Need baby table food menu

[ArielRae]

DS is just starting to eat solid food. I want to start feeding him some table food but not sure where to start. He has recently started eating the Gerber wagon wheels and puffs so he is chewing and mashing. He doesn't like the 3rd foods that are thick and chunky like the Beechnut Mac n Cheese or Gerber chicken noodle.

I'm not big on cooking at home so I haven't been able to give him things off our plates cause what we have is not soft enough for him or would have to much seasoning.

Other then plain pasta and soft boiled carrots what can I make him so he has variety. Is there any kid meals that I can buy that are appropriate? Hope you can recommend some foods that can be put in the fridge or freezer and feed over the week.

Any and all advice you can give would be great.

 

[mufasa0505]

My daughter is 16 months, so we just went through that stage. She was really difficult to get to eat. She really liked the gerber baby ravioli. I would cut each piece down smaller than they are served and she liked to feed herself. She was a very picky eater so we did a lot of mac n cheese, french fries and chicken nuggets for her. Green beans, peas, corn (mixed veggies in general). I would also give her shredded cheddar (just bought the bags). Rice..she loves rice, scrambled eggs, frozen waffles (toasted lightly). When I make fish I give her some flakes of that, and if we have deli meat we'll give her a little bit, and pinto beans. That's all I can think of right now. We focus on variety to make sure she gets as much nutrients as possible.

 

[GinnyEmma]

So, what do you eat? If you are eating healthy food, even with a little spice, he should be fine with soft stuff. Advocado was always a hit here.

 

[ArielRae]

Do you think some can veggies are good? Like previous poster said mixed veggies maybe some carrots and beans. I can portion it out for the week. Maybe mix that with some rice or pasta. I heard some chicken breast and some ground beef well cooked and chops fine. Also shredded cheese good.

So what kinda of menu should I make? any other food ideas?

I like to eat spicy soups and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which he can't have. We have take out alot more then I'd like to admit since I had him. I'm going to try to get back to making dinner again but want to make sure I have him taken care of first.

 

[GinnyEmma]

frozen veggies were a hit here. canned usually is sodium packed. take out isn't necessarily bad. and babies in other countries not under the influence of the baby food companies eat spicy all of the time. so a taste of soup will can make an adventurous eater. Greek yoghurt, chicken are good. Hamburg stuff sometimes choked them. potato pieces cooked a bit soft will keep in the fridge. Stew works and has meat and veggies, and can be frozen in little containers. Or chicken and noodles.

Most of these can be made easily, or picked up from the deli, and packaged.

 

[two-foxes]

My son is 18 months old, and I seem to have forgotten all the foods I fed at that age...where my brain has gone, I have no idea!

A staple in our house is the frozen peas in single serve packets you can throw in the microwave. Super easy, and for a little one, one packet will last 2 days or so. We did a lot of whole wheat pasta...just with different toppings. Do some melted cheese one time, a bit of red sauce another, some butter and parm cheese another. I would steer clear of any canned stuff....too much salt.

We also frequently had frozen stouffers meals....not the best for you, but it worked for us when our work schedules were goofy. The Chicken and rice and lasagna were hits at that age.

Good luck!

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

My son is almost 14 months and he is eating all kinds of things. He loves green beans. I just cut them up small. He eats grilled cheese, chicken, ground turkey, avacado, banana, yogurt, chicken soup, baked potatoes, pasta with sauce, bread. I wouldn't be afraid of spices.

 

[RangerPooh]

When DDs were that age they loved the Gerber pastas. I would cut the pieces in half and offer them that way. I think they lived on pasta for a period of time. DS is 10 months and is now entering that stage. Over the holiday we went on a road trip so he got to try new foods. He tried and really liked mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, rice (white, Spanish, and fried), cereal, tiny pieces of pancake, chopped up scrambled eggs, some soft veggies like corn and peas, and a small amount of shredded cheese.

Have you tried boiled macaroni? If you boil it for a longer period of time it will get extra soft that and should be easier to chew.

 

[deegack]

Home made mac and cheese (whole wheat pasta and real cheese), steam in bag veggies, meat loaf cupcakes (make meatloaf like usual but cook in muffin tins. It only take about 20 minutes to cook). Cut up fresh fruit, berrie of all kinds, grilled chicken. I try to avoid prepackaged foods for dd whenever possible

 

[Colleen27]

My kids loved mashed avocado/mild guacamole when they were new eaters. Carrots, sweet potatoes, while potatoes, squash all worked well too, either mashed or cubed as finger foods. Cheese, cut into small cubes. And steamed peas, from fresh or frozen. Beyond that they just ate what we ate, so I'm no good for suggestions on main courses. I have a baby food grinder and we just tossed a little of our dinner in there, but since I cook most of the time it was easy to pull some off to the side before adding anything really spicy or any potential allergens.

On the go, the Gerber ravioli were a big hit. Actually, DD is 2 now and still loves those! Also Gerber's yogurt bites, they're freeze dried and not messy like feeding real yogurt, which makes them a good diaper bag snack. Gerber aso makes TV dinner type meals (shelf stable, they're in the baby aisle) that would probably be good for something quick. My MIL kept them around when the babies were little because they're so much better, nutritionally, than "adult" heat-and-serve foods but just as easy.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Spice is fine.... Expose him to lots of stuff now. Ripe fresh fruit in TINY bits, steamed veggies, well cooked whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce. Oatmeal, well cooked rice (brown). Tiny bits of minced chicken.
Cottage cheese (yuck) was a big hit about that age.

Gerber graduates makes a lot of finger type foods for when you need something quick and is somewhat healthy.

 

[laughinplace199]

These links may be helpful for you:


http://www.longwoodpeds.com/home/health-link/nutrition/starting-baby-on-solid-food/

http://www.longwoodpeds.com/home/health-link/nutrition/toddler-eating/

 

[Ericandjenng]

My DD just turned 1 and she didn't like the "3" foods either. We started by giving her soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes (instant or real), pastas (cook past al dente), shredded chicken or turkey, cooked veggies (carrots, green beans, etc--fresh, frozen, canned--it doesn't matter as long as they are cooked until soft). Fruit--I like Del Monte's single serving fruit cups packaged in fruit juice and she loves pineapple. I started by cutting the pineapple chunks into smaller pieces, now she just likes the chunks. Cheese, soft breads, crackers (Club are great because the "melt" in your mouth) or cheerios. Kids like crispier things because it feels good on their gums as they get their teeth.

I also keep Oscar Meyer lunch meats in the fridge for her. They have some that are more natural with less added stuff that is a quick meal. But don't get the "carving board" Oscar Meyer meats, they are SALTY!!!

Just give your little one a food and then add a new one every couple of days. You'll be amazed at what they can chew/mash up and eat. Now DD will try and eat almost anything--she loves O'Charley's loaded potato soup.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Carrots, Stoneyfield yogurt, Trader Mac and cheese, avocado, whole wheat pasta multi-grain cheerios and plain cheerios. ALL of the Plum products. The pouches are great and the puffs are awesome too. She really likes the mini raviolis from Gerber too. DD is an adventurous eater so as long as it's on her high chair, she will try it. If she's interested in something on our plates we give her a little bit too of it's safe.

 

[ArielRae]

Ok DS is totally refusing to try to suck from any kind of sippy cup even those with straws. I have been trying to introduce them to him for a while now but all he'll do is chew them. Is there a way I can get him to try to suck on one so he knows that he can get milk, juice and water from them?


Also tried pasta peas and carrots and nothing made it in his mouth. Guessing I have to wait until he has more of a pincher action. He does well though with the wagon wheels and puffs.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Sometimes it takes awhile to find one your child likes. Try offering it when he is hungry but not starving. If you want to push the straw one, use the straw to drop a little of the drink in his mouth so he will get the idea that there is something good in there. We also only put juice in a cup, never a bottle so he quickly learned the good stuff was in the cup.

 

[Nanu57v]

Do you think some can veggies are good? Like previous poster said mixed veggies maybe some carrots and beans. I can portion it out for the week. Maybe mix that with some rice or pasta. I heard some chicken breast and some ground beef well cooked and chops fine. Also shredded cheese good.

So what kinda of menu should I make? any other food ideas?

I like to eat spicy soups and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which he can't have. We have take out alot more then I'd like to admit since I had him. I'm going to try to get back to making dinner again but want to make sure I have him taken care of first.

Canned veggies have too much sodium in them. I like those steamfresh kind that you just stick in the microwave to cook. Avoid corn. Cut or mash everything! My baby gave up on baby food at 6 months. Avacado was a big hit here too...just cut it into cubes. Sweet potato (cooked) too. Lots of pasta, fruits, veggies, she liked chicken in little pieces too.

Ok DS is totally refusing to try to suck from any kind of sippy cup even those with straws. I have been trying to introduce them to him for a while now but all he'll do is chew them. Is there a way I can get him to try to suck on one so he knows that he can get milk, juice and water from them?


Also tried pasta peas and carrots and nothing made it in his mouth. Guessing I have to wait until he has more of a pincher action. He does well though with the wagon wheels and puffs.

Before age 1 he will still get most of his nutrition from breastmilk/formula...the other stuff is learning tastes and textures. It doesn't HAVE to make it too his mouth...just keep trying.

 

[MSSANDRA]

And talk to his Dr.about when to introduce certain foods as the rules keep changing. Some Dr say now to introduce peanut butter earlier and some ok egg yokes and some say no. Some ok fish, others say wait. DS has egg and peanut allergies and we did introduce eggs before 1 year and NEVER gave him peanut anything so who knows!!!!

 

[Ericandjenng]

Ok DS is totally refusing to try to suck from any kind of sippy cup even those with straws. I have been trying to introduce them to him for a while now but all he'll do is chew them. Is there a way I can get him to try to suck on one so he knows that he can get milk, juice and water from them?

The first cup I bought dd would try and drink but mostly just dump it out everywhere even though it was supposed to be 'spill-proof'. The next set were some that were reusable/throwaway. She would try and drink but more just dripped down her clothes. The last one we've tried so far is working best. I found it at the Disney store (of all places for a sippy cup). She likes it and it actually doesn't drip/spill. Part of this is also she's now 12 months and the first one was bought at about 8 months and she wasn't super interested in it no matter what was inside. Keep trying.

 

[LoveKermit]

Good luck.

I don't have any different/better ideas. Just wanted to chime in that definitely expose as much as you can. DD was pretty daring during that 2nd year (between 1 and 2). Then she had her chicken nugget phase. She still won't eat pizza (concerns DH) but she's getting more and more into salsa. She used to eat BBQ sauce. She's starting to enjoy that again.

Do the Gerber meals. All the groups are in there. Somewhere in there came the spaghetti o's, but maybe after 1. We're an on-the-go too. She and I still eat out of the microwave 98% of the time.

So, no matter how/what you expose, their environment influences them. DD's babysitter and family didn't like much red sauce, so DD automatically doesn't like it either. It's a slow process, but she will again some day.

I also had a no formula in sippy rule. DD took water first. Then, when she turned 1, I got rid of the bottles. She took milk from a sippy. Done and done. They might cost more, but I think I started with the "stages" type of those as well.

Have you tried sipping out of them? I had a few that once I tried it, I was like "no wonder DD can't do it." Get a cup made for the under 12 month set. And keep introducing it. The "good stuff" thought is good.