Top parenting stories this week

• 1.  When do Babies get Teeth?
• 2.  Changing from Two Naps to One
• 3.  What Happens to Your Body After Childbirth
• 4.  Lower Back Pain after Baby
• 5.  Separation Anxiety

Introducing Solid Foods — Beyond the Basics

Making Your Own Food

It's easier than you think. Here's a recipe to get you started:

Green Pea Puree

1 ¾ pounds fresh peas or 24 ounces of frozen peas

Step 1: PREP - Wash and shell peas. Discard pods. If using frozen peas, start at step 2.

Step 2: COOK - Place peas and 2 Tablespoons (30ml) of water in a microwave-safe dish.  Cover. Cook six to eight minutes. Let stand for five minutes. Peas are done if they can be mashed easily with a fork.

Step 3: PUREE - Place peas and cooking juices into a blender of food processor. Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup (30-60 ml) of water. Puree. Add additional water, as needed, to develop a smooth texture.

Step 4: FREEZE - Spoon into ice cube trays. Cover. Place in freezer eight to 10 hours or overnight. Remove cubes from trays, place in storage container or freezer bag, and return immediately to the freezer.

Makes 24, 1-ounce servings. Stays fresh for 2 months in the freezer.

To serve, select frozen green pea cubes from the freezer, defrost and warm, check the temperature and feed.

Meet our experts:

Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. They are the creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats, available at many fine specialty stores and national chains including Target and Whole Foods Markets.

Dr. Jennifer Shu is a board-certified pediatrician in Atlanta. She is editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Baby & Child Health: The Essential Guide from Birth to 11 Years and co-author of the award-winning books Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights, both published by the AAP.
 For more information go to www.jennifershu.com