Foods to Introduce to Your Toddler

Family/ Parenting - Raising Kids

By: vivasuzi 10-Feb-2012

Introduction:

I've heard a lot of people say their child is so picky and will only eat Mac & Cheese or something similar. I think a lot of that is because babies and toddlers are all fed very bland and boring foods. I tried to introduce a variety of tastes since my daughter started solids, and now as a toddler these are 5 things I think are important. She has yet to reject a food and I hope that giving her the variety now will make it so she eats the same as we do in the future.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese does have a weird texture, and if you didn't grow up eating it you probably think it is gross. I've been giving my baby cottage cheese since she was allowed dairy products and she loves it. This is a healthy food that can be mixed with any of her fruits and veggies.

Fish

Many people focus on meat when introducing protein to their baby, but Fish is important too. Many kids (and adults) are picky and won't eat fish because it's "fishy". Well, that is why my daughter has fish once a week, at least. I don't eat meat, but I do eat fish and want my daughter to enjoy it as much as I do.

Beans

I'm not talking about green beans, but lentils, chick peas, pinto beans, and more. Many children are picky about these as well. My husband looks at lentils and says they look gross, he won't even try them! Beans are a healthy source of protein as well as other vitamins. Some days my daughter has beans as her main source of protein.

Veggie Meat

I know a lot of adults that cringe whenever I say the word "veggie burger". "That doesn't taste like a burger", is usually what they say. Well it doesn't HAVE to taste like a burger to be good! Since I don't eat meat, I'm making sure my daughter gets to know the veggie meat products as well. One day she'll eat daddy's meat filled tacos, the next she'll eat my veggie meat tacos. This will help her enjoy both and learn she doesn't have to have meat every day! Heck, even my husband eats my veggie meat meals and says they aren't bad.

Spices

Finally, you must spice your child's food! Take it slowly and only introduce one new spice at a time, just like you do when introducing anything new. By starting spices early, your child will not be deadset on having bland and boring foods. Many articles about this subject point out that babies in other countries do not eat just bland pureed baby food. We haven't gone crazy with the spices but have made sure to introduce her to some of our favorites - cinnamon, basil, and garlic to name a few.

Final Thoughts

If you want to have a child that will eat virtually anything, you have to start early! You can't wait until she is three and then expect her to eat something totally new. Mix these into your baby or toddlers diet as soon as it is age appropriate and you will have a much easier time feeding them when they are older.

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Comments

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hummingbirdee 3/1/2012
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Good ideas.
TigerStripes 2/10/2012
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Good list of good foods! I never tasted cottage cheese until I was an adult. It was one of the things my mom hated and never bought. lol
clewand550 2/10/2012
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This is such a good list of foods that you can start introducing to a young toddler. Ones that they will enjoy. Great job on this list.