In my last blog posts, I’ve been talking about how we’ve been feeding our baby foods that we prepare ourselves, so that we can better control what our little guy is consuming and so that we can introduce him to new varieties of food. Being back at work, time is way more compressed, and while we’re still breastfeeding, frankly sometimes things happen when we get home and we run into situations where we may need to take a shortcut to ensure that His Nibs is getting everything he needs.  First-time parents can commiserate, I’m sure. Here are a couple of tips you can try. Frozen fruit can be a lifesaver – if it’s only fruit and nothing else.  Defrost it, grind it or cut it up.  Use it the same way you would fresh fruit and you can introduce your little one to new flavours.  They won’t be as good as fresh fruit in season – but in a pinch... Sometimes you want convenience, especially if you’re on the go.  So, on occasion, you should feel okay with using jarred fruits – make sure you read the ingredients and avoid using fruit ‘desserts’ as they may contain a lot of sugar.  Another option is the unsweetened applesauces and mixed apples and other fruit snack packs.  There’s a lot of choice here – just go for the unsweetened versions (you can choose organic or not).  Our guy loves an unsweetened pomegranate and apple blend.  Remember that the ones labelled ‘baby’ tend to be more expensive than the others, despite the fact that they contain the exact same ingredients, so make your choices accordingly.  If you’re more comfortable with the ‘baby’ label – by all means, fill your boots.  Just make sure it’s unsweetened. Canned foods can contain a lot of salt, sugar and preservatives.  On the other hand, though, there are some brands that are offering new choices.  We were out of greens once and in a pinch, I came across a can of green beans. I read the label and found that the ingredients listed numbered only two: green beans and water.  Since I was adding it to foods I’d already prepared myself, I was more comfortable giving the baby this than something with salt, etc.  I know that some of the nutrients may have been leeched out in their cooking process, but at least I knew the ingredients.  I wouldn’t do that all the time but again, in a pinch... Just read the labels – that’s the best advice I can give – on everything. We still prepare his food and we’ll be breastfeeding until he’s about 12 months, or longer depending on how things are going.  I still spend an hour or two every week or two making his meals– or at least putting together enough ready-made ingredients to make him something delicious and nutritious for breakfast at home with us, for lunch and snacks at his wonderful care provider’s house and for dinner back at the homestead. He’s thriving.  His doctor is thrilled with how lively, alert and happy he is.  I like to think that we have everything to do with that.