Spice it up

As mentioned in our sweet potato post, I have used spices on Derrick's food.  We don't care for bland foods, so why would he?  I am not talking spicy as hot and spicy, but just something with a little bit of flavor.  I will be avoiding salt and sugar because that is what is best for baby.  I went online to find a good resource of information on which spices would be good for Derrick to eat.  At Wholesome Baby Food, they suggest a list of baby friendly spices as well as what fruits and veggies they would go best with. 

I have included that list here.  Enjoy making food with a little pizazz :)

Derrick vs Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  This holiday is purely about food and family, and I anxiously await it every year.  I was very excited to share this day with my little boy.  When looking at the menu for dinner, we were limited as to what we could give Derrick since he has no teeth and was just 7 months old.  So turkey and cranberry sauce were out, but Derrick did enjoy his mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Derrick did end up sleeping through Thanksgiving dinner, but he enjoyed his food while the rest of us enjoyed our pie.  :)

Derrick vs Bananas take 2

Slippery foods.  They are the enemy of a new eater.  Poor Derrick tries so hard with his little hands and he just can't get a good grip on these foods.  Luckily I read online about "breading" the slippery food with rice cereal.  Well, it worked like a charm!  Derrick was able to get a good grip on his 'naners.

He picked the banana right up and put it right in his mouth.  He did hit his nose a few times, but shhhh, we won't tell. We love our bananas!

Derrick vs Sweet Potatoes take 2

We decided to tackle the orange veggies again with sweet potatoes.  This time, I boiled the sweet potato just as if I was going to make mashed potatoes, hoping to avoid the skin on the outside that I found with the butternut squash.  I had been reading about offering the baby some spices on food to make them more enticing.  I decided to sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on the potatoes.

He ate these potatoes up.  This was the most energy and desire he has shown for any food so far.  (except water in the sippy cup)  I will be adding some extra flavor to other veggies in the future!!

Derrick vs the sippy cup take 2

We decided to try a different type of sippy cup for Derrick.  This one does not need you to suck to get the water out.  Derrick really likes to drink water and will cry and reach for his sippy cup.



But he struggles with the whole concept of the cup - because, well, he is only 6 months old.  Our pediatrician said as long as he gets it by the time Derrick is a year old, we are fine.  Not that we were worried.  So we do help hold it for him so he can get a little water, then we give it to him to see if  he can do it.  Hey, this is what practice is for right?



 
He likes to chew on the spout of the cup as he drinks, which leads to a very wet baby, but a very happy baby :)