feeding kids without kids meals
When my son started solids at 6 months old I leaned hard into the world of baby led weaning and early exposure to all types of food. It’s not for everyone, but so far it’s worked great for us. We hit over a hundred different foods by the time he was 10 months, and at 16 months he’ll eat just about everything except mushrooms!
Now that he’s feeding himself pretty efficiently and not throwing things so much it’s gotten much easier to have an occasional meal out as a family. One thing I’ve noticed through this process is the lack of variety in kids meals. A majority of restaurants have a base set of kid-friendly foods like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and a cheeseburger, but not many options beyond that. I want to note that I’m absolutely not hating on foods many kids view as safe foods and I’m so glad those options are there, but I wish more places had child-sized versions of the dishes they’re actually known for.
My son really likes food, and likes exploring new tastes and textures. He’s at the point where he’s eating enough that splitting one meal between the two of us just isn’t working out anymore, but I also don’t wanna buy him his own full-size entree for most of it to just go to waste. These are some of the ways I make sure little dude has enough to eat and plenty of tastes to explore!
🍽️ the parental plate - I definitely still split my meals with my son, but the process has evolved as he’s grown. He gets a little of everything I (and his dad or grandma or whoever’s with us that wants to share) have, and if there’s not enough to split to feed us all I’ll add on some fruit or another side to balance it out.
🍽️ the family style fix - this is one of my favorite methods, but it only works at family style restaurants. If you’ve never been to one of these places you pick your mains and sides as a table, then they bring out large portions of everything and everyone makes their own plate from what’s available. Obviously this one works perfectly with little kids because they can try a bit of everything and have more of whatever if they want it.
🍽️ the tapas technique - restaurants that offer small plates or customizable appetizers samplers are perfect for the tiny humans! One or two tapas-size dishes can be plenty for a toddler while not being restricted to only a couple generic options.
We don’t go out to eat a lot, but I love finding ways to make it work and share more taste experiences with my baby!
#kidfriendlyfood #toddler #toddlermom #lemon8parents #parentsoflemon8 #blw #Lemon8Diary #lemon8diarychallenge #kidfoodidea @Lemon8Parenting @Lemon8 Food
Introducing toddlers to a wide range of food can be a delightful experience that can shape their eating habits for years to come. Starting early with baby led weaning, as mentioned, opens up a world of flavors. Encouraging kids to explore different tastes can help combat picky eating habits later. Family-style dining allows toddlers to have a taste of everything, helping them learn about food presentation and choices. Moreover, small plates or tapas encourage sharing and can make meals more interactive. Apart from flavor, discussing the nutritional value of foods, their origins, and preparation methods can also enrich the experience for toddlers. Exploring international cuisines can introduce exciting new tastes and textures, encouraging them to embrace food diversity. Additionally, engaging toddlers in meal planning or cooking can spark their interest in food, enhancing the dining experience at home and away. By prioritizing variety and making meals fun and educational, parents can foster a love for food in their children that lasts a lifetime.
Aw, my babies have the same doggy bib 🥰