The Wholesome Baby Food Guide

January 1, 2012

In this cookbook for parents who want to learn simple recipes for their infants and toddlers, Meade, who writes and edits www.wholesomebabyfood.com, first concentrates on when to introduce certain foods and how best to test for food allergies. Readers will appreciate her easy approach to making purees, as she includes required tool lists, nutritional facts, and clear instructions for each recipe. The book is organized into three sections based on age group, from four months to eight months and older. The recipes are simple, although some are too easy--e.g., in many slow-cooker meat dishes, Meade opts to place raw meat directly in the Crock-Pot, which, as many cooks know, does not enhance flavor. On the flip side, the Overnight Crock-Pot Oatmeal recipe provides a warming, nutritious breakfast for the whole family, and Meade's roasted vegetable recipes bring out all the lovely flavors. VERDICT While it's clear that Meade is not a gourmet chef, the recipes and ideas in her book are nice basics for new parents struggling with their child's venture into solid foods. [Baby-food cookbooks are becoming increasingly popular. Consider also Renee Elliott's recent, puree-heavy Healthy Eating for Your Baby & Toddler.--Ed.]--Claire Moitra, Providence

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.