Eating Habits

Written 25-30 years ago....

When breastfeeding, it is advisable to wait until your baby is at least 4 to 6 months of age before introducing solids very gradually. One of the best indicators of readiness is when your baby grabs for your food or shows real interest when sitting at the dinner table with the family.
One of the greatest things ever invented is the hand operated baby food grinder, which can be brought to the table and into which you can place small amounts of cooked meats, vegetables, fruit, etc, and grind them right there for your baby's consumption.
If you are into gardening, or have access to fruit crops you can puree ripe peaches, plums, carrots, etc., and freeze the puree in ice cube trays for consumption later.I never bought much prepared baby food.
I heard a woman on TV who had an overweight child claim that nursing on demand was a factor in later childhood obesity....nonsense! Probably the opposite is true...I tried to make sure that I did not use food to heal hurts etc. Since I have always been overweight, I did not want my children to go the same route. So use hugs and cuddling instead.
And please remember, you are NOT running a restaurant!! You fix what is nutritious and delicious and that is what everyone eats. Give the kids small portions initially...they can always have more.
Here is how I stretch a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese:
1. Open box.
2. Take out cheese sauce packet.
3. Fill empty space in box with other dry macaroni.
4. Cook as directed.
5. Add milk and butter or margarine as directed, and stir in cheese powder from packet.
6. Then add some grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

(Scrambled cooked hamburger, sausage, or ground turkey, can be added to make it a main dish!)
(Or, add cooked peas, or chopped broccoli for a good side dish.)

2012...I saved my baby food grinder so my kids can use it...I doubt you can find them in the store:0( It was great to take to restaurants too! I am proud to say that my grandchildren eat lots of kinds of foods because our family introduces them to many things from the getgo....some have gone through the "chicken nuggets and french fries" stage of course, but pretty much have moved on to lots of variety! When we go out to eat, it is an adventure!