In the first months of life, there is nothing better for a baby than breast milk. The World Health Organization and experienced pediatricians advise supporting breastfeeding for at least six months.
After six months, the time comes for the introduction of complementary foods. By this time, young parents are already gaining experience, but each new stage in the baby’s life still raises many questions.
On the shelves of children's stores presented a huge assortment of well-known domestic and foreign manufacturers. The main character of our review was the Gerber brand - baby food trusted by mothers and fathers all over the world.
Story
The idea to establish the production of baby food came to mind Dorothy Gerber. On one of the hot summer days in 1927, a young mother once again cooked a treat for her baby Sally. The need to wipe the fruit every day and the complexity of this process led her to the idea of mass production of mashed potatoes, which she immediately shared with her husband and, concurrently, the owner of a small canning company.
Daniel Gerber enthusiastically accepted the idea: various studies were conducted, consultations with economists and nutritionists, the technology was developed. After all the preparations, a trial batch of fruit puree was tested by Mrs. Gerber and several other employees of the enterprise. One year later, in America began to sell “Gerber” - baby food, consisting of five types of mashed potatoes.
Range
The introduction of the first feeding is a crucial moment. It is very important to interest the baby with new products, which means that the taste of mashed potatoes matters. You will be surprised that such a small child may have their own preferences.
One of the main reasons why parents choose Gerber baby food is the range. Even in 1928, one could see jars of mashed carrots, prunes, peas, spinach and based on beef soup. For modern kids, the company produces about 500 items of products that differ in taste and texture.
Technology and quality
Choosing vegetables and fruits in the store, we appreciate the freshness, appearance and aroma. In the same way, the Gerber factory operates. Baby food, reviews of which will be presented in our review, is prepared using a special technology: “Natural and healthy”. Due to the reduction of cooking time, the ingredients retain their unique taste, aroma and, of course, benefit.
The tightness of the packaging and the absence of harmful microbes are guaranteed by a lid with a protrusion, which was developed by Gerber specialists in 1963. At the first opening, we hear a distinctive clap, and an open jar can be stored for 24 hours.
Advertising campaign
Daniel and Dorothy Gerber from the very beginning paid a lot of attention to the promotion of goods. In 1928, a competition was announced to label Gerber puree. Among the works sent was a portrait of baby Anna Turner. After placing the illustration in advertising, the brand’s popularity grew several times, so they decided to make the image an official logo.
The company received many letters, and in 1938 Mrs. Gerber began to personally respond to customers. Thirty years later, the Care Line appeared, where parents could ask brand experts their questions. A 24-hour telephone line is still operating - consultants not only answer questions regarding Gerber nutrition, but also give advice on caring for a child.
In 2007, big changes took place - the brand joined the largest company Nestle. “Gerber” (baby food) cost the corporation $ 5.5 billion. However, the merger did not affect the quality of the products.
More than 60 years ago, in Poland, with the support of Gerber, the Association of Farmers appeared. The main goal of specialists from America was to establish relationships with suppliers and help in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits that meet high requirements. Today, the third generation of farmers is delivering their best Gerber baby food products.
First step
The introduction of complementary foods does not mean the end of breastfeeding. On the contrary, new dishes should appear on the menu gradually. Experienced pediatricians are advised to start with cereal, as well as fruit and vegetable purees.
At the “first step” (from 4.5 months), one-piece baby food “Gerber” is recommended - zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrots, pear, apple, peach and prunes. Puree, consisting of only one vegetable or fruit, allows you to observe the reaction of the baby. Start with ½ teaspoon and gradually increase the volume.
Reviews
Without salt and vegetable oil, it is sometimes difficult for adult mothers and fathers to understand how to eat vegetable puree without traditional seasonings. However, this composition is ideal for inexperienced children's taste.
According to customer reviews, all single-component Gerber purees have a very delicate texture that kids like. The only drawback is the price. The cost of one jar is in the range of 45-65 rubles.
From 6 months
For babies over six months old, Gerber baby food is even easier to find. The company's specialists offer to diversify the menu with the following products:
- Fruit and milk dessert. It can be a combination of “fruit + cottage cheese” or “fruit + cream”, as well as yoghurt puree.
- Vegetable and fruit puree: apple, banana and apricot.
- Vegetables with meat: stewed vegetables with veal, spaghetti with chicken and tender vegetables with a rabbit. Mashed potatoes have a thicker consistency, which contributes to the development of chewing reflexes. According to some buyers, the finished dishes contain little meat. For example, in the combination of “mashed potatoes with chicken”, carrots and potatoes come first in composition, and then chicken meat (about 10%).
- Mashed potatoes in soft packaging. An ideal snack during long walks. Baby food is hidden in small airtight bags - puree “Gerber” of five different types: “Apple and banana”, “4 fruits”, “Raspberries, pear and cereals”, “Sunny cocktail” and “Fruit and vegetable mix”.
It is worth noting that the composition of mashed potatoes for children after 6 months becomes more complicated. For example, a little starch (3%), fruit pectin, and acidity regulators are added to fruit treats for consistency. Rapeseed or sunflower oil is also found in all mashed potatoes - a source of fatty acids that are necessary for babies.
DoReMi
The nutrition of children after a year causes a lot of controversy among specialists. Some believe that the child is already ready to eat from the “adult” table, while others warn and speak of an excessive load on the stomach. A gradual transition to ordinary food will help to implement a special line of “Gerber”.
Baby food maker named DoReMi. Children over 12 months are invited to try hearty lunches:
- Pollock fillet with vegetables and rice;
- vegetables with beef meatballs;
- treat a little fisherman;
- turkey stew with rice.
Experienced mothers note the variety of vegetables and seasonings in DoReMi ready-made dishes: salt, white pepper, onion, basil, parsnip, dill and even garlic. In addition, all the ingredients are sliced quite coarsely, including green peas, so these dishes will not work for kids who can’t chew.
First sweets
Pediatricians do not advise to accustom the child to "adult" confectionery. In children's stores you can easily find sweets to please the baby. After a year, “Gerber” offers to treat children with bars and DoReMi cookies.
Everyone who chooses “Gerber” (baby food), the composition and appearance of fruit bars on a waffle disappointed. Components that alerted parents:
- Iron pyrophosphate is a dietary supplement (inorganic compound) used to enrich dietary foods and baby foods with iron.
- Maltodextrin is a combination of glucose, dextrin, maltotriose and maltose molecules. It is used in the food industry as a substitute for sugar; it is dangerous for patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Palm olein - vegetable oil from oil palm, reduces calcium absorption.
- Calcium Citrate is a food supplement that is used as a flavoring or preservative. May cause a serious allergic reaction.
The waffle in DoReMi bars is more like paper, so not all kids will agree to such a snack. Of course, if you compare the composition with similar products for adults or other confectionery, then not everything is so serious.
Cookies “Calcium, Iron, Vitamins”
“Gerber” - baby food that deserves your attention. Of the two delicacies presented, experienced parents prefer the “5 vitamins” liver. The product does not contain preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Enriched with a mixture of vitamins for a growing body:
- B6 and B1 for the nervous system;
- niacin and B2 for proper metabolism.
The main advantage of Gerber cookies is the lack of palm oil, which today can be found in the products of many manufacturers of baby food.
Advantages and disadvantages:
- Consistency. Cookies are quite dense, but crispy, do not break during transportation. The image of a teddy bear pleases adults and children.
- Packaging. Convenient “zip-zipper” preserves the freshness of the product.
- Taste. According to some buyers, cookies are too sweet. It resembles a mixture of condensed milk and ice cream.
Parents of babies prone to allergies should be more careful. The composition contains honey, and may also contain traces of soy, nuts and eggs.