It's common to be afraid of delving into this whole new arena of baby food. It's scary as a new mom to know that what you're doing is right. What if it's not? What if your child is deficient or deprived of certain nutrients in his diet? What if you're creating food allergies? Or what if your baby chokes because you gave it the wrong food?
So, it makes total sense that we would look to grocery store for answers?! The good old "baby" section. However, this might the biggest problem of all when trying to get creative with your kids diet, especially when you're a new mom and here's why:
The best way to get proactive about our children's health and diet is to think FRESH and also CONVENIENT.
note: safety of course is an issue if your child is less than a year, but the only main concerns at that age are allergies, chewing/chunks (choking) and the ethical debate -- meat and dairy. Because children at that age are getting breastmilk (or some sort of formula) you don't have to worry too much about their overall diet.
* CHERRIOS are NOT food in my mind. They are fillers, fun foods and great for hand-eye coordination.
* I found freeze dried fruit to be a great replacement for young children that can't chew too well yet. (they also make freeze dried vegetable powders that can be mixed with grains or blended vegetables). Do you find these fruits in the baby isle? NO! At least you didn't. More and more stores are carrying this item in the baby isles though.
* Fruit leathers are a great idea as well - although they are very gooey!
* Smoothies are a GREAT way to fill up a child and give them nourishment (I hate that word, but it's appropriate here). If you make a smoothie, put it in a cold container and bring it with you on your errands or walks.
* Fresh squeezed juice is also a great idea. Throw in some spinach, just enough to not change the taste too much!!! A little lemon is great, too. Apples are a must. OJ kids also love.
note: remember to start this young! I know my midwife was just saying that her son won't touch her juices!! I bet he would had she started him early.
* Don't be afraid of raw vegetables and fruits. You don't always need to steam everything. Wash produce thoroughly and choose organic. If your child is over the age of 7 months and can already eat a whole blueberry, chances are he/she can eat chunks. So start him/her early on blended raw veggies. My son LOVES raw kale, try this recipe.
* Instead of granola bars or goldfish crackers give them plain rice cakes. If your child only likes salt or sugar, it's because you introduced those flavors to her/him!!! They don't crave salt or sugar until they've had it.
* The baby cereals have
more sugar in them than the ADULT cereals. Instead of the baby Os, give
them SUGAR FREE or fruit juice sweetened cereals you find in the cereal
isle.
Moral of the story:
Have fun. Don't be afraid. Experiment and try things YOU don't want to
eat. Just because celery is gross to you, doesn't mean, your child will
hate it too.
If you want a child that is willing to eat lots of
healthy foods, don't rely on the BABY isle to help you feed your child.
I look at it as a place to shop when you're traveling only!
molly p
hey juli - can you remember the recipe referenced here? i didnt see anything in that paragraph hyperlinked.
" If your child is over the age of 7 months and can already eat a whole blueberry, chances are he/she can eat chunks. So start him/her early on blended raw veggies. My son LOVES raw kale, try this recipe. "
thx! xx m
Juli Novotny
Molly, that's weird. It was brown rice mixed with small pieces of kale. I added olive oil and a tad bit of sea salt. I might have added some lemon too because it was MY dinner. And he loved it. 😉 I might have it on my blog which is why I was trying to hyperlink it.