Healthy Food Alternatives for Babies

Change Vegetables With the Seasons to Provide a Variety of Healthy Foods For Your Baby

by Theresa Kiene

It can be difficult to take the time to figure out how to integrate new eaters into the holiday meal. Since tiny tummies can only accept one new flavor at a time, seasonal favorites like root vegetables and winter squashes are perfect beginner foods and an easy way to expand your baby's palate. Steaming and roasting retain more nutrients than boiling, and roasting vegetables brings out the full flavor and provides a nice change for your entire family. It's easy for you, and your family will enjoy a delicious and nutritious holiday season!

Roasting Vegetables: Select one or more organic vegetables such as squash, sweet potato, parsnips or pumpkin.

Peel and cube. All the vegetables will shrink while roasting so don't cut them too small. Toss well with one to two tablespoons of good quality organic olive oil and bake on a cookie sheet for about 25 - 35 minutes at 400-degrees, turning once during baking.

When the cubes are soft and cooked thoroughly, pull out six-to-eight cubes per baby and set aside.

Toss the rest with kosher salt and chopped flat leaf parsley or any other herb your family enjoys.

For your baby, serve as a finger food or mash to a consistency appropriate for your child. These vegetables are also easy to freeze. After they have cooled completely, toss them in a plastic freezer bag or freeze the puree in ice cube trays.

This is such a joyous season, a time to give thanks for our beautiful families and all that we can provide for them. Have fun turning your holiday meal into a festive and nutritious occasion for every member of the family!