Today’s guest poster talks about healthy meals for your baby.  Thank you JoEllen, for writing this blog post for today.  There are lots of Mom’s out there that will find this information helpful and quick, especially on these warm summer days!

As a parent, it’s important to offer foods to your child that are not only great tasting, but nutritious as well. Babies and toddlers develop specific taste preferences early in life, and offering a wide variety of flavors and textures can decrease their chances of becoming picky eaters. You can easily modify dishes that are made for your family to suit your baby’s developmental level. Soft meats and vegetables can be mashed or pureed to a consistency that is easy for babies and toddlers to eat without the risk of choking. Below are six healthy dishes that are easy to prepare and will quickly become your little one’s favorites!

1. Sweet Potato Pancakes

These tasty breakfast flapjacks can be prepared with any pancake mix. Simply mix according to the product’s directions and add in a jar or two of sweet potato puree (stage one or two baby foods work well). You can also add in a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a nutritious breakfast that will satisfy any child’s sweet tooth.

2. Corn Pudding

This healthy side dish is full of natural fiber and has a soft texture for older babies and young toddlers. A box of instant cornbread mix is the staple in this recipe. Combine the dry mix in a bowl with two eggs, one cup of sour cream, one can of whole kernel corn (liquid included), and one can of creamed corn. Pour into a square baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. You can also add shredded cheese to the top for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Yogurt Smoothies

These smoothies are a great summertime drink that provide extra calcium and keep you cool at the same time! Just place a few containers of any fruit flavored yogurt in the freezer for one to two hours. Remove and scoop out into a blender. Add a splash of milk or fruit juice with a handful of ice cubes and blend until smooth. Older kids can help out by adding in sliced fruit or frozen berries for a variety of flavors.

4. Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This meal will appeal to the entire family! Start by sautéing two to three chicken breasts in a few tablespoons of olive oil, cooking thoroughly. Set the chicken aside to cool. Next, chop one head of broccoli florets into bite sized pieces and steam for ten to fifteen minutes until tender. While your vegetables are steaming, pull the chicken breasts apart with your fingers until all the meat is coarsely shredded. Combine the chicken and broccoli with a few cups of cooked brown rice and spread the mixture into a large casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake the casserole at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted.

5. Chicken and Apples

This simple recipe is a great food for your baby’s first introduction to meats. It has three basic ingredients (chicken, apples, and apple juice) and is easy on little tummies. Simply boil a chicken breast until it cooked thoroughly and is no longer pink. Chop the meat into one inch cubes and use a food processor to finely grind it until there are no chunks left. Peel and core one apple and chop into one-half inch pieces. Add the apple to the chicken and grind together. Spoon into a bowl and add enough apple juice to make it the consistency of applesauce. This meal can be divided into smaller portions and frozen for easy, convenient meals.

6. Potato Soup

Older babies and young toddlers can be introduced to thick soups once they have mastered the skill of using a spoon. Thicker soups will cling to the spoon, making it easier to get it into their mouths without spilling. Potato soup is a great starter because it contains milk and cheese, which provides added calcium. Start by dicing peeled potatoes into small cubes. Add the potato cubes to boiling water and cook until tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside. In a separate saucepan, combine a small amount of butter and flour over medium heat to make a thick paste. Whisk in one to two cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Add in the cooked potatoes and a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add any type of cooked vegetable to this recipe, such as sliced carrots or green peas for extra consistencies and textures.

Thanks again for guest posting on my blog while I am away from my computer!  These were great ideas, and I know reader’s will find them incredibly useful!

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JoEllen Krauss writes freelance for Providian Medical who specializes in OB/GYN ultrasounds. She is a first time mom and loves discovering ways to help her and other moms combat the jungle that is the kitchen.  In this post she talks about nutritious dishes your tots and tots-at-heart.