Dear Wondering Mom,

There are so many brands and types of baby food on the grocery store shelf. I know it can seem pretty confusing to select the best food for your baby.

If your baby is just beginning to learn to eat baby food, start with the single ingredient pureed food. No lumps or mixtures of flavors and ingredients.

Many food allergists suggest sweet potatoes and pears. The green vegetables and all fruits in the jar are also easy to digest and swallow. Single ingredient rice cereal is also a good choice.

Some babies with GERD cannot tolerate fruit with a lot of acid such as peaches and applesauce. You don't have to avoid them unless your little girl shows you that she can't tolerate it (turning away, crying).

If vomiting is an issue, you may need to thicken the foods a bit. I find that the pureed foods may reflux back up because of the runny consistency. Perhaps mix a one ingredient fruit with rice cereal to thicken it.

Also try eating at a separate time than drinking a bottle. Let her stomach settle and digest before adding more.

Let me know what foods you have tried so far. Will she eat any table food like crackers or pasta?

Good luck and happy eating!

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom