3 minute read
Early Years
Baby and toddler meal planning
By Annabel Karmel
As with all things parenting-related, feeling prepared when feeding little ones is key. So here are some factors to consider when encouraging your little one to be an adventurous eater.
First foods
Those all-important nutrient-dense bitter veggies such as broccoli and spinach are a world apart from the sweetness of breast or formula with which your baby is familiar. So it may take a little perseverance to get them to accept these flavours.
That’s why research suggests that these more bitter and sour green veggies should be introduced from the first few weeks of weaning and beyond, alongside sweeter root veggies. If introduced early in your baby’s weaning journey, and with repeated exposure, it’s likely they’ll be more receptive to these foods, setting them up well for the future.
So your main take-away here is to offer your baby a wide variety of single first foods – sweet root veggies and the more bitter green ones.
Finger foods
Don’t delay in offering finger foods to your baby at around 6 months old. They are ideal for introducing different textures. Handing over the reins to your baby will allow them to work out how to get food to their mouth, break pieces off and chew. And don’t worry, even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, they’ll use their powerful gums for this!
Whilst finger foods are an essential element of baby-led weaning, I also recommend that they are offered alongside spoon-feeding.
Window of opportunity
Between 8 and 10 months, the window of opportunity to help your baby explore a whole variety of foods remains wide open.
Around the 8 month mark is the perfect time to experiment with everyday spices and herbs like garlic, basil, oregano, dill, rosemary and even a mild curry powder. You’ll want to start introducing babies to more family meals, so this helps the transition.
Start introducing small portions of your meals, adapted and chopped or mashed to the right consistency. Keep a close eye on ingredients. For example, make sure there’s no added salt or sugar in your baby’s portion.
Fending off fussy eating
Parents are essential in encouraging our children to adopt a healthy balanced diet. Yet it’s so easy to feel frustrated and powerless when your little one refuses to eat certain foods. Here are some of my top tips for getting the good stuff into them!
Blend in veggies. If a child simply refuses to eat their veggies (particularly the gruesome greens), try out recipes which blend in veg, such as a tomato and vegetable-based sauce for pasta, or mashed potato combined with grated carrot.
Make food look good. Make mini portions in ramekins, or serve-up chicken and colourful veggies on straws. You could even give your children the cooked ingredients to thread onto the straw themselves.
Hide your frustrations. And praise liberally when they eat well or try something new. Focusing on the positives will make mealtimes less stressful. Annabel Karmel celebrates the 30th anniversary of her number one bestselling weaning cookbook with a NEW fully updated and extended edition of Baby & Toddler Meal Planner. Filled with over 200 quick, easy and healthy recipes for weaning and beyond, essential advice, simple meal planners and pull-out guide, this book gives your baby the best start. More info at www.annabelkarmel.com
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