Everything you need to know about feeding your kids. From the Division of Responsibility to tips for keeping your kids at the table, to the importance of family meals, I’ve got you covered.
Whether we’re talking about infant feeding, introducing solids, or picky eating, vitamin D is an important part of the conversation. Vitamin D is a vitamin that we can technically make ourselves, but most of us do not make enough. There are also no that many good food sources of vitamin D, meaning that many people need to supplement.
One of the critical nutrients all babies need is zinc. Luckily, many of the foods that contain zinc, also contain iron, so if you focus on iron-containing foods, your baby should get all the zinc that they need.
During the first few years of life, your baby’s brain will grow tremendously. What many people don’t realize is that the brain is nearly 60% fat (1). This is why fat is one of the key nutrients I focus on when starting solids. Limiting fat in your baby’s diet is limiting their potential for brain growth! Now we know that not all fat is the same, so how do you choose the healthiest fats for your baby?
You may have heard that you should limit sodium intake for babies. But what does that actually mean? Will 1 french fry do permanent damage (no). Sodium is a nutrient that we all need, but salt tends to be in so many unexpected places. It’s more common to over-consume it.
Up until around 6 months, your baby has been completely reliant on breast milk or formula for all of their needs. Then you get the all clear from the pediatrician to introduce solids and water, but how do you actually do it? And how much water does your baby actually need?
Luckily, not very much at first. We recommend introducing water around 6 months to give your baby plenty of time to practice before they really need to be drinking it for hydration.
If you have a picky eater at home, you know how challenging it can be to come up with healthy snack ideas day after day. One of biggest recommendations for picky eaters is to try and offer variety as much as possible. This can be extremely tricky if your child only like a handful of foods.
It’s incredibly common for children to go through a picky eating phase, somewhere between ages 1-3. At this time, their energy needs decrease significantly and their autonomy increases. This combination can lead to stressful meals.
For most kids, this is only a temporary phase and there are some simple things you can do as a parent to help your picky eater expand their palate.
You may have heard me talking about the importance of eating together as a family, but as you’re watching your baby dump food off their tray or your toddler run circles around the table, you wonder, “Is it really worth it? Do the benefits outweigh the stress?”
First, I have tips for encouraging your toddler to remain seated and to help prevent your baby from dumping their food off their tray. I promise family meals don’t need to be stressful (I created a whole course on that premise)! Plus there are really so many benefits from eating together as a family, even if your whole family isn’t present.
Are you looking for an easy avocado snack that’s not guacamole (not that there’s anything wrong with guac)? This recipe is perfect for you! The outside comes out perfectly crisp and crunchy, while the inside stays warm and creamy. Avocados are a popular first food for babies, but due to their slippery texture, they can be challenging for little ones to self-feed. The coating on these fries makes them a little more firm and easier to grab. You can cook them a little less to make them a less crispy for babies who are just starting out.
