Start at the Beginning.....

...a very good place to start!
At age 9 months, William is almost fully on table foods now, although I still avoid some of the major allergens (wheat, fish, nuts, etc.).  I thought I would backtrack a little bit with more detail to help parents who want to start their babies on more adventurous foods. 

First Mashes/Purees
Avocado: make sure it is ripe! A Hass avocado skin should appear dark, almost black instead of green, and it should give a bit when you press it with your thumb. Cut in half, and twist to disengage one half from the pit.  Use a spoon to scoop out just the amount you want to use, then replace the halves together (helps prevent browning) and store in an airtight container in the fridge.  When you are ready to use the other half, the easiest way to remove the pit is to hold the avocado in one hand and a large heavy knife in the other.  Carefully whack the knife into the center of the pit like you're chopping with an axe. Hold the avocado still, and use the knife to twist out the pit.
Mash the avocado with a fork to desired consistency. For very early eaters, thin with breastmilk or formula.  As a first food, babies will likely only eat a few bites. Within 2 weeks, William was up to 1/4 avocado twice a day.
*1/4 avocado has 5 grams of healthy fat, 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein

Sweet Potato:  Scrub potato well in the sink, then poke a few holes all around with a sharp knife or fork.  Place on plate and microwave about 4 minutes (this of course depends on the size of the sweet potato and your microwave!).  When potato is soft to the touch all around, cut in half and scoop out desired amount from the skin.  Mash with fork (or puree a whole batch), and thin out with formula or breastmilk if needed.
*2 oz sweet potato has 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein and is rich in potassium

Banana:
The easiest, most convenient natural baby food! It is not quite as nutrient-rich as avocado or sweet potato, but is still a great first food.  Make sure the banana is fully ripe (barely any green left on skin, beginning to brown is even better), and mash desired amount with a fork. Thin with breastmilk or formula if desired.
*2 oz banana has 1 gram of fiber, some vitamin C and lots of carbs!

In my next post I will suggest some first finger foods that are natural and easy to prepare, such as avocado, sweet potato and banana......(hmmmm, deja vu, anyone?).