5 Easy Recipes For Your Self-Feeding Baby
Posted by GRABEASE® BY ELLI&NOOLI
Introducing your baby to self-feeding is a huge step towards their growth. This process will develop their motor skills and allow them to explore food textures and tastes.
Most babies can start self-feeding when they’re 6 months old, though strong chewing skills develop during their 9th month. This varies among children, therefore it’s important to know when your baby can start. If they can hold their head up, sit in a high chair, and push food towards their throat through up and down mouth motions, then they may be ready.
Want more information about Baby-Led Weaning? Check out our previous blog article, Baby Led Weaning - The Basics. You'll find quick tips as well as a list of 100 BLW Foods and some delicious recipes!
Always consult with your doctor or pediatrician first, and make sure you're informed on how to perform infant CPR.
Introducing your baby to self-feeding can be made a little easier with certain foods. Here are a few simple recipes to introduce your baby to self-feeding:
5 simple recipes to introduce your baby to self-feeding
Mashed Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a good start to introduce vegetables to your baby. Peel and roughly chop the sweet potato before boiling. Wait until tender, then transfer to a bowl to mash. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder can be added for taste. Mashed food is a great way to teach your baby how to use a spoon. It doesn’t require much chewing either, since they have yet to develop teeth.
Ensure that the spoon your child is using is fit for their needs. Baby spoons allow for better grip and are made soft since their teeth are still growing. Choosing a brightly colored spoon can also entice your baby to eat on their own.
Grabease Silicone Spoons are patented, pediatrician tested and come in fun colors.
Cheesy Rice
This recipe will allow your baby to explore different food textures. It’s easy to make as you only have to combine everything in a small rice cooker. This is especially perfect for making small meals since babies can only eat a small amount of food at a time. You also reduce the number of dishes and appliances you use since rice cookers are multifunctional.
The ingredients for this are easily available at home: rice, butter, salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and your choice of vegetables. Use carrots and cauliflower if you can, since they're easier for babies to consume once cooked. Make sure to slice the vegetables into tiny pieces. Then, combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker with an extra cup of water. Mix well and make sure it’s cool enough to consume before serving.
Bonus Recipe: Easy Fried Rice for Baby
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein and are customizable to your baby’s preference. You can cook the scrambled eggs with cheese to add flavor and a bit of texture. If you’re teaching your baby to use their hands to eat, cook the eggs using a folding technique instead of whisking. If needed, slice the eggs into bite-size pieces before serving. This way, the shape of the eggs will be easier for them to pick up.
Bonus Recipe: 4 Ingredient Egg Cups
Since your baby is learning to self-feed, it is best to place their food in a baby-proof dish. Opting for baby bowls that have a suction prevents them from spilling their food. Additionally, choosing break-proof dinnerware is a safe option for their learning hands.
Grabease Silicone Suction Bowl is also patented and pediatrician tested. It is made of food grade silicone that is resistant to bacteria, odor, and stains. The strong suction adheres to most surfaces to make learning to self-feed easier for both parent and baby. It's also dishwasher safe!
Apple Puree
This is a sure way to include fruits into your baby’s diet. Making a puree is very simple, and you only need a saucepan and a blender. To make this, combine chopped apple pieces, a bit of water, and cinnamon on medium-low heat in a saucepan for 12-15 minutes. You can adjust the amount of water depending on the consistency you want to acquire. After, transfer the mixture into a blender and puree until smooth. Keep in mind that this recipe is best for when your baby is learning to use a baby spoon.
Bonus Recipe: Roasted Carrot Cake Applesauce
Hummus
Hummus is a nutritious snack for all ages, however because of it's high sodium content pre-packaged hummus from the store usually isn't suitable for babies or young toddlers. Luckily it's very easy to make at home with just a few ingredients!
You'll need chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to add a little water or more lemon or olive oil to get the consistency you like.
Bonus Recipe: Very Pink Beet Hummus
Allergy warning: Sesame is one the ten most common childhood food allergies and can be severe. Check with your doctor or pediatrician before introducing common allergens to your baby's diet.
Teaching your baby to self-feed is a learning process. Make sure to stay with them while they eat on their own. Introducing new foods with different textures and colors is a great way to stimulate and engage your baby. Using utensils and dishes that are created specifically for baby-led weaning and self-feeding will make the process even more fun for baby and parent!
Written by Charlie Bellamy for grabease.com
Bonus Reads:
Ask Our Expert: Help, my baby won't use their spoon to self-feed!
