Starting Solids

Table Foods: From the Mushy Meal to the Main Course

By Jessica Williams

We live in a fast-paced society. Making home-cooked meals every day may not be feasible for every parent. But, fast food isn't healthy for baby. Most French fries are smothered in salt, and nutritious foods are few and far between. Try to limit how many meals come out of the drive-through.

Mealtime should be a family affair. Your baby will begin to learn and imitate your habits and etiquette if he shares his meals with you. Babies are more likely to "clean their plate" if surrounded by loved ones who are eating too. Before you know it, your child will be asking for his favorite dinner and helping with the shopping list. This is just the beginning of a wonderful nutrition adventure!

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Messy (and fun!) Sweet and Sour Chicken (For babies who have had cooked vegetables and meat as finger food) 1/2 chicken breast cut in small, thin strips 1 tsp. Brown sugar 1 tsp Soy Sauce 2 tsp. water 1/4 cup snow peas 1/4 cup carrots, cut in thin rounds 1 cup of 5-minute white rice Boil carrots and snow peas in water until tender. In a frying pan, cook chicken strips until no longer pink. Cook rice in a separate pot. Mix water, brown sugar and soy sauce together in small cup or bowl, then spoon over cooked chicken. Stir well. There will only be enough sauce to lightly coat the chicken. Mix cooked vegetables into chicken and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Serve chicken and vegetables over rice. Makes about 2-3 toddler-sized servings; store leftovers in fridge.