No-Bake Apricot Bites

This recipes makes an easy on-the-go snack that is perfect for a springtime picnic.  What I really like about this filling and naturally sweet snack is that it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals. For example, apricots provide Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium, and dates help with proper muscle development and are high in fiber. For more information on all of the nutrients your baby needs, check out our nutrient chart.

To make this recipe, here is what … (read more)

Play With Your Food: Sensory Activities at Mealtime

Introducing foods to your little one can be such an exciting experience! Finally, you are able to offer something along with breastmilk or formula! It’s a huge milestone and can be quite an adventure. Many moms are surprised to find that foods are important for reasons other than nutrition. Food actually provides a great way for your child to learn and explore their five senses. Sensory activities are extremely helpful for encouraging brain development, fine motor skills and language.  The following sensory activities provide an easy and fun way to introduce your … (read more)

Healthy Apricot Recipes for the Whole Family

There’s a reason why apricot means “precious” in Latin.

This healthy summer fruit is loved by both babies and mothers alike. Closely related to plums, apricots can be a great addition to your baby’s meals. Their vibrant orange color reflects the fact that they are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your baby’s body converts to vitamin A. Apricots are also loaded with vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Collectively, these healthy … (read more)

Tips to Determine Toddler Meal Portions

Is my child eating enough?

If you have ever wondered about this, you are not alone! As a pediatric dietitian, I get this question often from concerned parents of toddlers and children who seem to have little to no appetite. The first thing I do is encourage parents to start by describing the portion sizes their children consume at each meal and to list all their daily hydration. Drinks with added sugars, such as milk, juice and other sugary beverages, … (read more)

A Heap of Bean Benefits and Recipes

A versatile source for vitamins and minerals.

Often called the magical fruit, beans are actually a vegetable. Although not typically top-of-mind for baby diets, beans offer a variety of benefits, including high doses of protein, potassium, and calcium, plus vitamins A and C for your little one’s healthy growth and development. Most pediatricians recommend introducing dried beans into your baby’s meals when she is eight to ten months old. It is important to start with small amounts of beans, as … (read more)

Healthy Ideas for Entertaining

Last month my son turned one!  His birthday was a bittersweet day for me and my husband, but it was also an exciting milestone. Our baby had transformed into a curious and active little boy, and we had survived our first year of parenthood! It definitely called for a celebration, and I took on the party planning like I was preparing for my wedding all over again. I decided that we were going to have a little man themed party full of bow ties and mustaches.  I … (read more)

Black Bean Brownies

These brownies are a perfect sweet treat and a great alternative to other high sugar and high calorie brownie recipes.

When I first read this recipe, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical of the words “black beans” and “brownies” being in the same sentence. After making them, I was pleasantly surprised  in how chocolaty and delicious they turned out to be. These brownies are great for special occasions. They are a nice alternative to a traditional cake and other super-sweet, sugar-shocking desserts. The black beans add bulk … (read more)

Kale: A Download on This Super Healthy Ingredient and Recipes

A surprising way to go green with your baby.

Almost every mom understands the nutritious value that green vegetables can have as part of your baby’s diet. Fewer moms however have heard of the little-known benefits of kale (or borecole), a super vegetable that is a leafy form of cabbage. Kale features large amounts of beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and some calcium, which collectively promotes baby’s growth, boosts the immune system, enhances the nervous system, … (read more)

8 Simple Juice Tips for Toddlers

Is your child drinking too much fruit juice?

Trying to encourage your kids to eat a balanced diet can be a real challenge. Some days are more difficult than others, and on the difficult days, juice can really help to make sure your kids are getting some of the vitamins they need.  But how much juice is too much? This has become a concern for pediatricians across the country as childhood obesity rates increase at alarming rates. Could excessive juice intake … (read more)

Sweet Baby Soup with Kale and Lentils

Kale and lentil soup is a colorful and nutritious lunch that is perfect for mom and baby.

The variety of vegetables in this soup adds bulk and flavor to the dish. The combination of lentils and vegetables makes this a hearty meal for the whole family. In addition, this recipe serves as an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients.  For more information on all of the nutrients your baby needs, check out our nutrient chart.

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

Here is what you will need:

• 2 tbsp … (read more)
  
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