How to Feed a Henry

Yesterday, I wrote about preparing to expose Henry to foods that have a higher potential for allergen. I should have posted that story a few weeks ago, but it just didn't make it into the queue until now.  So what was our first allergy prone food for Henry? We started with shellfish, fresh local oysters. I was surprised that Daddy seemed less apprehensive about this then I was. Daddy and Nana harvest oysters on Hood Canal. Harvesting and grilling oysters was a new experience for our family, but one that will be very memorable. If you like fresh seafood and have the opportunity to harvest and grill your own oysters, I highly recommend it.  A few weeks ago we stayed on Hood Canal for a long weekend with the family. Our vacation house was right on the water adjacent to a former oyster bed. At low tide, we were able to walk down to the sand and pick out any oysters we could reach. Nana and I also had a quick tutorial from a local about how to shuck oysters. ...

Allergies are a topic that causes parents a lot of anxiety, including me. When we first started introducing Henry to food, we decided to forgo the one food at a time rule. It seemed overly cautious and cumbersome to wait days between new foods, especially when there is no history of allergic reaction in our family.  We have been careful, however, with foods that have a family history of allergy. Daddy has an allergy to shellfish, although it developed when he was an adult. He also is peanut and dairy intolerant, but occasionally indulges in Thai food and ice cream . In addition, I had strong reactions to strawberries and peaches as a small child, allergies that disappeared as I grew older. Henry eats almost anything, but are we ready to introduce potential allergens? Reassuringly, the CDC reports that less than 5% of American children have a food allergy. Some studies have shown that delayed exposure to allergenic foods has no effect on the likelihood of dev...

This week’s Tuesday Tip for Picky Eaters: Don’t wait too long for lumpy food. Recently, I have had several conversations with mommies who are waiting to introduce solids until after their baby is one year old. It is true that most babies do not need the nutrients from solid foods before they turn one. Learning to eat, however, is about more than just nutrition. Sharing a meal together is a cultural and social experience , as well as an important developmental milestone. Research also shows that waiting too long to start solids can have unintended consequences, including increasing the likelihood that baby will become a picky eater. Henry chews on an apple. It turns out that learning to chew is a critical step between six and nine months of age, regardless of whether your little one has teeth. Babies who are introduced to lumpy foods (foods that require chewing) during this stage develop into less picky eaters later. Whether you choose chunky purees or finger foods, b...

Whenever we have rice for dinner, I make extra so that I can also whip up a batch of rice pudding. This dairy-free recipe is a comforting after-dinner treat. This recipe is Henry-approved. Ingredients 2 cups cooked rice 1 14-ounce can coconut milk 2 Tablespoons unsweetened coconut, shredded or flaked 4 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 2 teaspoons cardamom or cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup dried fruit, finely chopped* Coconut rice pudding warming on the stove. Directions Place the first six ingredients in small saucepan. Heat on medium-low for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes thick and creamy. Do not allow to boil. Stir in your favorite dried fruit. Serve warm. Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Then, use a teaspoon to scoop out small portions and roll into balls. Coconut rice pudding, ready to eat. How your kids can help * Let your kids choose their own dried fruit to mix in. Options might in...

As I mentioned yesterday, Henry and I had fun on a pumpkin patch playdate with friends from the local babywearers group . It was also the first time I have packed a sack lunch for us. I was in a rush to head out the door, so here is what I quickly threw together for us to share. Two pieces of Swedish rye bread smeared with cream cheese A few strips of tuna jerky A snack bag of Veggie Pirate Booty A whole plum A whole pear It was a scattered assortment of flavors, but we hit all the major food groups. I assumed there would be picnic tables or a grassy lawn, so I didn't bring Henry's travel high chair. He did a great job sitting on the chair all through our meal. Henry gums on a strip of tuna jerky. The tuna jerky and Pirate Booty were new items in our pantry. Jerky is definitely an unconventional choice for babies and is a little high in sodium. Obviously Henry wasn’t able to chew it, but he just held on to a strip and gummed away. He did eat several ...