Gerber's rich history began in 1927 in Fremont, Michigan. A young couple, Daniel and Dorothy Gerber, strained foods at home for their 7-month-old on the advice of their pediatrician. They eventually began mass-producing the food at their canning company for sale to the public. Sales went well, but it was Ann Turner Cook, a chubby-cheeked baby with sparkling eyes, who became known as the Gerber baby and brought the brand to life.
Formula
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that babies receive breast milk to help boost their immune system and protect them against a variety of diseases and conditions. Some medical and lifestyle situations, however, make it difficult or impossible for a mother to breastfeed her baby. Gerber offers a variety of infant and baby formulas in its Good Start line of products designed to take baby through his first year. The Gentle Plus line, available in traditional formula, stage two for babies ages 9 to 24 months, and ready-to-feed packs, combines whey proteins with DHA and ARA to aid in the development of the brain and eyes. Protect Plus, also available in stage two, adds cultures similar to those found in breastmilk that give a boost to the immune system, along with whey proteins, DHA and ARA. Soy Plus uses dairy-free soy proteins, rather than whey, for babies who are lactose intolerant. Also available in stage two, Soy Plus contains the same DHA and ARA found in other Gerber formulas.
Cereal
KidsHealth recommends starting babies on solid foods, usually some rice cereal mixed with breastmilk or formula, between the ages of 4 to 7 months, or when they seem interested and their tongue-thrust reflex has subsided. Gerber's line of cereals includes single grain, DHA- and probiotic-fortified, mixed grain, grain and fruit, and eight grains and yogurt. Gerber also makes organic versions of its brown rice and oatmeal cereals.
Gerber 1st Foods
Gerber's line of 1st Foods offers individual fruits and vegetables instead of mixed foods to help pinpoint any food allergies the baby may have. The foods, many of which are available in organic versions, contain no added sugar, starch or sodium but are rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Gentle fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears and sweet potatoes, have been pureed into a texture conducive to a baby learning how to eat.
2nd Foods
When a baby has eaten a variety of single fruits and vegetables without any indication of food allergies, it may be time to introduce her to more complex tastes and textures. Gerber's line of 2nd Foods includes mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, thicker purees, fruit mixed with cereal, and baby's first taste of meats and complete meals. Some of the products are available in organic versions or with added DHA and antioxidants.
3rd Foods
Gerber designed its line of 3rd Foods specifically for babies who are getting ready to move onto toddler finger foods. The line features thicker purees with pieces of fruits, vegetables or pastas designed to help the baby learn to work his jaw to chew food. Larger portion sizes accommodate the baby's increased appetite, while more complex food combinations introduce him to new tastes. The 3rd Foods line offers fruits, vegetables, cereals with or without fruit, dinners, and spoonable smoothies.
