There seem to be several mixed reviews on this book. Personally, I found it especially helpful when preparing meals for my son when he was between 6 and 15 months old, though I still continue to use it from time to time now that he's almost 2. The book has plenty of good information on food safety, prep and storage as well as lots of basic recipes. I didn't find following the recipies to a "T" helpful, but simply to get the general idea and then experiment on my own. Use common sense and your doctor's advice with regard to the ingredients introduced at what age (i.e., egg whites, honey, wheat) is my suggestion. My son loved having a wide variety of nutritious foods, and still does in part due to this book. Just keep in mind it's a resource, not a food bible!

A wonderful book for the first time parents, grandparents and anyone interested in all the various things that need to be thought about with regard to the feeding of a baby.
This book is jam packed with information and easy recipes and would be a thoughtful gift for expectant parents.

I am surprised with some of the lower reviews on this book. Some of the reviewers seem fanatical and others just plain incorrect. I feel pretty strongly about this which is why I decided to write my first Amazon review.

I am not yet a mother, but I do know a lot about health and nutrition. I am a Pilates & Yoga teacher and a former health columnist. I studied several books before purchasing this one for a shower gift years ago. The then mommy-to-be told me it was so helpful and that she used it all the time, especially when first starting to feed her baby boy. She still refers to it today as she cooks for her 3-year-old! I have since bought it for 3 or 4 baby showers. I've found that this book is appropriate for people with a deeper understanding of health & nutrition as well as nutritionally-challenged people who need a book that will inform them without scaring them off.

Back when I first bought this book, I was at the book store for about an hour comparing various babyfood books and Homemade Baby Foods was by far the best when it came to providing a lot of great information in an organized, reader-friendly, and non-intimidating way. "Search inside" the book and see for yourself.

Linardakis gives great "side tips" that pop out in colored print. In one tip, she explains how to thoroughly wash produce to remove pesticides using a natural bristly brush and warm water or a vegi-wash.

Go to a bookstore and compare the different books. I think you will see what I mean!

This book was referred to me by my best friend. I really didn't think that I would find the time to make my own food, but it really is cheaper and more healty for my sweet little prince. It gives good ideas for recipes and a chart on when to statrt your baby on certain foods. I have purchased this book for two of my pregnant friends.

I wish I had this book when my baby was 6 months old and just starting out! Many of the recipes would seem to be common sense: boil or steam a vegetable/fruit and puree it. However I'm not very creative at meal planning and being told exactly how to steam a peach is actually quite helpful. She explains how to prepare foods I wouldn't have thought of for a baby like celery or cucumber or red bell pepper. She even explains how to make your own teething biscuits. For those who need simple instructions and basic ideas, this book is great. Plus it draws info from a panel of experts including two doctors, a nurse, a dietician, and a nutritionist.

Most of the ingredients are common and probably in your kitchen. There are several fun ethnic recipes too which may contain a few unusual ingredients but they aren't hard to find. It doesn't pretend to be a health-food book but is not filled with unhealthy recipes either (except the holiday foods chapter).

She does not recommend eggs or yogurt for a 4mo baby as someone said. She clearly states that yolks wait until 8mo and whites 1yr, and yogurt 7mo. In fact she is careful to list a number of allergenic and/or dangerous foods to avoid in the first year including honey and peanut butter (although I was surprised by honey-peanut butter icing for "First Birthday Cake" as friends at the party may not be a year yet). The recipes containing these foods are obviously intended for toddlers.

There is plenty of helpful information on specific nutrients and nutritional requirements at various ages. There is one chapter of 10 pages on breast/bottle; it's not half the book. This book is excellent for a new mom during the first year and after that you'll probably want to collect a few more references.