is a fabulous resource for new parents! Beginning with information on breastfeeding and introducing formula to helping feed picky toddlers, this book covers it all!
I love that the book starts with a Q&A and facts about breastfeeding and your baby's start to life... for instance, did you know that when your baby is born, their stomach is roughly the size of a chickpea!!! It's no wonder they eat like little birds those first few weeks...
The Q&A also explains common questions like,"Can I have an alcoholic drink while breastfeeding?" and "How long can you keep expressed breastmilk?"
There are also helpful recipes for moms who are breastfeeding, your new baby's health, weight issues and more in that first section!
The subsequent sections deal with:
6-9 months: ready for food
9-12 months: exploring new tastes
12-18 months: toddlers on the move
18-36 months: eating with the family
Each section contains a few what to expect pages, several recipes and lots more tips!
One of my favorite recipes from the 9-12 months, exploring new tastes section is Chicken and Apricot Curry:
"While a very hot curry may not hit the spot for babies, a mild and creamy one is often popular. This recipe is a good way to tempt your baby to try more exciting foods from an early age."
1 tsp sunflower or olive oil
1 sm shallot, minced
2 tsp korma or mild curry paste (or to taste)
1 cup canned coconut milk
4 moist, dried apricots, chopped
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast or 2 thighs, cut into small cubes
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and saute the shallot very gently for 1 minute, to soften. Add the curry paste and cook gently for 30 seconds, stirring. Stir in the coconut milk and apricots. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the apricots start to soften. (about 5 minutes)
- Add the chicken and stir well, then partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and apricots are both tender and the sauce is reduced and thick (about 20 minutes)
- The curry is quite soft and so is 'gummable', but you can mash or puree to your baby's preferred consistency. Let cool slightly and serve warm, with rice or couscous.
- The curry can be frozen into individual portions. thaw overnight in the refrigerator when needed. Add 1 tsp water per portion and heat until piping hot in the microwave or in a saucepan. cool slightly and check the temperature before serving.
And speaking of individual portions, I was also sent the cutest little Annabel Karmel Food Cube Tray
to try out as well! This tray is great because it's compartments are slightly larger than your average ice cube tray, making portion sizing easier as your baby grows, and it also comes with a handy lid!
I have to say that I would have loved this handy resource when I was starting to feed Liam solids and will definitely be consulting it again when Baby E arrives!
