Holiday Meal Tips For Baby

December 17, 2024

As you gather with loved ones around the table to celebrate this holiday season, it is an exciting time to introduce your little one to new traditions. This time of year typically brings an array of gatherings that include festive foods. While your baby may not be able to enjoy all of the same food items that you do, there are plenty of ways to include them and to let them try new dishes in a safe way. We have compiled a list of some tips and tricks for making this season a memorable one for your baby at the table!

Prepare Ahead of Time

If you are hosting a holiday gathering this year, you can easily set a small portion of the food aside to serve in a way that will fit your baby's needs. For example, you can take a couple of spoonfuls of soft foods such as mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes to offer during mealtime. You can also puree thicker foods such as turkey or vegetables to allow them to experience new tastes. If you are attending a meal as a guest, perhaps you can offer to bring a couple of dishes that will allow you to set some aside for your little one during the cooking process. 

Foods To Try

Some foods that are enjoyed this time of year may be especially enticing to tiny taste buds! These food items include turkey, ham, cranberries, mashed or sweet potatoes, carrots and applesauce. When prepared as a puree and with minimal spices, these are all excellent sources of nutrients and great options to try. 

Go Easy On The Spices

If you are preparing a dish or two, consider setting a little bit aside before adding heavy spices and seasonings for the final dish. Flavorings such as salt, excess sugar, honey and spicy seasonings may make delicious additions for adults to enjoy, but these kinds of spices aren't the best ingredients for your little one to enjoy. A little bit of flavoring is ok, but just be sure that it is kept to a minimum and to check with your baby's care provider if you are concerned to avoid anything that could be harmful for them to eat. 

Offer Familiar Foods

While there will likely be many new dishes to try, be sure to include familiar items as well. Perhaps applesauce or bananas are a common staple at mealtime. Having something familiar on hand can be helpful. Be sure to regularly offer them formula or breastmilk as well if that is what they are used to. Trying new foods can fill a tiny tummy quickly, but it is important to still offer them the nutrition that organic formula or breastmilk provides. 

Set a Spot At The Table

Be sure to pull a high chair or feeding seat right up to the table if possible. This will allow your baby to see all of the other guests eating and it may encourage them to try some new foods. Just be mindful to keep sharp utensils, full drinks and the tablecloth pushed back and out of reach for safety and to avoid their tiny hands from grabbing and pulling on these items.

Aim To Be Flexible

Gathering with large groups at the holidays can sometimes be overstimulating for babies and small children. If your little one refuses to eat or is overwhelmed by sitting at the table, don't sweat it! This is normal behavior. Celebrations can sometimes overlap with naps or rest times. Mealtimes may not match up with their day to day to schedule and a whole bunch of extra people on top of these factors may cause your little one to feel out of sorts. Do your best to plan around their needs and if you need to step away from the celebration to help your child regulate, it is ok.

Learn More

Be sure to check out these related posts below for more on ways to tackle mealtime troubles and include your little one at the table:

Tips & Tricks for Mealtime Troubles - Organicbabyfood.shop

Holiday Scheduling Tips for Families with Little Ones

Boost Your Baby’s Immune System This Winter

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