Toddler/Baby Food Recipe

Here's a great recipe for Toddlers.  I discovered this pasta called Ditalini.  It's in the perfect shape for little eaters.  Easy to pick up.  Easy to chew and swallow.

Here's my homemade recipe:

2 cooked chicken breasts, cut in small pieces
2 cups of uncooked Ditalini pasta
1 small can of peas & carrots

For cheese sauce:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup of blended shredded cheese
1/4 cup of parmesan
2 slices of muenster
2 slices of american

Cook the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.  Cut the chicken into very small pieces.  Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.  Make sure the pasta is cooked well.  While the pasta in draining in the colander, melt all of the cheeses with the milk in the pan.  Add the pasta, chicken, and vegetables.  Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well. 

Yields: 2 ice cube trays for freezing

Pacifiers & Bottles

During my breastfeeding class I learned that if you introduce a pacifier or bottle too early it can interfere with latching. This is what I understood. Well, I was determined to breastfeed so I didn't let a pacifier or bottle near my baby for 2 weeks! 

Every baby is different, but mine didn't have a problem and she took to breastfeeding right away.  She always latched fine and she never refused to nurse.  During her 2nd day, I remember allowing her to nurse as long as she wanted.  She nursed a total of 45 minutes on one side!

Even though I was so happy that we were on a good path of nursing, when I finally introduced her to a pacifier or bottle - she refused it!  I tried and tried, but nothing worked.  I even dipped the pacifier in Karo syrup, and she still didn't want it.

From my experience I suggest introducing either a pacifier or bottle sooner than 2 weeks.  If you are wanting to pump and feed, a bottle is the only way you'll be able to feed your baby.  Also, a pacifier can come in handy.  Especially in public when you need to "pacify" your baby until you can nurse them.  We never had this option.  On the bright side, we won't have to take it away from her.  Take it from me, introduce what you plan to use early.


Here she is with a pacifier.  I think this is the only time we took a picture with it in her mouth.

Yogurt for babies

Yogurt is a great snack and addition to a baby's diet.  You can start introducing yogurt after 6 months of age.  My little one loves it!  However, it's best to pay attention to the labels.  Some yogurts are packed full of sugar!

Always check the labels.  Gestational diabetes caused me to check all my labels so I am very used to it.  Watch out for aspartame.  It's very sneaky!  The package will say "light" or "sugar free" and aspartame is lurking in the ingredients. 

There's a lot of controversy about aspartame.  Personally, the endocrinologist told me not to ingest it during pregnancy.  She said that it was not healthy for my developing baby.  If it's not okay for an unborn baby, then I'd assume it's not okay for a growing baby.  I encourage you to do some research and make the decision for yourself. 

My husband and I eat Yoplait, but if you check the label it has 25 grams of sugar!

Stonyfield's YoBaby has only 12 grams of sugar.  It's also made with whole milk that is best for growing babies.

I recommend the brand Stonyfield.  They have yogurts called YoBaby, YoToddler, and YoKids.  Please visit their website for more information.  Fortunately, my community is organic friendly so my local grocery store carries Stonyfield.  If you cannot find it at your local store, you may want to try a health foods store.

Traveling with an infant

I've always been told that traveling with an infant isn't easy.  I thought that meant just packing the car, stopping for diaper changes, and being extra tired.   What I didn't realize is that there's a lot more to traveling with an infant than the obvious.

Children respond well to routine.  Their routine revolves around their environment.  They are used to their crib, room, toys, etc.  When you are traveling, all of these elements change.  They'll probably take their nap in a car seat rather than their crib.  They will be sleeping overnight in a portable crib rather than their own.  All of these elements shift their routine and ultimately their mood.

My little one takes her naps and goes to bed at the same time every night.  Sometimes we have to change those times to accomodate our schedule when we travel.  Unfortunately, changing her sleep patterns affects everything.  She's a little bit more cranky than usual and ultimately that affects my trip.

She has many distractions when we're away from home.  It's difficult to get her to sleep for her naps, and at bedtime if she's going down at a later time.  Hotels (or other homes) have different sounds and smells that contribute to her distraction.

Make sure to bring as many familiar items from home to make your little one feel comfortable.  Bring favorite toys and books.  Make sure to pack their favorite foods too.  I know it's difficult to stick to their routine, but it helps to try to keep it as close as possible.

Click this checklist for suggestions of what to pack when traveling.