Just when you have gotten good at figuring out how much and how often your baby needs to nurse or have a bottle, it is time to introduce solids. This doesn't mean the end of nursing and bottle feeding, your baby will continue to receive the bulk of their nourishment from the breast and/or bottle for quite a while yet. Whether you decide to introduce early (4 to 5 months) or wait as long as possible (1 year) the time will come (usually at about 6 or 8 months), when you will just have a feeling that it is the right time for you and your baby to take this big step. However, as soon as you make the decision, you may find yourself faced with a long list of questions, like: what food to give first and why, how long to wait in between introducing each food, what you should be watching out for, what to do if a food is rejected and what you can do to help avoid picky eating behaviors. Well, I may not have all of the answers you are looking for, but I do have a few tried and true tips that can make the whole process a lot easier.
1. Start bland, don't stay bland.
Nearly every pediatrician will recommend that you begin by introducing things like powdered rice or oat cereal prepared with breast milk or formula, because these grains are easy on the stomach, and the fluids will help maintain the flavor profiles that your baby is used to. You should consult your pediatrician at every step of introducing solids, since they will most likely be up to date on any new information about foods to avoid or to be extra cautious about giving based on any risks of E-Coli or other risk factors you might be unaware of. Which food to introduce after your baby is consistently taking the cereal is the cause for quite a bit of debate, I personally think that spices should come next. The benefits of introducing spices early on is that you will be able to pinpoint spice sensitivities more easily during the first few weeks of introducing solid food, and as you introduce more foods you will have the freedom to add a touch of seasoning to help keep your babies palette open and flexible, which can head off picky eating later on. Spices such as cumin, fennel, nutmeg and ginger are great because they soothe digestion as well as add a beautiful flavor to many fruits and veggies. Also, garlic, mint, and turmeric can help boost immunity and thyme and fennel can help sooth gas and relieve constipation. Another great benefit of including spices in your baby's food is that they almost all contain B vitamin complexes (that are associated with maintaining a positive mood) and calcium, fiber and iron (which we are always trying to get more of into our kids diets). Some major spices to steer clear of are cinnamon and celery which are both higher than average allergy risks (fresh celery is not as high a risk as the powdered spice version is), salt, and any hot spices, such as black pepper, cayenne and jalapenos.
2. Keep a log.
Tracking your baby's new foods is ultra-important, since introducing new foods properly is easier than you'd think to get confused about. Each new spice or food should be introduced, then given to your little taste-tester a few more times over the next three days. After the initial introduction, the new food can be mixed with the foods which your baby has already been introduced to during the three day waiting period (of course spices would be mixed with food on their very first introduction as well). Keeping track of what was given and when is crucial to this process, because if at any point your baby has a reaction, it will be simple for you to pin point the culprit and steer clear of it. Also, if your baby has a dangerous allergic reaction requiring hospitalization, the information about exactly what he has been eating will prove invaluable.
3. Watch for food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities are basically allergies that are mild and will most likely be outgrown. However sometimes these sensitivities can develop into serious, even life-threatening, allergies, so watching out for them and keeping track of them is a very good idea. Most food sensitivities will show up as hive-like bumps on your baby's face. Sometimes, however, the reaction might be stronger. It is not uncommon for babies with strong food sensitivities or allergies to projectile vomit, have acidic diarrhea and intense abdominal cramping and gas. Egg, Milk, Peanut, Tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the 8 most common food allergies, which is good to keep in mind not only while introducing foods, but while breastfeeding. None of these foods should be given to a baby who is under the age of one, unless you are directed to by your pediatrician. Now, There are soy, and milk based formulas, which are formulated to be gentle, but if you do try one of these be on the lookout for increased gas, cramping, diarrhea and spit-up. Any of these symptoms, if severe, could be an indication that your little snapdragon is allergic to the formula you are using.
4. Use your own favorite foods as blueprint.
If you love mashed potatoes, apples, asparagus or yams, introduce these foods first. If you were eating the foods that you are introducing to your baby while you were breastfeeding, it makes it considerably more likely that your sweet pea will be keen on trying them. It is important to keep the associations that your baby forms with the experience of trying new foods positive, and anything you can do to minimize the number of things that your baby needs to adjust to at each turn, the better. For example, if you love peas, and were eating peas fairly regularly while pregnant, they would be a food that your baby will very likely enjoy, and after experiencing that enjoyment she will be more receptive to new foods in the future.
5. Experiment with texture.
Some foods when pureed will be fairly thick, like mashed potatoes, and some will be quite watery, like pears. That is why when you are first offering your baby cereal, you should experiment with the texture to find the consistency your baby seems to like best. Many babies find a slightly thicker consistency (like the consistency of toothpaste) easier to manage, while some prefer a more soupy style that they can practically drink. The reason you'll want to know your baby's preferred consistency is so you can thicken up those pears with some rice cereal, or you can add some breast milk or formula to the mashed potatoes if he rejects them the first time. Sometimes a new flavor can be quite overwhelming on its own, if you can adjust the texture so that it is more familiar you increase your chances that your sweet little goober-cluster will chow down with enthusiasm.
Though this milestone will mark an end of a special time for you and your baby, it is also the first step into the wide and amazing world of delicious dining discoveries. Try to remember that your baby isn't "spitting it out", the first few times his food comes right back out, but the sucking motion automatically pushes his tongue forward, and until your yummy little peach-bottom figures out the oral gymnastics required for moving solids through his mouth, quite a bit of each new spoon full is bound to get shoved right back out. It won't take long before your baby learns to clamp his jaw shut at the approach of any undesirable food items, but even then, if there is no evidence of food sensitivity, reintroduce any rejected foods after a few weeks (One very gross but effective technique for introducing solids is described here). This is a fun and exciting time for your baby, try to have fun and allow yourself to go on the journey of discovery with him. If you have found these tips helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you know, and remember, questions and comments are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Toddler Tuesday! 5 tips for camping with a toddler.
Toddlers are wild and crazy, you might think that taking them out into the wild would be as natural as breathing, but it is really a lot of work. There are more ways for your snuggly little tsunami to hurt themselves out in the woods than there are in a public restroom! However, getting your favorite bunny-hopper out doors is good for them too. You might not be able to enjoy the peace and solace of nature like you used to, but with a few tips, navigating some of the common pitfalls will be much easier.
1. Child-safe bug repellent.
Coppertone Bug & Sunscreen With Insect Repellent, Kid's Formula, SPF 30 is the highest rated bug repellent for kids on www.goodguide.com, however I prefer a more natural approach. I bring a spray bottle with 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil and 2 tablespoons lemon oil in it. Then while we are camping, I mist his clothes and hat with it every morning, and as soon as the air starts to cool off each evening. I am careful not to get it in his eyes or near his mouth, and always shake it up before each application. This seems to work well in combination with long loose-fitting pants, a long-sleeve shirt and a cotton hat. I try to keep one outfit for him to wear each evening and morning over his regular clothes so that I only have a couple of things that are covered with the smell, which while not unpleasant, can linger in clothing long after it has been washed.3. Bring a high chair or booster seat with a buckle.
If it is feasible for you to lug this type of equipment out camping with you, it is a great idea. It's hard enough for your little explorer to hold still long enough for you to get a good picture, let alone long enough to down a whole meal. If you can strap your toddler into a secure seat for 10 to 15 minutes, it will be a lot easier to make sure he is eating and drinking enough. It is also another place you can secure your bouncy one while you do food prep or work on the fire.4. Pack proper camping attire in place of over-using sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a good idea whenever you and your toddler are outside, but sometimes sunscreen wears off, and it provides no protection from biting insects or rash-producing plants. I recommend that parents pack lightweight long sleeved shirts and long legged pants for sunny camping days. The material is a good way to reduce sun exposure, and it is protective of your child's sensitive skin. Remember to bring a hat, preferably one with a chin-strap to keep it on your toddlers head through wind or rambunctious play. Of course, if you intend on wading in streams or swimming, bring water shoes, a bathing suit, water-safe diapers towels and sunscreen.5. Pajamas & bedding.
When it comes time to go to bed for the night, you may have the same problem I have. Do you have a wiggle worm who will find a way (while completely asleep) to get out from under any type of blanket you put on her? If so, to make sure she will stay warm enough throughout the night, layer on the pajamas. Several layers of warm pajamas will keep your bundle of kisses warm while allowing a full range of movement. As long as she has a soft comfy surface to sleep on she should be able to stay comfortable until morning, in spite of the cool night air. I like to bring our portable baby cot, but we tend to camp at drive-up sites where this is more feasible.Camping in the great outdoors, is a wonderful way to share a love of nature with your small child. Though there are many pitfalls awaiting toddlers, if you come prepared for the most common ones, you'll be able to have a much more relaxing time together. Enjoy the summer safely, and you can revel in your little explorer's sense of adventure and fun! If you found these tips helpful, please forward them to any parents of toddlers you might know. Happy parenting!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
5 tips for getting your toddler to love veggies.
Okay, you've done all the groundwork. You've slowly introduced cereals, then pureed veggies, then pureed fruits to your baby over the course of weeks and months. Now your little chomp-tastic eating machine has cut her first set of molars and she is ready for more complicated food mixtures and textures. I usually tell parents to be as slow and steady with the introduction of textures as they were with the introduction of flavors, too many textures too quickly can be overwhelming and can lead to strong textural aversions which are difficult to overcome. The introduction of textures should only take about a month or two, then your toddler is ready to tackle the world of big-kid food. This is the perfect time to instill a life-long love of vegetables in your little one. Some kids will just naturally gravitate to vegetables, but most need a little nudge to really develop the veg-love that can last a lifetime and help you avoid the pitfalls of picky eating later. These are a few little tips for inspiring your toddler's veggie-tooth.
1. Explore different kinds of seasoning.
Every culture and ethnicity has struggled with the "picky eater" issue since the dawn of time, and many flavor combinations were probably originally designed to make eating veggies more appealing to toddlers. My own son rejected spinach very firmly until he had it in palak paneer. Now he will eat it in lasagna, stir fry, and quesedilla's. Eventually I will give the steamed or sauteed spinach another try, when I come across a recipe that I think he will like. This strategy holds true for many vegetables which are traditionally rejected by the picky young eater. Broccoli is yucky, but broccoli in chili is delicious, string beans are slimy, but string beans and angel hair pasta with a creamy garlic sauce is delightful and asparagus=disgusting, but asparagus sushi rolls=fun. Contrary to a commonly held belief, garlic is not associated with giving children gas (or any other health problems) in fact there are many health benefits associated with this and almost every other classic herb. You should go easy on the salt and butter (try substituting olive oil for butter and Parmesan, or another hard cheese, for salt whenever you have the chance) to promote healthy habits later in life, but a little now and then won't hurt.
2. Use high quality fresh veggies.
My good friend didn't know how green beans were supposed to taste until she was an adult. Her mother had always popped open a can when preparing them for dinner. It wasn't that they couldn't afford fresh veggies it was simply a different time. Now that she has tried fresh plump sweet green beans fresh from the farmers market, she loves the veggie that she thought of as culinary torture in her youth. My own mom, who was pretty good about the fresh veggie thing, still would grab cans of creamed corn or packages of frozen broccoli florets. I fully admit that these things, canned and frozen goods, are huge time and money savers, however if your mission is to get your toddler to love his veggies, some fresh sweet peas will win him over much faster than the mealy grey-green peas that come out of a can. Planting and growing some veggies yourself, if you have the space, can be a great way to get cheap, organic, fresh produce, not to mention that it is educational and fun for kids.
3. Prepare veggies as the sweet desert.
Some veggies make a great dessert, like sweet potatoes (spoon bread), beets (tart) and corn (pudding) among others. The way your toddler first experiences a vegetable has a big impact on whether they will be likely to try them again in the future. The Sneaky Chef has some great free recipe's here: http://www.thesneakychef.com/free_sneaky_chef_recipes.php though make sure you tell your toddler all of the delicious veggies that are in the dessert that they are eating. The Sneaky Chef's hiding techniques are really meant for older picky eaters who have already decided that they hate nearly every vegetable.
4. Wait until they are really hungry.
Ever notice that the food you eat when you are starving is the best tasting food in the whole world? That is one of our bodies quirks that can be put to good use. On a day that you are introducing (or reintroducing, if they rejected it as a baby) a new vegetable, wait for an hour, or even two, past the time when you usually feed your toddler. If they ask for a drink during this time, only give them water then when they are just about to completely have a melt-down, present them with some delightfully seasoned fresh veggies that they have never tasted before. As they eat repeat the name of the veggie ("This is a parsnip. Can you say parsnip?) and reiterate that it is a yummy vegetable.
5. Eat veggies your self.
The best learning tool your toddler has is your example. Modeling a love of vegetables for your toddler will have more of an impact than anything else. In nature, baby animals often learn what kinds of foods are good to eat and which ones to stay away from by smelling their parents breath. Watching you eating healthful nourishing veggies with enthusiasm and gusto will inspire a desire to experience that same joy in your child.
Trick: Hide and go seek.
Anyone can play this game with their children, you hide veggies in a delicious meal, then ask if they can figure out which veggies are in it. This is a fun game to do with baked Root Vegetable Lasagna, and Ripe Olive and Avocado Quesadillas (yes, I know those are both technically fruits, but they taste like vegetables).
Now you are armed with some great tips and a trick to inspire a life long love of vegetables, the picky-eating fairy will hopefully pass over your house and you will be blessed with a child who grins from ear to ear when you say that you are having veggies for dinner! Of course every child is different, and if your toddler is particularly resistant to a certain food, there is a possibility that they might have an allergy. Keep your eyes peeled for any type of hives, or diarrhea after certain foods so you can get your little wiggle-monster tested for allergies at your next check-up. If you find these tips helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents (or parents of toddlers) you might know, and don't hesitate to leave a question or comment on any of my tips or tricks. Happy parenting!
1. Explore different kinds of seasoning.
Every culture and ethnicity has struggled with the "picky eater" issue since the dawn of time, and many flavor combinations were probably originally designed to make eating veggies more appealing to toddlers. My own son rejected spinach very firmly until he had it in palak paneer. Now he will eat it in lasagna, stir fry, and quesedilla's. Eventually I will give the steamed or sauteed spinach another try, when I come across a recipe that I think he will like. This strategy holds true for many vegetables which are traditionally rejected by the picky young eater. Broccoli is yucky, but broccoli in chili is delicious, string beans are slimy, but string beans and angel hair pasta with a creamy garlic sauce is delightful and asparagus=disgusting, but asparagus sushi rolls=fun. Contrary to a commonly held belief, garlic is not associated with giving children gas (or any other health problems) in fact there are many health benefits associated with this and almost every other classic herb. You should go easy on the salt and butter (try substituting olive oil for butter and Parmesan, or another hard cheese, for salt whenever you have the chance) to promote healthy habits later in life, but a little now and then won't hurt.
2. Use high quality fresh veggies.
My good friend didn't know how green beans were supposed to taste until she was an adult. Her mother had always popped open a can when preparing them for dinner. It wasn't that they couldn't afford fresh veggies it was simply a different time. Now that she has tried fresh plump sweet green beans fresh from the farmers market, she loves the veggie that she thought of as culinary torture in her youth. My own mom, who was pretty good about the fresh veggie thing, still would grab cans of creamed corn or packages of frozen broccoli florets. I fully admit that these things, canned and frozen goods, are huge time and money savers, however if your mission is to get your toddler to love his veggies, some fresh sweet peas will win him over much faster than the mealy grey-green peas that come out of a can. Planting and growing some veggies yourself, if you have the space, can be a great way to get cheap, organic, fresh produce, not to mention that it is educational and fun for kids.
3. Prepare veggies as the sweet desert.
Some veggies make a great dessert, like sweet potatoes (spoon bread), beets (tart) and corn (pudding) among others. The way your toddler first experiences a vegetable has a big impact on whether they will be likely to try them again in the future. The Sneaky Chef has some great free recipe's here: http://www.thesneakychef.com/free_sneaky_chef_recipes.php though make sure you tell your toddler all of the delicious veggies that are in the dessert that they are eating. The Sneaky Chef's hiding techniques are really meant for older picky eaters who have already decided that they hate nearly every vegetable.
4. Wait until they are really hungry.
Ever notice that the food you eat when you are starving is the best tasting food in the whole world? That is one of our bodies quirks that can be put to good use. On a day that you are introducing (or reintroducing, if they rejected it as a baby) a new vegetable, wait for an hour, or even two, past the time when you usually feed your toddler. If they ask for a drink during this time, only give them water then when they are just about to completely have a melt-down, present them with some delightfully seasoned fresh veggies that they have never tasted before. As they eat repeat the name of the veggie ("This is a parsnip. Can you say parsnip?) and reiterate that it is a yummy vegetable.
5. Eat veggies your self.
The best learning tool your toddler has is your example. Modeling a love of vegetables for your toddler will have more of an impact than anything else. In nature, baby animals often learn what kinds of foods are good to eat and which ones to stay away from by smelling their parents breath. Watching you eating healthful nourishing veggies with enthusiasm and gusto will inspire a desire to experience that same joy in your child.
Trick: Hide and go seek.
Anyone can play this game with their children, you hide veggies in a delicious meal, then ask if they can figure out which veggies are in it. This is a fun game to do with baked Root Vegetable Lasagna, and Ripe Olive and Avocado Quesadillas (yes, I know those are both technically fruits, but they taste like vegetables).
Now you are armed with some great tips and a trick to inspire a life long love of vegetables, the picky-eating fairy will hopefully pass over your house and you will be blessed with a child who grins from ear to ear when you say that you are having veggies for dinner! Of course every child is different, and if your toddler is particularly resistant to a certain food, there is a possibility that they might have an allergy. Keep your eyes peeled for any type of hives, or diarrhea after certain foods so you can get your little wiggle-monster tested for allergies at your next check-up. If you find these tips helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents (or parents of toddlers) you might know, and don't hesitate to leave a question or comment on any of my tips or tricks. Happy parenting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
