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Top parenting stories this week
Baby Finger Food Recipes
Try these finger food tips and recipes as you teach your baby to feed himself
by: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers
Best Baby Finger Foods
- Introduce finger foods at 8 or 9 months and do it one at a time, slowly adding new ones for your baby to try.
- Start with finger foods your baby likes in puréed form before introducing new tastes.
- Finger foods should be soft enough for your child to gum.
- A few raw finger foods to try include banana, avocado and grated cheese.
- Finger foods such as apple slices or asparagus spears should be cooked first so your child can manage them.
elf-feeding is an exciting developmental milestone for both mom and baby, but serving the wrong size or texture of food can put your little one at risk of choking. A few simple tips can help you take the fear out of introducing finger foods. To view the full story click here.
Homemade Baby Food On-the-Go
Whether it's a short road trip or a long flight, here's how to pack healthy baby take-out
by: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers
Baby Food to Go
- Purée fresh fruit and veggies and freeze them in ice cube trays for ready-made meals you can take anywhere.
- Vegetable and fruit purées will keep in the freezer for four to six months.
- Frozen food cubes take three to four hours to thaw in the refrigerator and one to two hours to thaw at room temperature.
- An insulated lunch bag and a set of plastic containers with lids make baby takeout a breeze.
ust because you're away from home doesn't mean your baby needs to eat out of a jar. Here's how to prepare baby meals in motion. To view the full story click here.
Is Your Child a Picky Eater?
If your toddler lives on bread and cheese, here's how you can get him to expand his food repertoire.
by: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers
Picky Eaters
- Picky eating is a common developmental behavior and is about control, not taste.
- Start introducing new tastes and textures early to help prevent bad habits from forming.
- Use words like "special treat" to describe broccoli and carrots, not chocolate and cookies.
- Put new foods on your child's plate first.
- Aim for one bite (or even a lick!) of the new food and go from there.
rustrated by your picky eater? Don't worry, your toddler isn't destined for a life of chicken nuggets and white bread. Here's how to handle a picky eater. To view the full story click here.
When Can You Add Spice to Baby Food?
If you're worried that your baby's food is too bland, here's when (and how) to start spicing things up
by: Ali Chernoff and Chantel Canessa
Adding Spice to Baby Food
- Most babies can handle herbs and some spices by eight months of age.
- Spices are transferred through breast milk and you may find your baby can tolerate some better than others.
- Herbs are often easier than spices for babies to digest.
- It’s important not to add salt to baby food because a baby’s kidneys can’t process it.
hen it comes to baby’s first food, the blander the better – at least in those first few months. Here’s a look at some common questions parents have about when to add herbs and spices, and which ones are better for your baby. To view the full story click here.
Baby's First Thanksgiving
Easy recipes for baby to join in the holiday meal.
by: Nancy Ripton
baby thanksgiving
- Any baby who has started solids can partake in the family Thanksgiving meal.
- Go easy on the butter and salt for baby.
- A touch of chicken stock is a great mix for pureed turkey.
- Look for squash that is heavy for its size, with a dull appearance and hard rind.
on’t feel your baby has to celebrate Thanksgiving with a jar a pureed sweet potatoes. Any baby who has started solids can share in this family holiday meal. To view the full story click here.
