Showing posts with label Self Feeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self Feeding. Show all posts

Friday, April 5, 2013

Back by popular demand: Squooshi Refillable Food Pouch GIVEAWAY!!!

Yes, you read it correctly.....we have ANOTHER Squooshi GIVEAWAY!!!! Wa Hoo!!

A few months ago, we featured the Squooshi Refillable Food Pouches on The Stuff We Love Tuesday! You all fell just as head-over-heels in love with its cuteness as I did! Which means you all have excellent taste! Kudos to you! The perfect combination of function, convenience, and irresistable adorableness is a WIN all around. And now you can WIN too!! The good folks over at Squooshi were kind enough to provide us with a 4 pack of Squooshies to give away to our loyal fans!!

Pssst...that's YOU!
 
So, go ahead and enter....then show off your new baby swag to all your friends! Nothing more fun than new baby swag right? Unless of course, it is FREE baby swag!!

Wanna get in on the giveaway?? It's simple and you can earn up to 5 entries with the simple steps below! Contest runs until midnight 4/12/13 and winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page!!!

Here is how you can earn your 5 entries:
  1. "Like" our Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know! If you already "like" us, Thank You, please leave a comment below letting us know that and you can have an entry too! 
  2. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know that you did so!
  3. Become a follower of the blog!! To do so, simply click "Join This Site" in the right hand toolbar and become a member....that way you never miss out on the Yumminess! Oh, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did so! If you are already a follower, just leave us a comment letting us know that you already follow us!
  4. Follow us on Pinterest! We are always posting great recipes and fun kiddo stuff that we adore! You can follow us from the "Pinterest" tab at the top of our FB page, or you  can look us up by our username "atfirstbite". Then, you guessed it, leave a comment here letting us know!
  5. Visit the Squooshi Facebook page and give them a "Like" as well! Gotta show some love to the people making this all possible! And of course...leave a comment here letting us know you did!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Recipe: Green Mac n' Cheese

Around these parts, green is pretty much our favorite color. And with the luck of the Irish just about upon us with St. Patty's Day coming up, we figured there is no time like today to share with you all yet another fab green food recipe! And since I have yet to meet a child who does not like Mac N' Cheese (although my husband claims he hated it even as a child...not sure how I ended up with him...) I figured this was just the inspiration I wanted to share with you all!

So, may all Irish eyes smile upon you and may the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow be yours!

Or....may you just enjoy this healthy mash-up of Mac N' Cheese meets Produce Stand!  Whichever you prefer....

Green Mac N' Cheese
Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Catherine from Weelicious (www.weelicious.com)
When to Introduce: This one is best left for the "chewers" in the family. While you can puree just about anything, pasta dishes are tough to get to the desired consistency. I would say most over the age of 12 months can give this one a go! Be sure to consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns over food tolerance. 
Why we Love It:  Ummm....it's Mac N Cheese. And it's PACKED with vitamins and nutrients for the entire family! It makes a ton, so great to keep in the fridge for the week. Oh, and it's green! NATURALLY green at that....no additives here to give it the leprechaun touch. Just some good ole' Mother Nature given color!
Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni (you can also use campanelle, cavatappi or shells)
3 cups whole milk 
1 cup packed fresh spinach 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 
2 tablespoons flour 
4 cups grated white cheddar cheese 
2 cups chopped broccoli florets 
1 cup peas
 
Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Cook pasta in salted water for about 3 minutes less than package directions call for, until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water and strain.
3. While the pasta is cooking. Place the milk and spinach in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
4. In a large pot melt the butter and then add the flour, whisking continuously over low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk mixture and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce is gently bubbling and starting to thicken.
6. Add reserved pasta water and cheese and whisk until melted. Stir in the pasta, broccoli and peas. 
7. Transfer to a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and the pasta is set.

  Servings: 
This one can feed you small army! Serves about 8 and can easily be kept cold for reheatable meals on the run during the week!
Magically Delicious For Sure!! 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Recipe: Easy Cheesy Spinach Hummus

Fact: I LOVE to dip my foods.

Also a fact: So does my 3.5 year old.

Yet another fact: My 18 month old does too.

Fiction: All dips are fat laden and/or full of empty calories. Think again my friends....

I cannot wait to share today's recipe with you all because it is one that is so yummy that you will ALL enjoy it. Plus, it is totally fun....fun color (perfect for St. Patty's Day), fun to dip, fun to say....you get the idea! I am not even going to bore you with a whole bunch of background info. Let's get straight to the good stuff! And this is definitely good stuff...

 
Easy Cheesy Spinach Hummus
 
Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Catherine from Weelicious (www.weelicious.com)
When to Introduce: Around 12 months - Although most of the ingredients in this dish are not highly allergenic, Tahini Paste is made from sesame seeds, and those with nut sensitivities may have a reaction. You can leave the Tahini out if you prefer and the taste will be altered only slightly. Always be sure to consult a pediatrician with any concerns.

Why we Love It:  In addition to just being a FUN dish to serve, this meal is packed with protein (from the beans as well as the tahini) and essential nutrients from leafy greens (spinach). You can serve it with other veggies for dipping or whole grain crackers...whichever your little leprechauns prefer! Oh, and it keeps in the fridge for up to a week, so great to have on hand for meals on the fly!
Ingredients:
1 cup packed fresh spinach
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tahini paste
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions: 
1.Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and pulse until smooth! 
(Does it get any easier than that?)
Servings: This will make about 12 ounces or so of Yumminess! (just enough to share a snack with your little love!)

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Recipe: Almost Chicken Soup

It is perhaps the ultimate comfort food....chicken soup. After all, what other food has the ability to heal us from the despairs of the common cold? As it turns out, Chicken Soup is full of all the goodness that your little one's system craves. Packed with both protein and vitamin rich veggies, this recipe is a complete meal in and of itself and the way that we prepare it, it is minus the liquid that makes soup not-so-easy for those beginner eaters.



Almost Chicken Soup

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: The Sili Co. Test Kitchen (www.thesilisqueeze.com)
When to Introduce: Around 6 months - always check with your pediatrician if you have concerns about allergies or your little one's eating ability. Since this meal has multiple ingredients, it is always a good idea to be sure they have tried each one individually before combining.
Why We Love It: Protein is often a tough one to get your little ones to love...introducing it early and mixing it with classic favorites such as carrots and celery is sure to help. And, those yummy veggies give an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients essential to your baby's health!

Ingredients:
1 Carrot
1 Celery Stalk
1/4 yellow onion diced (optional)
1 boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast chopped
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
4 cups of water (or enough to cover ingredients)

2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf
Directions: 
1. Place all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil
2. Simmer about 15  minutes or until veggies are tender
3. Remove bay leaf and drain, reserving liquid 
  4. Add chicken and veggies to blender.
 5. Add reserved liquid to reach desired consistency.
Servings: Makes about 3 cups - PLENTY to freeze for meals down the road!

Now that's what I call true comfort food!
Comfort for their tummy, and comfort for you knowing you filled it with the best stuff on earth!
Chicken soup is satisfying to everyone – any age savors the sips of a traditional, simple chicken soup.  This recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a chicken soup boiled on the stove…minus all the liquid so that your little Sili Squeezer can enjoy this meal in their Squeeze.  If you multiply this recipe x 4 you can use whole portions of each ingredient (one whole carrot, one whole celery etc.) and reserve the extra in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator for additional meals.
Fills one 6 oz. Sili Squeeze
2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served!
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf

Chicken soup is satisfying to everyone – any age savors the sips of a traditional, simple chicken soup.  This recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a chicken soup boiled on the stove…minus all the liquid so that your little Sili Squeezer can enjoy this meal in their Squeeze.  If you multiply this recipe x 4 you can use whole portions of each ingredient (one whole carrot, one whole celery etc.) and reserve the extra in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator for additional meals.
Fills one 6 oz. Sili Squeeze
2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served!
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf
Chicken soup is satisfying to everyone – any age savors the sips of a traditional, simple chicken soup.  This recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a chicken soup boiled on the stove…minus all the liquid so that your little Sili Squeezer can enjoy this meal in their Squeeze.  If you multiply this recipe x 4 you can use whole portions of each ingredient (one whole carrot, one whole celery etc.) and reserve the extra in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator for additional meals.
Fills one 6 oz. Sili Squeeze
2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served!
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf
Chicken soup is satisfying to everyone – any age savors the sips of a traditional, simple chicken soup.  This recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a chicken soup boiled on the stove…minus all the liquid so that your little Sili Squeezer can enjoy this meal in their Squeeze.  If you multiply this recipe x 4 you can use whole portions of each ingredient (one whole carrot, one whole celery etc.) and reserve the extra in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator for additional meals.
Fills one 6 oz. Sili Squeeze
2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served!
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf
Chicken soup is satisfying to everyone – any age savors the sips of a traditional, simple chicken soup.  This recipe has all the wonderful flavors of a chicken soup boiled on the stove…minus all the liquid so that your little Sili Squeezer can enjoy this meal in their Squeeze.  If you multiply this recipe x 4 you can use whole portions of each ingredient (one whole carrot, one whole celery etc.) and reserve the extra in an airtight container in your freezer or refrigerator for additional meals.
Fills one 6 oz. Sili Squeeze
2 inches of one carrot
2 inches of one celery
1 thin slice of yellow onion (optional, not recommended for children under 18 months)
1/4 of one chicken breast, cooked – bones and skin removed, chopped into small 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 of one bay leaf
1/8 tsp kosher salt
3 cups of water (or enough to cover the above ingredients)
Make a simple chicken stock for this recipe using all of the above ingredients, using a small sauce pot: Place all ingredients in the pot and cover with water plus an extra inch above the ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Discard the bay leaf.  Add the vegetables to a blender or food processor and begin adding the liquid/stock.  Use only enough liquid to create a smooth, but thick puree.  Serve immediately (warm or room temperature) in your Sili Squeeze.  Comfort food for your little one is served!
- See more at: http://www.thesilisqueeze.com/recipes3.html#sthash.bKwu9AAN.dpuf

Friday, February 22, 2013

Squooshi Refillable Pouch GIVEAWAY!!

A few weeks ago, we featured the Squooshi Refillable Food Pouches on The Stuff We Love Tuesday! You all fell just as head-over-heels in love with its cuteness as I did! Which means you all have excellent taste! Kudos to you! The perfect combination of function, convenience, and irresistable adorableness is a WIN all around. And now you can WIN too!! The good folks over at Squooshi were kind enough to provide us with a 4 pack of Squooshies to give away to our loyal fans!!

Pssst...that's YOU!
 
So, go ahead and enter....then show off your new baby swag to all your friends! Nothing more fun than new baby swag right? Unless of course, it is FREE baby swag!!

Wanna get in on the giveaway?? It's simple and you can earn up to 5 entries with the simple steps below! Contest runs until midnight 3/1/13 and winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page!!!

Here is how you can earn your 5 entries:
  1. "Like" our Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know! If you already "like" us, Thank You, please leave a comment below letting us know that and you can have an entry too! 
  2. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know that you did so!
  3. Become a follower of the blog!! To do so, simply click "Join This Site" in the right hand toolbar and become a member....that way you never miss out on the Yumminess! Oh, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did so! If you are already a follower, just leave us a comment letting us know that you already follow us!
  4. Follow us on Pinterest! We are always posting great recipes and fun kiddo stuff that we adore! You can follow us from the "Pinterest" tab at the top of our FB page, or you  can look us up by our username "atfirstbite". Then, you guessed it, leave a comment here letting us know!
  5. Visit the Squooshi Facebook page and give them a "Like" as well! Gotta show some love to the people making this all possible! And of course...leave a comment here letting us know you did!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Mealtime Ideas for "Light" Eaters

(I originally wrote this post for a feature on West Valley Moms Blog, www.westvalleymomsblog.com, but it was just too appropriate not to share here as well!)

I can’t tell you how excited my husband and I were when we got to the stage with our oldest where all foods were fair game. We are a family who likes to cook, bake, and eat, so we couldn’t wait to have her try all of the lovely treats that exist in this world! We had agreed that we wanted her to more or less, eat what we eat. Some “kid food” would be fine every now and then, but we were determined to cultivate a sophisticated palate from an early age. And for the most part, she was on board. That is, until she discovered just how cool it was to do just about anything other than sit in her high-chair.

She started walking on her first birthday, and was off to the races from day one. Along with her increased curiosity about the world around her, came a decreased desire to spend time eating. I began to spend many meals in tears (literally…) trying to get her to eat even just a few bites. The pediatrician assured us that she would eat when she was hungry and intellectually, I knew this was true. Emotionally however, I was a wreck. I though for sure she was just going to disappear. Some called her a “picky eater” – a accusation which made me very defensive. She would try just about anything, and enjoy them. She just wouldn’t eat more than a bite or two at a time. She wasn’t a picky eater, just a light one.

From this point on, I was a mama on a mission. I wanted to make sure that each bite that eventually did make it to her tiny tummy, was as nutritionally dense as possible and had enough healthy calories in it, to make me feel comfortable. There are some AWESOME natural snacks lines out there for kiddos and we certainly tried some of those. But the cost of many high-quality kids foods, can be a little steep. Not to mention the fact that I liked the idea of knowing exactly what was going into her tummy (OK, maybe I have a little streak of control-freak in me…). Regardless, I spent many an hour perusing the aisles of the grocery store searching for snack and meal items that were higher in calories, but not packed full of preservatives, sodium, empty calories, or “bad” fat. These items have since become staples in my fridge and pantry! Listed below are my top 10 items (no particular order) that the kiddos seem to love, and help get some calories into their “too busy to eat” little bodies!

(One disclaimer, do keep in mind your little one’s chewing ability when considering these foods. You know them best and some of these suggestions are for slightly more “advanced” eaters.)
  1.  Avocado – Yummm….just yum…..
  2. Full-fat Yogurt – this can be tougher to find than you think, but you can usually find it in the larger multi-serving containers
  3. Raw Nuts – almonds, pistachios, cashews
  4. Dried Fruit – apricots, dates, pineapple, cherries, blueberries (just be careful not to over do it on there….LOTS of fiber :) )
  5. Yogurt Covered Raisins – oh come on….these are pretty much candy but with some nutrients
  6. Banana Chips – who would have guessed it? These babies pack a fairly high calorie count, and they are always a fan favorite
  7. Edamame – In the shell or out, these little green gems are packed with protein (soy) and are just FUN to eat!
  8. Nut Butters – move over peanut butter…almond butter, sunflower butter and others are moving in! You can even find them in single -serve squeeze packs at specialty stores and on-line
  9. Hummus – made with healthy oils and tahini (sesame paste), this is a great option! Little ones love to dip just about anything in it
  10. Smoothies – made at home from fresh ingredients, not the sugar laden ones at the local shops! With my kiddos, if it can go through a straw, it must be good!
So there you have it, some ideas that have worked for us in this house of “light eaters”. My little guy, now 18 months, is in this stage again, and while it is like deja vu all over again, I am not nearly as stressed out as I was with my daughter. I have a proven plan of attack and it is true what they say….the will eat when they are hungry. I promise mama.
But in the meantime, it’s time to stock the pantry!
What other ideas do you have to add to the list? Any proven favorites in your house? Do share!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Recipe: Sesame Green Bean Salad

With a 3 1/2 year old and an almost 18 month old at home, I am always on the lookout for mealtime options that are not only healthy, but fun and appealing to the whole crowd. Good news is my partner-in-crime of a husband isn't real picky, so there is one table-mate I don't have to work too hard to please! The miniature ones however, can sometimes be a different story....depending on the day....or the hour.

When I saw this recipe today, I got all excited because I know for sure that it would be a winner at our dinner table. Heck, maybe even breakfast if it is a "choosy" day for the littles. And, I even learned a new trick (stop with the "old dog" image in your head already...). Did you know that if you soak green beans in ice water after steaming them, they return to their beautiful vibrant green selves again? Who knew? Not me!

In the spirit of broadening the family palette, let's put a little Asian spin on green bean salad with this one that is sure to be a table pleaser!


Sesame Green Bean Salad
 
Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Jennifer Tyler Lee (www.crunchacolor.com)

When to Introduce: In its natural state, this is a perfect finger food for those new self-feeders - you know your child and their eating abilities best. Additionally, this can be pureed into flavorful puree for those new eaters in your house as early as 9 months (be sure to ask a pediatrician if you have any questions)

Why We Love It: A super simple dish that puts a new spin on a classic side dish. Also, a great opportunity to get your little ones involved in the kitchen! Let them be in charge of sprinkling the sesame seeds onto the green beans before serving....ever met a preschooler who doesn't like to sprinkle? Me either....

Ingredients
1 pound green beans, trimmed and washed
2 tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp sesame seed oil
1 tsp sesame seeds

Directions:
1. Steam the green beans in a basket over boiling water for about 10 minutes, until crisp-tender. Steam a little less if you prefer your green beans on the crunchy side. Steaming your vegetables is one of the best ways to help retain their nutrients.

2. Give the beans a bath in ice water, to bring back their color.


3. Toss gently with the rice vinegar, sesame oil and sesame seeds.


 Servings: Makes about 4 average size portions...more for younger kiddos!

I think I am making this one tonight for sure! I need a crowd pleaser!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Li'l Helper Baby Bottle Holder

As a "veteran" mama (I have a whopping 3 years and 7 months under my belt) there are very few baby products on the market that I have not seen at least 3 different iterations of at various baby showers, play groups, or mama meetings. But every once in a while, a product comes across my radar that makes me stop and think..."Well now, isn't that cool?"

One product that made me do just that, is a little something called the Li'l Helper Baby Bottle Holder. When I saw this product for the first time, I immediately thought of the day my brother-in-law came into our living room with his first born in her carrier. She was about 6 months old and, like a rookie parent,  he had driven her cross town to our home during mealtime. Classic lesson to be learned there...

Rather than have her cry mercilessly in the back seat while he drove, he had managed to prop her bottle on a blanket in a way that she could easily sip from it as she wished....unless he hit a bump...or turned a corner too quickly.....or tapped the brakes. Then, all bets were off and he would once again have a hungry, cranky, baby on his hands. I will admit, it made me giggle....especially since I myself had a 9 month old at the time. If only he had had a Li'l Helper.

This super handy contraption allows even the busiest of parents to multitask while still providing the best of care to their little love. For parents of multiples or those with multiple kiddos close in age, it takes the frenzy out of feeding time allowing you to tend to two (or more) children at the same time....kinda like an extra hand.....how many times have I asked Santa for one of those in recent years?



Besides the convenience factor, this gadget is just cute! It's chic design is eye catching and is also quite ergonomic. It matches closely the natural nursing posture of your little one and encourages development of key muscle groups and motor skills. Baby will love you even more than they already do (if that is even possible) when they discover the super fun rattle that is built right into the handle on the Li'l Helper.  Pleasure and function in one place....who doesn't love that?!?!

And as for staying power, I predict this one will be a diaper bag must-have for a long time to come! It feels durable and sturdy and is of course, BPA-free. And the cherry on top....it is super easy to clean and dishwasher safe! Ummm.... I love it even more!

Now, where is my time travel machine?? If I ever find it, I am taking myself right back to that day in our living room with my tired, worn-out looking, new father, of a brother-in-law, and I will proudly bestow upon him a Li'l Helper. Something tells me this will be one of those products that I turn to my own children as they are holding my grand kids and say "Now, where was that when you kids were little?"

Wanna give Lil'l Helper Baby Bottle Holder a try??

Visit their website at www.lil-helper.com to learn more and even place an order!

This is definitely one of the things we LOVE!!!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Recipe: Roasted Edamame with Parmesan Cheese

One of the most common questions I get from clients and parent in general is: "How the heck to I get my little one to eat more protein?" Please know that if you little one constantly spits out chicken, turkey, beef....you are not alone! It is far more common that you think. And, while many of these kiddos will eat yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter (all great alternative sources of protein), there are only so many ways to serve those items. So, we are forced to get a little creative!

One of my missions at At First Bite is to get parents thinking "outside the box" when it comes to feeding your littles. Yes, the perennial favorites are great...bananas, sweet potatoes, apples, etc, but just like us adults, tiny palates are also looking to be sparked by new and exciting flavors. Those little taste buds deserve to be tickled too right?

So, today's recipe is one that will not only please the whole family (I mean, I am pretty sure I could make myself a complete meal out of this one), but will also pack in a healthy dose of protein sure to put mama's mind at ease a bit. And, for those self-feeders, it is sure to be a hit!!

Roasted Edamame with Parmesan Cheese

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Laura at www.foodsnobstl.com
When to Introduce: As early as 9 months (can be pureed for those who are not quite self-feeding yet) - Please note: Edamame are young SOY BEANS, so be sure to consult a pediatrician if soy allergy is a concern!

Why We Love It: This is a dish the whole family can be on board with! And, it serves as a fun and creative way to get some extra protein into the diets of even the most finicky of diners!

Ingredients:
1 12oz. package of frozen, shelled edamame
Olive oil (approximately 2 tablespoon
Salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.  Place the edamame on the parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and fresh cracked pepper.  Toss to evenly coat the edamame.
3. Place sheet in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes (stir about 1/2 through) or until cooked through (they will have a slightly wrinkled look to them).
4. Remove from oven, toss in a bowl with Parmesan cheese.

Servings: As a side dish, this recipe will serve a family of 4 easy peasy!

Pure and Simple Yumminess my friends! With an international flair too! 
 

 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

KidCo Healthy Snack Feeder Kit

If you haven't been there already...you will be. I am talking about the moment when your sweet darling no longer wants you coming any where near her with a spoon. She is over it! She may as well put a sign on the back of her high-chair that reads: "Self Feed Or Bust" beacause chances are, there is no turning back.

Both my kiddos have done it. And pretty much every baby I know had done it as well. They day is coming. And chance are, they will be teething at the same time....Murphy's Law.

The problem comes when your little one is ready to make the leap, but you aren't quite sure that she is ready to take bite sized pieces yet....or your nerves simply can't handle watching them attempt to use a spoon with that yummy blueberry puree over your new wooden floors. Yikes!

Enter KidCo Healthy Snack Feeder Kit!

KidCo's Healthy Snack Feeder Kit (with freezer tray) is perfect to introducing new foods, giving frozen treats, and even great for teething! This BPA-Free feeder provides a safe snacking option that is perfect for introducing new, age appropriate foods to your little love! You simply fill the netted bag with your Yumminess of choice and the  soft material creates a barrier that helps keeps large pieces out of baby's mouth, but allows her the satisfaction of self-feeding!

Happy Baby = Happy Mama

There is even a super handy freezer tray (also BPA free) that allows you to whip up the frozen Yumminess of your choice in the perfect size to slip directly into the netted feeder bag. Kiddos love frozen stuff and your little teethers will be thanking you as well! So much better than a plain frozen teething ring. Breastmilk, formula, bananas, applesauce, some fabulous At First Bite purees....the possibilies are endless!

And the best part....wait for it....the whole thing is dishwasher safe! Woo Hoo!!! You know you love that mamas!

Wanna give the Healthy Snack Feeder Kit a try??

Visit their website at www.kidco.com to learn more and even place an order!

This is definitely one of the things we LOVE!!!


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