more outside activity/less drinking to make the thicker, slower pooh? Any other dietary changes in mama's diet?

Here are more foods to consider regarding constipation: http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/constipation-1



Pat

[Rachel V]

Yes, I have tried bone broth, bone broth rice, smoothies, cooked veggies, raw veggies, cooked fruit, raw fruit, purees, raw goats milk and cheese, and more. I have not tried any fish yet, I will do that asap! Thanks :) 

She really enjoys having crunchy, savory food that she can carry around. She likes to do everything herself but won't even touch anything that is mushy or wet (avocado, banana, fruit, etc.). I'm trying to get rid of those puffs but she just LOVES them so much-I'm afraid that they are binding her up though. I also have read that coconut flour can do that (despite all of the fiber in it)?

Oh, and I make her juice kefir that she drinks, sometimes (she has it in her cup everyday). I also try to get her to drink sauerkraut juice.. she liked it when she was really little but not so much anymore. 

She also takes epsom salt baths every other day

Thanks for the link!

[Pat Robinson]

What about baked "fried" potatoes? Kale chips? "raw crackers" (probably need a dehydrater to do that), roasted veggies? Savory soups (pumpkin, onion, potato purees) thinned down - in a cup. What about quiche (with veggies pureed in it) or Pancakes can have toppings or additions also. I made gluten-free "tortilla pancakes" and rolled or melted things in them. Black bean brownies are another possibility.

Oh, I remember, I made banana/zucchini bread and froze it. It had all sorts of veggies in it. Did the same with meatloaf. Erik liked to carry it around and munch on it!

What about fry or bake "potato chips"?

Pat

[Rachel V]

"fried" potatoes and kale chips are great ideas! Thanks :) They will have a similar texture to her rice things. 

Right now I "hide" purees in her pancakes. We just made pumpkin pancakes that were sooo yummy! But I'm afraid the coconut flour is constipating her?

What did you use to make your banana/zucchini bread? Sounds yummy :) 

She just ate some beef and broccoli (well she spit out the broccoli but ate the beef). I think she would love to cary a chunk of meatloaf around the house! haha

<3

[Pat Robinson]

Hmmm... it was a long time ago, lol. I don't think we were eating gluten then. But, I'm not recalling a gluten-free flour either. I've used Pamela's gluten-free baking mix. But, it has a lot of ingredients, including buttermilk. Almond flour might work. I don't have a recipe but bet there is a gluten-free banana bread or zucchini bread recipe out there.

Yep, found a few:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Gluten-Free-Banana-Bread
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2010/08/zucchini-bread.html
http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/entrees/r/glutenfreemeatloafr...

waffles are a hit here too and more "portable" for little fingers.

muffins too.

Oh, check about the Sue Gregg blender batter method. It is a more traditional way to prepare grains, soaking and such, and then you can play with additional ingredients for structure (almond flour, rice flour, black beans).

I add veggie puree and almond meal to everything or black beans for 'structure'. I experiment, lol.

Pat

[Rachel V]

Thank you so much Pat! I appreciate all the advice :)