5 Food Tips for Your Baby During the Holidays
Healthy Food, Happy Holiday!
The holidays are a joyous time when we gather around the table to share special meals with our loved ones. This time is even more special when you have a little one who is exploring new foods and textures! Cheryl Carey of Taste and See Healthy Baby Food was kind enough to give us some tips and ideas to think about when sharing food with your baby during the holidays.
1.) Explore a variety of vitamin-rich cold-weather foods
There are so many different kinds of vegetables and fruits to prepare as first foods and finger food combinations for your little ones throughout the winter. Vegetables such as cabbage, sweet potatoes, winter squash, beets, carrots, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips and fennel are full of nutrients such as calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, B6 and C . These act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for babies, as well as helping to strengthen bones. Try to explore seasonal fruits like apples, avocados, pears, any type of citrus and cranberries too. Remember, for meal planning you don’t always have to serve these foods solo; many of them can be combined in casseroles, soups, stews and crock pot meals for the whole family.
2.) Experience the joy of introducing homemade foods to your baby
Some of the most delicious and healthiest meals we offer our families are the ones we prepare in our own kitchen. Homemade foods, especially baby food, can oftentimes look and taste better than store bought foods. If you typically shy away from the kitchen, this holiday season may be the perfect time to start small by making a few foods for your baby or toddler. Just as much as we like to see how our babies respond to new tastes and textures that we offer them, they enjoy watching how we respond to food. You and your baby can enjoy preparing and trying new foods together!
3.) Buy local at the Farmers’ Market
Visiting a farmers market during the fall and winter is the perfect opportunity to stock up on ingredients for chilly weather meals, special holiday dishes, parties, and even food for gift giving. Farmers will be selling a variety of locally raised products including eggs, beef, pork, duck, turkeys, holiday hams, and a selection of late season and greenhouse produce. Shoppers can also expect to also find an abundance of fresh handmade food products including locally produced honey, jams, salsa, wine, cheese, noodles, breads and baked goods. These all make great gifts while supporting local businesses. In addition, poinsettias plants , fresh cut Christmas trees, wreaths, handmade holiday ornaments and home decorations can be found at your local farmers market. The next time it’s time to shop, take your little ones with you and turn your shopping trip into an educational adventure for everyone! Check here to find a local farmers market near you.
4.) Start holiday traditions early
Many holiday traditions revolve around food and meals. Think back to some of your own personal memories of holiday traditions. I’ll bet there was a particular meal or food item included. I remember each year my family would meet at my grandparent’s home for our holiday meals. The kitchen was a busy place with family members making final preparations for the turkey and ham baked in the oven. The side dishes were shuffled between the stove top and oven for re-heating and the cold dishes, including the fresh homemade pies were stacked high in the refrigerator. The food looked so enticing and the kitchen smelled amazing! I remember hearing the sound of laughter, and excitement filled the house as adults and children anticipated grandpa calling out, “The meal is ready!” Our family lived close to one another, so we had a big gathering with lots of yummy dishes! There were homemade dishes such as turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit salad and biscuits. There were probably more, but these were the ones I looked forward to year after year. What I appreciated most about the holiday meals was the chance to spend time with family. Each holiday meal was made special when we held hands and blessed the meal and our time together. The fond memories I have of how holidays were spent when I was a child motivates me to go above and beyond to offer this and more to my children.
What is your earliest memory of holiday traditions?
Do you remember a particular family member preparing a homemade meal?
What do you want your little one to remember?
Consider this for your own family as we embrace the holiday months ahead. It’s never too early to start a tradition. Some ideas include:
- Baking
- Preparing for special activity related to your heritage
- Cooking a new food
- Sharing a meal with friends or family
- Making a recipe that what been handed down through your family
- Developing your own new signature dish, drink or dessert
5.) Savor Your Experiences with Your Child and Family
Whether it is everyday meals or special occasions, the time we spend enjoying food with friends and family builds memories. Take time to prepare meals and to then sit down to really enjoy them as a family. Savor the experience and capture your baby’s reaction to new foods by taking pictures and video so those moments will not be forgotten. Remember that these experiences do not need to be perfect, nor do the meals. The holidays are the best time of year to build family memories. I hope you enjoy the holiday season with your family!
Written by Cheryl Carey of Taste and See Healthy Baby Food
Cheryl Carey, MSW is the owner of Taste & See Healthy Baby Food. She offers classes and hands-on cooking workshops in the home and throughout the Austin area. She provides support and guidance to parents learning about baby and toddler nutrition.
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