I serve cauliflower similar to broccoli although cauliflower is a bit harder. For that reason, I serve it steamed and break it into small bite-size florets. Cauliflower is a great vegetable to give a baby as it is very nutrient dense. As babies aren’t eating a huge amount of food at this point I really like them to get some bang for their buck.

Cauliflower is one food, even more than broccoli, that gets a reaction from babies when they start eating it and this baby was no exception. This is not a bad thing. Some parents will ask me if they should continue feeding certain foods to their baby if it seems like their baby doesn’t like the food. I will always encourage you to keep feeding your baby the same foods as it may not mean that they don’t like it, but instead that it is just an unfamiliar flavour or something that they weren’t expecting.

Cauliflower is another great finger food for the baby to try. By this point the baby had a good idea of what to do with these finger foods that were being offered and after a few bites he accepted that this taste was like no other that he had experienced before.


Wondering if you are giving your baby what they need? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com

Watch a baby self feeding cauliflower:

This soup is both vegan and gluten free. It's very easy to make and doesn't have too much prep before you put it into the slow cooker (in fact the prep could be done ahead of time).

1 Tbsp      Vegetable Oil
1               Onion, finely chopped
3               Celery stalks, diced
2               Carrots, diced
1 tsp          Dried Thyme Leaves
1 tsp          Salt
1 tsp          Black Pepper
1               Bay leaf
3.5 cups    Vegetable Stock
2               Potatoes, grated
3 cups        Corn, slightly blended
1/2 cup      Coconut milk
1                Green Pepper, finely chopped
1                Jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp          Cumin, ground

1. Heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery and carrots and cook, stirring until softened.
2. Add thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute.
3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker and add stock and potatoes.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Add corn, coconut milk, green pepper, cumin and jalapeno (if using).
6. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.

Interested in more slow cooker recipes? Contact Jill, Nurture the Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com 

Having a brand new baby can make it feel like you will never be able to have a shower again, go to the bathroom alone, or wear clothes that don’t have some kind of stain on them- be it stuck on food from breakfast or spit up or drool. Of course there are also the amazing moments of being a parent, but the focus of this post is food. Where do you find the time to not only eat but to cook and serve healthy food for your family?

Sometimes it can be hard to get a chance to eat and drink throughout the day when you have a new baby. Do they know when you sit down or what? Still it is very important to make sure that you are remembering to eat. Set up a breastfeeding station. Wherever you usually breastfeed set up some snacks and drinks close by so that you can have something to eat when you are feeding the baby. Carry snacks with you in your purse, stroller and car. Always take a water bottle with you.

What about meal times? I love slow cookers (see why here) and they can be a useful kitchen appliance, not only for families with a new baby but families in general. Have you tried doing recipe swaps with friends and family? This is a good way to increase your repertoire. Meal planning is a great way to make sure that you have the ingredients you need in the house for whatever you are making that day. It can also help you avoid everyone in the house being hungry and still not knowing what to make for dinner. Read my post on Meal Plans here.

Freezing food can be a great way to have meals available quickly. Have staples in your house that your family like for snacks, breakfast and lunch. If your pantry is stocked it makes it easier to make a quick and healthy meal. Take a tour of a grocery store to help you navigate the healthy foods and make your shopping more efficient.

Lastly, get inspired. Take a cooking class, read a recipe book or look online at different recipes. Try new ingredients. Try different meals- the only way to not get bored of the same meals is to try new ones and the ones that you like add them into the mix.

Need some inspiration or more tips for you family? Talk to Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at  nf.nutrition@gmail.com

Mango is a difficult food to pick up but that is also why I often use it as one of the earlier foods. Every food that is offered is part of the learning process of how to eat. Although as adults we don’t necessarily think about it, learning to eat solid food is actually a really complicated task.

Even though mango is sweet it also has a bit of a strong flavour, which I also view as a benefit for feeding baby. It is good to provide your baby with lots of different flavours and textures. If you are breastfeeding the baby has already had many of these flavours through the breastmilk.

I usually cut the mango into cubes and then depending on how soon it is given and what texture the baby is able to handle, I mash it slightly with a fork still leaving lumps of it but being sure it is not too stringy to avoid choking. If this texture goes well I stop fork mashing it and just cut it into small pieces. As previously mentioned this is a difficult texture to pick up, however just placing a piece on their tray or the table (depending on where you feed your baby) and letting them work away at catching it, picking it up and bringing it to their mouths can be a great learning opportunity.

This baby had his work cut out for him trying to catch the mango pieces, however after the first taste was brought to his lips he was a fan. He would do whatever it took to get some mango to his mouth and he sucked on his hands trying to get more of this new flavour. 


Not sure where to go next with starting solids with your baby? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com 


Watch a video of a baby self feeding mango:

This is a great recipe to make with your kids. Quick and easy to make it can be gluten free if you use gluten free oats and is vegan friendly. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food.com 'Easy Make College Cookies'

2 cups  Oats

1/2 cup  Nut or seed Butter

1/2 cup  Unsweetened Applesauce

2 Tsp   Cinnamon

1 Tsp   Nutmeg

1 Tbsp Coconut, flaked

1 Tbsp Hemp seeds

1. Mix all ingredients

2. Form round balls and place on plate

3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.

These should be stored in the fridge.

Looking for more ways to involve your kids in the kitchen? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com