Funny dogs and babies talking – Cute dog & baby compilation
9-12 months:
What you can expect
Your baby will now be showing signs of becoming an accomplished and self-sufficient eater. She’ll be curious about food, and may be willing to explore new tastes and textures, particularly when the rest of the family is doing the same!
Can I let my baby feed her now?
It’s a good idea to encourage your baby to feed her, and this will develop a wide range of the skills that will eventually be involved in self-feeding, and other manual activities. However, most little ones are unable to feed themselves properly until they are at least two or three years old, and until that time, they will rely on mom, dad, or career to ensure that the right amount of food is fed into their mouths.
Use the same words over and over while mimicking the action you want your baby to adopt-“eat with your spoon” for example. Within a couple of weeks, your baby will understand that the words you say mean something specific and be able to carry out the action you are describing.
Should I allow my baby to use his hands to eat and play with his food?
This is an important part of the developmental process of learning to eat and to become accustomed to solid foods, and it should be encouraged. The mess may drive you crazy, but your baby should be allowed to touch and feel his food, and to guide it in the direction of his mouth without admonishment. He’ll discover the different textures-the way they feel and taste-and will be interested in uncovering new wonders as he gets a little older.
How can I encourage my baby to be a little neater while eating?
Neatness and babies don’t really go together when it comes to food. Try to be patient, and allow her to experiment and explore what’s offered. You can discourage her from throwing food or rubbing her mucky hands on the walls or her high chair by taking away her bowl each time she does this, expressing your disapproval, and making her realize that it is unacceptable. However, normal messiness, which can involve a good proportion of the room as well as her face, hands, bib, and clothing, is acceptable and she will soon outgrow this stage.
My baby eats only a little solid food; does it matter yet?
Solids form an important part of your baby’s diet after six months of age. If your baby does not eat a lot of solids, it’s worth discussing with your doctor or health professional to ensure that he is getting all the nutrients he needs for normal growth and development.
How can I encourage my baby to try new tastes?
Encourage your baby to experiment! Allow her to try some tastes from your plate, and give her bits when you are preparing food-to lick, suck, “gum,” eat, or smell.
The more familiar she becomes with various foods, the more adventurous she will be when it comes to eating a wider variety. Once she has passed the first foods stage, offer something new at every meal-consider each food type “new” until she’s decided to accept it.
* Talking the talk
Use the same words over and over while mimicking the action you want your baby to adopt-“eat with your spoon” for example. Within a couple of weeks, your baby will understand that the words you say mean something specific and be able to carry out the action you are describing.
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time 9-11 Minutes
Makes 5 Baby Portions
Super foods purée
Super foods have been identified as those that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This purée contains turkey, spinach, and sweet potatoes, which all make the grade. You can also use ground chicken thigh instead of the turkey.
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½in cubes
2 tsp olive oil
1 small shallot, or small piece of onion, minced
1⁄2 cup ground turkey
2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves, washed but not dried
1. Put the sweet potato in a steamer and steam until tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from the steamer and reserve the steaming water.
2. While the sweet potato is cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok, add the shallot and turkey, and stir-fry until the turkey is browned and crumbly, 2–3 minutes. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked sweet potato and 4 tbsp of the steaming water. Cover and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
4. Put the contents of the frying pan in a blender and blend to a purée. Thin with a little of the steaming water, if necessary. Cool quickly, then refrigerate. Freeze in individual portions; when needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
5. To serve, heat the purée in the microwave or a saucepan until piping hot. Let cool slightly and check the temperature before serving.
