ML Interest Tag: sweet-potato

6 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Starting Solids

by Tonilyn Hornung

So, you’re ready to start your baby on solid foods. At 6 months old, your little one meets the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended age to begin their foodie journey. You’ve talked to your pediatrician and decided to tempt your baby’s developing taste buds with some yummy single-ingredient bites like bananas, apples, or (my son’s absolute favorite) sweet potatoes. Now comes the big question: How are you feeling? 

It’s normal to be a little (or a lot) nervous when your baby reaches a new milestone, and starting solids is no different. There’s the timing, whether you try baby-led weaning or purées, potential allergies, and the mess of it all. But on the plus, it’s a fun new activity to do with your baby and produces the cutest faces ever. (The way they pucker when they taste lemon? Chef’s kiss.) Plus, there’s nothing to fear because we’re here to help you understand the finer points of feeding. We asked the experts to reveal the most common mistakes parents and caregivers make when starting solids so you can support your baby (and yourself!) during this new and exciting stage. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Not managing expectations

Lots of parents have a preconceived idea of what this new world of solids is going to be like, coloured by loved ones, movies and TV shows, and our own imaginations. You’ll be thrilled when your infant takes to bananas and wants them all the time… until you realize that after each meal you’ll be picking clumps of the sticky fruit off the wall (and out of your hair). So managing your expectations is key off the bat.

“We tend to think that eating is an inherent skill that we’re all born knowing how to do, but that’s actually not true,” says Jenny Friedman MS, RD, Pediatric Dietitian and author of the book Stories of Extreme Picky Eating. Eating is a learned skill and it’s complicated, not to mention the fact that young babies have a natural tongue thrust reflex that pushes food out of their mouths, so Friedman says knowing that your little one will take time to learn and need to explore is helpful. In this case, playing with your food can be a good thing, and Friedman says being open and supportive through this process is a good way to start solid foods. 

2. Being unprepared

When you’re starting solids you’ll also want to gear up on some practical knowledge. “Make sure you’re updated on safety and first aid courses,” says Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric feeding and author of the book Responsive Feeding. This way you’ll feel more confident going in. 

You’ll also want to read up on the different schools of thought on how to approach solid foods. You pretty much have three options, explains Potock: parent or caregiver spoon-feeding with purées, baby-led-weaning where babies practice their motor skills by feeding themselves, or a hybrid approach. Understanding each method allows you to pivot if your chosen technique doesn’t match your infant’s preference. “In my experience, most parents do a hybrid approach to feeding,” says Potock. 

3. Starting too early or too late

Are you trying to figure out when your babe is ready to start solids? There are guidelines for that. Both Potock and Freidman cite the AAP’s suggestion to begin solids at around 6 months old, and the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers benchmarks like your baby being able to support themselves while sitting up in a high chair, and trying to grab for small objects. Freidman says ideally your infant should also show some interest in food such as paying attention to the snack you’re eating and even grabbing for it. When all of these signs align, talk to your pediatrician about the feeding process and create a plan that works for you and your little one. 

If your baby shows no interest in the sweetness of their sweet potatoes at first, it doesn’t mean your timing is off. Friedman explains that lots of infants need more than one exposure to a certain food to become comfortable with it. Potock adds that you can help them become more accustomed to different oral sensations by regularly changing up their teethers to safe options in different sizes and textures.

It’s also important to be aware that during your feeds it’s normal for your baby to gag here and there, and is in no way an indication that they aren’t ready for solids. Friedman says gagging is fine because it’s actually a sign that your infant is able to clear food out of their throat. Gagging is a normal reflex that’s loud and can possibly turn your baby’s skin red, whereas choking is quiet and can possibly make baby’s skin turn bluish, according to the NHS. Should you have any concerns here, talk to your healthcare provider.

4. Throwing in the dish towel too quickly

Rumor has it that all babies fuss when starting solid foods and that picky eaters abound. This is why it’s easy to believe that your baby’s pained expression means they don’t relish eating peas—or does it? “Most babies will make faces and gag occasionally at the new sensory experience of eating solid foods,” Potock says. 

However, if you’re finding it hard to move past a particular bout of foodie fussiness, this may have more to do with an underlying issue like a missed nap or teething. In this case, Potock says to respect your child’s behavior and simply give them a break or try again another time. “In my experience, most babies do like most foods.” So, she encourages you not to draw any conclusions too soon about what your little likes and doesn’t like at this stage. 

It’s so important and valuable to introduce your infant to a variety of flavors, textures, and colors when trying out solids. “If your child doesn’t seem to like something right away or if they struggle to eat something, try again,” Friedman says. For example, an apple can be shredded, soft-boiled in halves, or served as applesauce.

5. Putting too much pressure on yourself

Having a shared dinner time can boost your child’s self-esteem, develop healthy eating habits, and improve communication skills, according to the Family Dinner Project.org. But while sharing a meal has proven benefits and might sound easy enough, experts acknowledge that it’s just not always realistic. “I’d love it if babies could be part of family meal times,” Potock says, “but in our busy world that’s not always possible.” 

Freidman echoes this sentiment, saying, “My number one recommendation is that families do what works for them.” She points out that eating together can help babies learn social skills and how to eat, engage, and share food, but that eating together is not a requirement given changing schedules, family commitments, and more. The good news is that even if only your babe is eating, you’re still spending time engaging with them and this is important, too. 

6. Not reading the cues

“Baby has their own internal cues to help them know when they’re full and when they’re hungry,” explains Potock. Being mindful of these signs is a solid way to help your tot enjoy the whole process. “We know for sure that paying attention to baby’s cues and creating positive energies around the experience will help baby look forward to the feeding experience.” While picking up on responsive feeding cues like an eager expression, leaning forward with anticipation, or attempting to self-feed can let you know your little one is ready to go, there are also cues to tell you they’re done the meal—such as head turning, arching their body forward, or no longer opening their mouth—and it’s important to listen. 

Reading your baby’s cues can go a long way in creating a healthy relationship with food, and Freidman emphasizes the importance of not forcing food when they’re giving you cues that they’re done. “Try to establish a responsive, respectful relationship while you’re feeding your kid,” she says. 

The Fun in Food

When it comes to starting solids with your kiddo, there’s definitely a learning curve, but there’s plenty of fun to be had too. Freidman says one of her biggest pieces of advice is remembering to give your babe room to explore—and that a little mess isn’t the end of the world. “When you’re constantly wiping your child’s mouth and catching their food, you’re minimizing their experience of exploration,” Freidman explains. “So wait until the end of the meal and then clean up.” 

And of course, all that mess lends itself to one last piece of advice from Potock: “Get the camera ready because it’s pretty cute!”

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Make Your Own Teething Biscuits & Baby Rusks

by Oz Spies

Once your child hits the one-year mark, soothe their sore gums with baby teething biscuits and snacks that also give them a nutritious boost. This magical remedy is known by many names—teething biscuits, teething crackers, or baby rusks—and they’re easy to make yourself with these quick recipes, including no-bake versions, wheat-free biscuits, and sugar-free teething biscuits too. So the next time you see baby gnawing, you’ll be prepared with a homemade teething biscuit.

1. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Oats, bananas, and coconut oil are all you’ll need for these teething crackers. Add vanilla and spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for extra flavor, or keep them plain. Super Healthy Kids has the recipe.

2. Quinoa Teething Crackers

Protein-rich quinoa is the only ingredient in this crispy cracker. Cradle Rocking Mama blends the nutritious grain in three forms (cooked flakes, uncooked flakes, and quinoa flour) to get consistency kids like.

3. Sweet Potato and Chamomile Teething Biscuits

These flavorful biscuits from My Kids Lick the Bowl cleverly include chamomile from a tea bag to relax a child who’s suffering from teething pain, along with sweet potato and oat flour.

4. Apple, Banana, or Pumpkin Teething Biscuits

Mama Natural shares three recipes, highlighting apple, banana, and pumpkin. All three are gluten-free, thanks to a combination of rolled oats and steel-cut oats as the base. They also include maple syrup and baking spices for sweetness and baby-friendly flavor that makes this homemade teething biscuit top our list.

Related: 30 Best Baby Cups, Bowls, Plates & Utensils

a baby with a big smile sits in a crib waiting for a baby teething biscuit
iStock

5. Oat & Banana Drops

Momtastic offers up this classic vegan recipe full of oats and mashed bananas. Choose overripe bananas for sweetness and add a few spices like cinnamon and cardamom. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty homemade teething biscuit.

6. Fruit & Vegetable Teethers

Teething biscuits don’t get any healthier than these fruit and veggie snacks from Weelicious. Thinly slice fruits and veggies like sweet potato and kiwi, and then put them in a dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator, this banana leather version requires only an oven—and is a hit with older kids too.

7. Pear-rific Oat-tastic Teething Biscuits

The name of Everyday Champagne‘s recipe says it all. Pears plus oats=awesome teething treats. Mix together oat flour, baby cereal, pear puree, and allspice to make a sweet biscuit that’s free of added sugar or salt.

8. Grain-Free Teething Biscuits

Created by a nurse, these grain-free teethers from Real Food RN are packed with nutrients. The ingredient list is longer than some: coconut and cassava flour, applesauce, maple syrup, molasses, egg yolk plus spices. But the extra effort is worth it, as each ingredient packs a nutritional punch. The recipe also includes clove, a spice that some say soothes teething pain. When stored in the freezer, the biscuits last for months and offer a cool treat for your little one’s gums.

Related: Banish Bland: 10 Spiced-Up Baby Vegetable Recipes

9. Sugar-Free Baby Rusks

You probably have the ingredients in your kitchen right now for these sugar- and salt-free homemade teething biscuits from the Welsh-Italian Chiapa sisters: eggs, flour, baking powder, and applesauce (or another fruit puree). Add cinnamon, orange zest, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

10. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Boys Ahoy‘s recipe calls for rice cereal, flour, coconut oil, cinnamon and banana (or applesauce). Roll out the dough and cut with your favorite cookie cutter to create crisp mum-mums in fun, baby-friendly shapes.

11. The Natural Mum’s Super Easy Rusk Recipe

With only two ingredients, you can whip up these teething treats from the Natural Mum anytime. All you need is a fruit or veggie puree and a few cups of spelt flour. Because the puree choice is up to you, the flavor options are endless. Try sweet potatoes one day and peaches the next.

Make sure to capture all those toothy grins—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids. 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

31 Super Easy Ideas for Toddler Dinners (That Aren’t Buttered Noodles)

by Shelley Massey

I was at the zoo with a baby strapped to my chest, another in a stroller, and one getting uncomfortably close to Ozzie, the zoo’s dominant silverback gorilla when she caught my eye. The zookeeper stood off to the side, patiently chopping fruit, meat, and veggies into bite-sized pieces. Just like I do. Every. Single. Meal. Standing at the zoo, I realized that feeding toddlers (yep, even the picky eaters) really boils down to this: make it easy for them to feed themselves, make it pretty, and keep the risky food to a minimum, or you’ll end up tossing out the whole shebang. Below are my toddler dinner ideas cliff notes from my zoo, er, kitchen.

Toddler Dinner Ideas: Safe Bets

  • Mediterranean Snacking Board: hummus, pita slices, cucumbers, red pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, feta, and sliced almonds.
  • Pasta tossed with rotisserie chicken, parmesan, and peas (reserve a little of the pasta water and mix it in to make the cheese gooey)
  • Baked, sliced sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil, topped with sliced avocado and hard-boiled egg (scrambled eggs work too).
  • Tacos with finely shredded chicken, cheese, and black beans, and a side of corn on the cob.
  • Whole grain English muffins with marinara and mozzarella (toasted in the oven), with orange slices.
  • Pancakes (add cinnamon to the mix) smeared with peanut butter and topped with thin slices of apple.
  • Boiled eggs, halved and salted, with broccoli, carrots, and snap peas (with ranch for dipping).
  • Broccoli, finely chopped, with shredded carrots, sauteed with ground turkey, soy sauce, and an optional spoonful of brown sugar.
  • Cereal and smoothies (I know, but it’s okay every once in a while, and the smoothies are packed with nutrients).
  • Scrambled egg and cheese burritos with cucumbers and tiny tomatoes on the side.
  • Pesto alphabet pasta with peas.
  • Mac & Cheese with sneaky veggies (tiny-sized pieces of broccoli, peas, or kale).
  • Toddler Charcuterie: Turkey Pepperoni, boiled, halved eggs, cubes of cheddar cheese, veggies, and a dipping sauce.
  • Cheese quesadillas (add beans or ground beef or rotisserie chicken for extra protein) with tomatoes and sour cream.
  • Avocado toasts on whole grain with kosher salt and diced shrimp.
  • “Choose your own adventure” burrito bowls with seasoned ground turkey, diced tomatoes, avocados, sour cream, and shredded lettuce options.
  • Alphabet pasta with jar tomato sauce, food processed with a handful of spinach or cooked carrots.
  • Baked chicken tenders and cooked carrot coins (dredge tenders in flour, dip in egg, and roll in Panko, then bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done).
  • Baked, diced sweet potatoes with cinnamon and rotisserie chicken with sour cream and honey dipping sauce.

iStock

If You’re Feeling Lucky

  • Garbanzo beans, diced avocado, and feta cheese tossed with a little lemon juice and salt.
  • Couscous with peas, mint, and halved mini tomatoes.
  • Quinoa muffins (use 1 cup of cooked quinoa for every 1 egg, plus mix-ins like ham and cheese cubes or spinach and diced tomato, baked in muffin cups for 20 minutes at 350 degrees).
  • Deconstructed meatloaf (add salt and pepper to ground meat, bake until done, and serve with a side of ketchup, mashed potatoes, and green beans).
  • Curried chicken salad (baked chicken, cream cheese, and a spoonful of mayo, creamed) on cucumber slices and whole-grain toast.
  • Garbanzo beans with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Related: 10 Snacking Tips to Keep Your Kids Happy & Healthy

Don’t Forget to Sneak Nutrition into Dessert

  • Banana ice cream (puree sliced frozen bananas; add things like peanut butter, cinnamon, or honey for a twist)
  • Fruit pizza: Roll out and bake refrigerated croissants, spread on cream cheese, top with sliced fruit; cinnamon sprinkle optional)
  • Berries and sugar-free whipped cream.
  • Chocolate-dipped (or chocolate chip-studded, if you don’t want to wash an extra dish) bananas.
  • Frozen grapes, halved.
  • Canned pumpkin puree with cinnamon and whipped cream.

Sometimes you just need a few toddler dinner ideas to get you started. I hope my go-to’s (after all my trial-and-error) will help you find something they’ll eat without coaxing.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

11 Trader Joe’s Sheet Pan Dinners That Make Life Easier

by Kate Loweth

You’re going to want to sit down as we’re combining two of our favorites—Trader Joe’s and sheet pan dinners—for the ultimate easy dinner option. For most of these “recipes” (and we use that term loosely) all you have to do is cover your sheet pan in foil, preheat the oven, and dump your favorite Trader Joe’s items on the pan to bake. The best part is that they’re no active cooking and you can typically bake these at anywhere from 350-425 degrees (just by adjusting the cooking time), perfect for when you want to add some rolls or other items to go along with them.

Mini Gnocchi + Spinach Artichoke Dip + Cherry Tomatoes

Trader Joe's sheet pan dinners with gnocchi are delicious.
Kate Loweth

You can find these mini gnocchi in the fresh food section and the spinach artichoke dip in the freezer. Drizzle your pan with olive oil, dump the mini gnocchi and tomatoes in the pan, add a few cubes of frozen garlic along with some salt and pepper, and plop the artichoke dip into the center of the pan. Bake until the tomatoes burst and the dip has melted. Add a little stock or cream to loosen up the dip and stir to combine. You don’t even have to boil the gnocchi before baking; it’s that easy!

 

Broccoli + Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage + Cauliflower Gnocchi

Trader Joe's sheet pan meals
Trader Joe’s

If your family members are fans of the cult-favorite Unexpected Cheddar, then this dinner will make them happy. Cut the pre-cooked sausage into half moons and then dump them on a foil-lined cookie sheet along with cauliflower gnocchi and broccoli florets. Bake at 400 degrees until the gnocchi is done to your liking, around 20 minutes. Give it a stir once or twice so everything browns evenly.

 

Shawarma Chicken Thighs + Sweet Potato Frites + Naan

Trader Joe's sheet pan dinners with sweet potato fries.
Kate Loweth

If your crew can handle a little bit of heat, this option could not be easier. Cover your sheet pan in foil and put the shawarma chicken on one side and the sweet potato fries on the other. Follow the package instructions for cooking the fries. Your chicken should be cooked through by the end of this process but check the internal temp for doneness. Serve with naan to make “naan tacos” for one of the most kid-friendly Trader Joe’s sheet pan dinners.

Related: The Best Trader Joe’s Snacks to Keep You Going All Day

Shrimp + Asparagus + Lemon

Trader Joe's sheet pan dinners
Trader Joe’s

Set your oven to 400 degrees and run the shrimp under water in a colander until they have defrosted. Dry them with a paper towel and place them on a cookie sheet with some olive oil. Add a package of frozen asparagus spears or fresh asparagus and spread them out on the pan. Slice a lemon thinly and place the slices over the shrimp and asparagus. Bake until the shrimp are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Squeeze another lemon over everything and serve.

 

Salmon + Salmon Rub Seasoning + Colorful Carrot Coins

Kate Loweth

A piece of salmon is pretty much the easiest thing you can bake, trust us. Pick up some salmon filets from the fresh meat section and a bottle of the new salmon rub seasoning. Cover your pan with foil and drizzle a little olive oil on it. Place your salmon skin side down and sprinkle with salmon seasoning. On the other half of your pan, spread out the colorful carrot coins. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with rice.

 

Peppercorn Garlic Boneless Pork Tenderloin + Cauliflower Gnocchi + Haricots Verts

Trader Joe's sheet pan dinner ingredients
Kate Loweth

We love this pork tenderloin as it cooks up in no time. Start by searing it in a hot pan and then transfer it to a sheet pan with your cauli gnocchi and haricot verts. Add a little olive oil and garlic powder/salt/pepper and bake at 425 until the pork is cooked through, usually no more than 20 minutes. The gnocchi and green beans will come out nicely browned and the pork flavorful.

Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Santa Maria Style Tri Tip Roast + Chimichurri Sauce + Brussels Sprouts

Kate Loweth

The cooking instructions for this roast say to cook it at 425º for 30-45 minutes and that’s the perfect amount of time to get some nice roasted Brussels sprouts going. Cut the ends of the sprouts off and then cut them in half before placing them on a sheet pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the roast to the pan and cook until the roast is done, giving the Brussels sprouts a stir once during cooking. Serve with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce and a warm baguette.

 

Grass Fed Beef Sirloin Roast + Mashed Potatoes + Lemon Arugula Basil Salad

Kate Loweth

This might be a little bit of a cheat but we had to include this fully-cooked roast on our list because it is the ultimate lazy dinner choice. Heat it up along with the microwaveable mashed potatoes and the salad of your choice for the ultimate easy Trader Joe’s sheet pan dinner.

Related: The Best Trader Joe’s Food for Your Air Fryer

 

Salmon Bowls

Trader Joe's sheet pan meals
Trader Joe’s

We’re obsessed with these salmon bowls that come together in a flash. Line your sheet pan with foil and add your salmon with a dash of salmon rub. Bake until cooked to your liking. Microwave the rice and assemble your bowls with your favorite toppings: edamame, cucumbers, Soyaki, seaweed sheets, and whatever other vegs you have on-hand.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Pollo Asado, fire roasted veggies and tortillas for Trader Joe's sheet pan dinners.
Kate Loweth

All you need is 20 minutes to pull this delicious meal together. Set your oven to 425 and cover your sheet pan in foil. Cut the Pollo Asado into long, thin strips and spread it out with the fire-roasted peppers and onions on your sheet pan. Bake until cooked through (about 15 minutes) and then broil for a minute to get some nice char on the chicken. Serve in your favorite tortilla with salsa to top.

 

Haricot Verts + Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips + Harvest Grains

beef options for Trader Joe's sheet pan dinners
Kate Loweth

These flavorful bites of beef are easy to cook under the broiler. Partner them with green beans or their skinny cousin the Haricot Verts and you’ll be set with a main and a side. We love these served with the Harvest Blend grains.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

5 Words to Get You Started with Baby Sign Language

by Tonilyn Hornung

They may not be able to talk, but infants are constantly communicating with the world around them, and boy are they eager to let parents and caregivers know what they want at any given time. As a parent, it won’t take long to decipher your baby’s code—you know, those high-pitched gurgles that tell you your little one is hungry, or the eye rubs that let you know nap time is near. When you miss a subtle signal or two (and you will, trust us), you’ll be made well aware by your baby’s not-so-subtle cries. That’s when you think: Wouldn’t it be great if they could TELL me what they needed? That’s why some parents turn to sign language for babies as a more consistent way to communicate with their kids before they know how to “use their words.”

What is baby sign language?

Baby signs are very simple hand gestures, often based on American Sign Language (ASL), that help babies who aren’t yet speaking to communicate basic needs to hearing parents. Each sign corresponds to a word that is super relevant to an infant’s life, like wanting “milk” or needing “help.” Teaching your baby sign language allows your child to communicate their biggest needs and make sure they’re met, explains Laura Payne, MDE, a baby ASL expert and teacher.  This lessens frustrations for both kids and parents and builds trust.

Payne explains that teaching your baby a few useful signs and building from there is a wonderful way to introduce them to a beautiful language while also helping them express their wants and needs throughout their daily routines. In doing so, you can consistently meet those needs, strengthening your attachment and boosting your confidence as a parent. 

When should you start teaching sign language to your baby?

When are those adorable little hands ready to start forming signs? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests teaching your baby sign language beginning at 6 months. This is thought to be a good window because developmentally infants are learning how to gesture around this time, but this milestone really kicks into high gear at the 8-month mark. Payne stresses that you’re never too early or too late to start. “Babies are born needing to communicate with us,” she says. “So you can start at 6 months or you can start when they’re learning to walk.” You know your baby better than anyone, so give it a go when you feel ready.

5 of the best signs to teach your infant:

The best way to teach your baby sign language is to choose signs that are important to you and your family and ones that you use a lot. Payne suggests starting with “high-functioning” words because they help your little one communicate their basic needs.

1. Milk

While keeping your hand steady in front of you, form the shape of a “C.” Then open and close your hand twice, ensuring your thumb closes over your fingers. You can start modeling this sign before your baby is old enough to do it themselves, and once they’re familiar with the sign you might see their eyes widen with excitement when they realize it’s milk time.

2. Eat

Make a rounded “O” with your fingers and then flatten your fingers out. Turn your fingers to face your chin and move them to your lips like you’re eating.

3. All Done

When signing “all done,” start with your palms facing in and the top of your hands facing out. In a quick motion, turn your palms to face out, and now you’re all done. Remember that you can use this sign in all kinds of situations, like during play and at the park—it’s not just for mealtime.

4. More

Bring your fingers and thumbs to touch and flatten both your hands—like the flat “O” when signing “eat.” Next, tap your fingers together and then pull them apart several times. Remember that your baby could be attempting this sign in any number of ways, from clapping their hands to tapping a single finger into the opposite palm.

5. Help

Your dominant hand is going to sign the letter “A” in ASL, or you can remember it as a thumbs up. Make a flat palm with your other hand and place it under your dominant hand. Raise both hands together to sign the word “help.”

How do you teach your baby sign language?

Payne recommends signing while saying the word at the same time, always remembering to embed the word in context. The next time you and your tot sit down to eat, this can mean signing the word for “eat” while using it in a sentence like, “It looks like you love to eat bananas” or “I see you eating those sweet potatoes.” This gives your little one the context of what the word means supported by the sign language. “I’d also recommend using statements over questions when you’re modeling [sign language],” Payne advises. 

It’s important to incorporate signs into your daily life and be sure to repeat them, according to Baby Sign Language. Research shows that repetition can be critically important for learning, so try to sign before, during, and after an event, like a meal. Another great way to help your baby learn to sign is when you read together. Payne says to sit your child on your lap so they have a clear view of your hands and the book. This way your baby can see you sign words you’re introducing (or already using) as you read.

What are the benefits of sign language for babies?

As far as baby sign language goes, there are benefits for everyone involved. Babies can express their thoughts and needs more effectively, which means less frustration and fewer tantrums due to communication barriers. It also saves parents a lot of time and frustration. If your baby signs “eat” you’ll know to prepare their favorite sweet potatoes instead of jumping into trial-and-error mode, changing diapers and searching for favorite Loveys. Teaching your baby to sign sets everyone up for better communication.

Another benefit is that learning sign language is in line with your infant’s physical development. Payne says the muscles in your baby’s arms and fingers develop faster than those in their mouth, throat, and nasal cavity, so they can sign long before they actually say their first words. Some folks believe that using sign language with babies can delay their verbal communication, but research has shown just the opposite. According to recent studies, it can actually facilitate rather than hinder the development of voice language, per The National Library of Medicine. As Payne sums it up, “language supports language.”

Since sign language is multisensory—communicating through seeing, hearing (saying the words you’re signing), and creating movements—it also nurtures your kid’s cognitive development. “Children feel their body moving and it allows for a multisensory approach, which helps them learn best,” says Payne. And if all that wasn’t enough, signing also helps to strengthen the bond between a child and their parents or caregivers.

What if your baby seems disinterested?

All children learn at a different pace, so if you feel your infant isn’t picking up the signs you’re putting down, don’t panic. There are a number of potential causes if you’re feeling discouraged, like maybe your baby just isn’t ready to start signing, or they’re already signing but you haven’t realized or aren’t positively reinforcing their attempts. These are important pieces of the puzzle to consider. When your baby does start to show interest, positive reinforcement is key to building their self-esteem, which encourages them to sign more. 

If you’re concerned about your baby’s ability to learn sign language, Payne suggests you seek out a professional for help. “Reaching out to an expert in the field can help parents and caregivers troubleshoot.”

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

7 Non-Sneaky Ways to Get Your Kids to Love Veggies

by Dahlia Rimmon

When babies suddenly turn into picky toddlers overnight, refusing their favorite maple-roasted carrots and tossing their butternut squash fries on the floor, the idea of hiding veggies in their food is super tempting. It’s almost too easy: mixing riced cauliflower into regular rice, blending mashed sweet potato into muffin batter, or baking black bean into brownies. But is sneaking vegetables into your kid’s food actually the best way forward? 

We want our kids to like veggies because there are so many reasons to. They’re yummy, they can be prepared in so many different ways, and they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals that do so many awesome things for our bodies. But hiding them without disclosure can be tricky, fostering a sense of distrust that can backfire in the long run. Instilling a love of vegetables (or, at times, a tolerance) involves understanding their ever-evolving preferences and establishing an appreciation for veggies as they are—not disguised in smoothies, mac and cheese, or cookies (though these are all totally fine if you tell your littles what they’re eating).

Instead of trying to pull a fast one on your children by slipping vegetables into their meals undetected, let’s explore some more effective strategies to increase the likelihood that your kiddo will eat them. 

Variety is the spice of life

Regularly switch up the way you serve veggies. Roast cauliflower instead of steaming it or cut zucchini into half moons rather than thin spears. Your kiddo might be avoiding steamed cauliflower because it’s too mushy, and rejecting zucchini spears because, well, toddlers being toddlers! Another approach is to flavor your veggies differently. Maybe your little is bored of garlic-sesame green beans (how dare they?!), so experiment with new flavor profiles using zaatar, mild curry, soy sauce, or ghee. Lots of toddlers love the act of dipping, so throw some creamy ranch on the side of raw veggie sticks. The key here is to vary the texture, flavor, and presentation.

Serve vegetables alongside favorite foods 

Create a sense of safety and comfort with the unknown by serving veggies alongside (not hidden in) their favorite dishes. Kids will often reject new foods because they feel overwhelmed by the novelty. If you plop a piece of roasted eggplant on their plate, it might make them feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed and they’ll likely turn it down. However, if you present the roasted eggplant alongside their favorite fruit or pasta, they may feel more comfortable at mealtime, increasing the likelihood that they’ll eat it. It’s not an instant magical solution, but your kiddo has a better chance of trying something new if they feel at ease at the table.

Ease into veggies by having some fun

Another way to make veggies less intimidating is to introduce them without the expectation that they be eaten right away. Make them fun by setting up creative art projects like crafting rainbow veggie kabobs or making smiley faces out of broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Build towers with carrots and cucumbers, explore gardening, or let them pick out a new vegetable at the grocery store. The key is to approach veggies in a laid-back manner—no pressure necessary!

Consider taking on a sous chef (or three)

Involving your kids in the kitchen allows them to experience food in a new, interactive way. Try kicking off your cooking adventures with a field trip to the grocery store to pick out ingredients. They can help you prep the grocery list and find the items at the store. Then, put your kids to work peeling, spinning the salad spinner, whirring the blender, or chopping (I love these kid-friendly knives!). They can also help keep track of when dishes are ready and assist in serving them when it’s time to eat. The whole experience gives them a glimpse into a food’s journey from the grocery shelves to the plate.

Try a little exposure therapy 

The more opportunities your kiddo has to engage with veggies, the better, as it helps them become more familiar with the food. Regularly incorporate them into meals and snacks to increase exposure. Serve them family-style on a large plate in the center of the table so they can choose what looks tempting, or offer small portions with plated meals to keep it breezy. Funnily enough, some kids eat better in groups, so consider serving a veggie tray at your next play date and watch what happens. 

Give them some autonomy

Offering kids choices is one of the best parenting hacks I’ve discovered. It empowers kids by giving them a sense of control over their options and boosts their confidence. When serving veggies, give your kids the opportunity to choose how they’re prepared, served, or plated. For instance, you could ask, “Would you like some ranch dressing or Thousand Island dressing with your carrots?” or “Would you prefer your cucumbers cut into circles or spears?”

Never resort to bribing or bargaining

While bribing your kids to eat veggies may seem like a good idea when you’re at your wit’s end, it’s actually not helpful (or beneficial) in the long run. When you use bribery or bargaining tactics, you’re sending the message that one food has more value than another. Plus, placing certain items on a pedestal isn’t the best approach to fostering a healthy relationship with food. Kids will be kids, and they’ll always want what they can’t have or what seems more special, which can turn into an unhealthy obsession. Ultimately, we want children to genuinely enjoy veggies, not just eat them as a means of getting dessert.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

11 Healthy Alternatives to Cake for Baby’s 1st Birthday

by Katie Brown

If you want something a little different for your baby’s first birthday, try one of our beautiful and healthy birthday cake alternatives. Here are 11 decadent, delightful options that will wow your guests, young and old. And, of course, you can still buy or make a mini smash cake or cupcake for photos if you like.

Chocolate-Dipped Banana Bites

A picture of chocolate- dipped banana bites, a healthy birthday cake alternative
The Lemon Bowl

These frozen chocolate banana bites are the perfect balance of fruit and chocolate. Easy enough to make the day of the party, they pair the decadent richness of dark chocolate with the sophistication of sea salt. For a sweeter version, skip the salt and use milk chocolate. Head to The Lemon Bowl for the recipe.

Frozen Yogurt Strawberry Bites

Strawberry and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven, and this healthy birthday cake alternative is a delicious option all year, but especially in the summer when strawberries are in season. Get the recipe from Andy’s East Coast Kitchen.

Chocolate Pudding Cups

a picture of healthy chocolate pudding
Chocolate Covered Katie

Let your little chocoholic indulge—and perhaps engage in a little finger painting—with this deliciously virtuous pudding. This healthy birthday cake alternative comes with options to make it free of soy, sugar, egg, gluten, nuts, and dairy! But trust us, it's still packed full of delicious chocolatey flavor. Get the recipe at Chocolate Covered Katie.

Healthy Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

a picture of banana cupcakes, a healthy birthday cake alternative
Amy's Healthy Baking

This twist on banana bread turns it into a cupcake and smothers it with cream cheese frosting! The surprise? There’s no butter, eggs, refined flour, or sugar, and it clocks in at only 120 calories! Amy's Healthy Baking has the recipe and directions for a gluten-free option.

Honeyed Fruit & Yogurt Mini Parfaits

Parfaits are a beautiful alternative to cake, especially at a brunch celebration. And they’re even cuter in small parfait cups. This version from Yay Baby! uses Greek yogurt and fragrant orange zest in the mixture. Dress it up with a sprinkling of shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, nuts, or cinnamon. Expecting guests under age 1? Swap the honey for maple syrup or jam.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Accidental Happy Baker

Chewy granola cookies are both delicious and convenient for a party since there's minimal plating and cleanup. Leave out bags or boxes and guests can take home leftovers as party favors. While the granola used in this batch is a homemade cherry-almond variety, you could use store-bought granola to eliminate a few steps. Low on butter and high on fiber, these cookies are sweet and satisfying. Go to Accidental Happy Baker for the recipe.

Whole Wheat Sweet Potato Waffles

Another fun healthy birthday cake alternative is these sweet potato waffles use just a touch of maple syrup since they get all their rich sweetness from—you guessed it—the sweet potato. With very little added oil, this recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. At your party, set up a waffle bar with fun toppings like berries, bananas, dark chocolate chips, yogurt, stewed apples, nuts, and toasted coconut. Flavor the Moments has the recipe.

Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Vanilla-Honey Yogurt Dip

The Comfort Kitchen

These fruit skewers are as delicious as they are pretty to look at. Use whatever fruit you enjoy and, ideally, is in season. The vanilla-honey yogurt dip adds extra sweetness and decadence. Guests under age one should skip the dip due to the honey in it, and parents should keep the skewers out of kids' reach and remove the fruit from the skewer before serving little ones. Get more details at The Comfort Kitchen.

Healthy Fruit Pizza

While most fruit pizza recipes rely on a sugar cookie crust, this one from Holley Grainger uses a whole-wheat oatmeal cookie crust. The crust is topped with a cream cheese-yogurt spread and a rainbow of brightly colored fruit. Layering the fruit in concentric circles makes for a gorgeous presentation that will delight guests and the birthday babe.

Banana Coconut Chia Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a perfect healthy birthday cake alternative because you can create any number of flavor combos. It’s a cinch to make and is filled with fiber and protein. We love that Clean and Delicious offers four different versions from which to choose.

Capture all the cutest (and messiest!) first-birthday moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

22 Valentine’s Day Gifts He’s Not Expecting

by Kate Cartia

These Valentine’s Day gifts for him are unique and just straight-up cool

The man in your life isn’t always the easiest to buy for. It can be a real undertaking trying to find Valentine’s Day gifts for him, and there are only so many bourbon glasses and whisky stones he could want. We’ll admit that our most-searched-for gift guides are often the ones surrounding what to get our favorite guys. Of course, that also means that we’re pretty dang good at finding the best gifts after doing so much research, ourselves.

Not all men are cut from the same cloth. But we don’t have to tell you that. All that means is that there are no options for one-size-fits-all Valentine’s Day gifts for him. These are the best roundup of gifts for any super-loved guy: Foodies, style-smarties, retro-lovers. It’s all right here. And, as always, don’t totally stress out about what to give your most-loved guys. Take the pressure off of yourself and just have fun!

Pac-Man Ghost Sours Candy Tin

two pacman ghose tins of candy
Perpetual Kid

80's kids will fall hard for these Pac-Man candy tins! Choose between red (cherry flavor) or blue (raspberry flavor).

Pac-Man Ghost Sours Candy Tin ($3.99)—Buy Here!

Palm Bandana Throw Blanket

Bather

Y2K meets boho with this cool throw blanket/tapestry/picnic blanket. Made from a 95% blend of spun cotton and recycled cotton, too.

Palm Bandana Throw Blanket ($200.00)—Buy Here!

Professionally Recorded Original Song from Songfinch

a framed posted with a song title, image, and QR code
Songfinch

Songfinch is a guaranteed win in the Valentine's Day Gifts for Him category and it's perfect for the man who has everything. It's a platform backed by Doja Cat & The Weeknd where you can commission original love songs about you & yours created by independent, incredibly talented musicians (think Grammy credits and recent American Idol & The Voice stars). We're talking one-of-a-kind, radio-quality songs based on your stories, memories, and ideas.

You can even add custom prints, video slideshows, and more keepsakes based on your song. This isn't just a gift; it's an experience. You can thank us later.

Professionally-Recorded Original Song from Songfinch ($199.00)—Buy Here!

The Anti-Matter Sunglasses

man wearing green sunglasses and a close up of sunglasses
Crap Eyewear

If he's still wearing the same drugstore sunglasses he picked up 12 years ago, it's time to help him upgrade his eyewear game. These sunnies are are a modern, chunky frame that works really well for people who prefer a medium-wide fit. The lenses are crystal-clear with 100% UVA/UVB protection and are prescription-ready, too. They're available in 3 colors, including this Crystal Sage hue.

(Don't let the brand name fool you, either. We're obsessed with Los Angeles-based Crap Eyewear's commitment to sustainability, on-trend frames, and luxe materials without the hefty markup! Psst: they're also gender-neutral, so you might want to grab a pair for yourself, too.)

The Anti-Matter Sunglasses ($99.00)—Buy Here!

The Holy Trinity Virgin Mary Bundle

box of bloody mary mix, hot sauce, and olives
Longbottom

Virgin Mary, Longbottom's non-alcoholic Bloody Mary mix made from fresh-pressed tomatoes, their not-too-spicy but incredibly versatile Ragin' Mary Hot Sauce, and the mouthwatering FreeStyle Lemon Garlic Olives from Greece (that we just tend to eat alone but no one told us we couldn't). And of course, you can add vodka if you'd like to stick with the classic.

The Holy Trinity Virgin Mary Bundle ($35.00)—Buy Here!

AG1 by Athletic Greens

bottle of AG1 supplements, canister, packets, scoop, and bottle
Athletic Greens

If you're tired of watching him sort his vitamins, or you would really like it if he'd do something better for himself everyday, AG1 is a total winner. The pineapple-vanilla flavored supplement and watch as he starts talking about how his gut health has improved, his focus and energy is better, he's less stressed, and he's not getting sick as frequently. AG1 isn't just for him, either, so you can definitely share.

AG1 by Athletic Greens ($79.00+)—Buy Here!

CLUE Vintage Bookshelf Edition

Amazon

This classic game is having a throwback moment with the CLUE Vintage Bookshelf Edition that looks just as good stored on a shelf or bookcase as it does set up and ready to play on the coffee table.

'CLUE' Vintage Bookshelf Edition ($37.10)—Buy Here!

Cheese Tower for Two

Murray's Cheese

They had us at 'cheese', but there's more. Three delicious cheeses designed to complement each other and ready for centerpiece status are excellent with cheese, baguettes, and great conversation.

Cheese Tower for Two ($77.00)—Buy Here!

'The Little Red Book of Football Wisdom'

cover of The Little Red Book of Football Wisdom
Pottery Barn Teen

He'll love this collection of witty and hilariously irreverent quotes about America’s most popular sport. Players, coaches, celebrities, and literary giants weigh in on the best—and worst—football teams, athletes, games, fans, and more. And really, even if you don't love football, this is still a seriously cool book.

'The Little Red Book of Football Wisdom' ($99.00)—Buy Here!

No. 2598 The Ranch Candle

grey jar candle on a dark wood table
Aerangis

Oh, we know it's nothing new to give a candle for Valentine's Day, but you've never given him this candle. Warm. Inviting. And a little spicy. Think rich pipe tobacco, aged leather, sandalwood...bold enough for his office and soft enough for the family room. And the concrete vibe of the jar is so, so cool.

No. 2598 The Ranch Candle ($78.00)—Buy Here!

Rubirosa Pasta Sampler

popcorn tin with dry pasta exploding out of it
Rubirosa

He has no idea that he needs a popcorn tin filled with 3 lbs of different-shaped pasta from Rubirosa. But he absolutely does.

Rubirosa Pasta Sampler ($48.99)—Buy Here!

LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

lego super mario piranha plant and box
LEGO on Amazon

It's the awesome details that make this LEGO build so amazing. It's also easy to pose, so display it in any way you want.

LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant ($59.99)—Buy Here!

Hot Sauce Flavor Pack

Hot N Saucy

We can pretty much guarantee he's never tried any of these three Hot N Saucy sauces before. Beet N Fresno, Garlic N Pepperoncini, and Sweet Potato N Habanero are a blast to give and eat.

Hot N Saucy Flavor Pack ($30.00)—Buy Here!

Nixie Tube Clock with Wi-Fi Sync

ClocTeck on Amazon

This is such a cool clock (we don't say that often). No assembly required and wifi-synched so all the hard stuff is done. Choose from 24-hour or 12-hour displays.

Nixie Tube Clock with Wi-Fi Sync ($67.99)—Buy Here!

Melin Trenches Icon Infinite Thermal Performance Snapback Hat

Melin

He may be pretty committed to his current hat, but this one from Melin is going to blow the old one out of the water. Melin is passionate about hats, and the Trenches Icon is designed for the cold. The sweatband and microfleece lining keep him warm while the durable 4-way stretch fabrication makes it beyond comfortable. These are serious hats. Available in 3 colors.

Melin Trenches Icon Infinite Thermal Performance Snapback Hat ($79.00)—Buy Here!

'The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem'

the cover of a book titled The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem
Amazon

Star Wars has always been epic, and this rewritten version is heavy on the epicness. It's a must for any fan, honestly.

'The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem' ($13.99)—Buy Here!

MAPLE Tubby Chain in Silver/Onyx

MAPLE

MAPLE pushes major boundaries when it comes to jewelry culture, and this sharp necklace, created in 925 silver with Onyx Tubby pendant, is a statement-maker for even the most discerning dude. Available in multiple lengths. 

MAPLE Tubby Chain in Silver/Onyx ($289.00)—Buy Here!

16oz Stainless Steel Mug

Zojirushi on Amazon

With a 4.7 star rating from over 30,000 Amazon reviewers, you know you're hooking him up with his new favorite travel mug that keeps his brew hot or cold for hours.

16oz Stainless Steel Mug ($28.99)—Buy Here!

The Cloud Relaxed Cardigan

man sitting on stool wearing tan cardigan
EVERLANE

Cardigans can easily be dressed up or down—he can throw it on over a tee or a button-down in lieu of a blazer. The alpaca-merino blend is unbelievably soft and this beaut comes in 4 neutral colors that go with everything.

The Cloud Relaxed Cardigan ($188.00)—Buy Here!

The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Traction Mules V

The North Face

Meet the slipper-shoe hybrid he won't want to take off. The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules combine ThermoBall Eco insulation with high-traction rubber outsoles to make slip-ons that are ideal for running a quick errand, getting the morning paper, school drop-off, or hanging at home.

The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Traction Mules V ($41.00)—Buy Here!

Round Box Chain ID Bracelet

MEJURI

Just the right amount of detail for daily wear, this engravable bracelet is available in titanium (pictured), sterling silver, or 14k yellow gold.

Round Box Chain ID Bracelet ($228.00)—Buy Here!

You Complete Me Puzzle

box with almost completed puzzle on navy and orange background
Brass Monkey

This is such a solid dad joke. We're not even mad at it.

You Complete Me Puzzle ($8.00)—Buy Here

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

30 Simple Pasta Dishes Everyone Will Love

by Susie Foresman

As the age-old saying goes: kids cannot live on buttered noodles alone. Well, not if you can help it. That’s why we’ve combed through oodles of kid friendly pasta recipes so you can keep your carb-loving crowd happy and mix up your dinner routine. Get the water boiling, and check out 50+ recipes that put a new twist on classic pasta. If you’re looking for something a little cozier, be sure to bookmark some of our favorite slow cooker recipes or sheet pan dinners.

Slow Cooker 12-Layer Lasagna

slow cooker lasagna is an easy pasta recipe
Weelicious

Catherine McCord of Weelicious is a wealth of information when it comes to kid friendly pasta recipes. Her slow cooker 12-layer lasagna exemplifies her ability to come up with tasty dishes that will please the picky palate and the busy mom. This pasta recipe is a must-make for any parent pressed on time and with hungry stomachs lying in wait. 

 

Instant Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta Recipe

This kid friendly pasta recipe from Eating in an Instant is so easy to make, and you can adapt it to your family’s taste preferences.

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Thai chicken pasta salad recipe
I Wash You Dry

This pasta salad from I Wash You Dry calls for ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken—extra easy!—and sports crisp veggies and a flavorful sauce. 

Butternut Squash & Bacon Pasta

Dinner at the Zoo

The secret to this kid friendly pasta recipe from Dinner at the Zoo? Creamy butternut squash sauce and a smattering of bacon. It’s a hearty dish that your family will go gaga over. 

 

One Pot Tomato Chicken Pasta

this one pot tomato chicken pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Sweet Potato Chronicles

The phrase “one pot meal” is music to our ears, and this delish dish is no exception. With cheese, chicken, and mushrooms, we’re pretty sure this one will be an instant hit in your house. To grab the recipe, click here.

Sesame Soy Noodle Bowl

Life Made Simple

Mix it up on pasta night with a bowl of sesame soy noodles. Not only can this dish be made in a snap, but it also only calls for a few simple (but tasty) ingredients and can be served hot or cold. Plus, you’ll love the leftovers. For the recipe, head on over to Life Made Simple.

Marinara Soup

The Seasoned Mom

Did you know that a jar of marinara sauce can turn into a comforting bowl of vegetarian soup in about 20 minutes? It’s better than any magic trick and the best way to turn a chilly weeknight into a warm and toasty good time. Even better: You probably have all the ingredients right now. Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Related: 13 Instant Pot Freezer Meals For Busy Nights

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Damn Delicious

The genius of this idea from Damn Delicious is that it takes your favorite pasta dish and turns it into an irresistible creamy soup. All it takes is 20 minutes to make, and you can always use store-bought meatballs. 

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

This one’s a winner! Courtesy of Table for Two, this recipe only takes 25 minutes and one pot to make. Plus, it’s like a cheeseburger in pasta form and guaranteed to be a kid hit.

Broccoli Pasta Bake

A Taste of Madness

Say cheese! Not only does this pasta bake from A Taste of Madness sneak some green stuff into your kiddo’s diet, but it also uses ingredients you probably have on hand.

Salmon with Creamy Lemon Spaghetti

Kitchen Sanctuary

Love lemon and salmon? Kitchen Sanctuary combines those divine flavors into a quick and easy meal! Tangy and refreshing, it even includes some sugar snap peas for an added health kick.

 

Ham and Cheese Pasta Rollup Gratin

The View from Great Island

Get your hands on fresh pasta sheets (you can usually find them in the refrigerator section of your grocery store) and whip up these creative pasta rollups from The View from Great Island. Add your favorite deli meat and top everything off with a cheesy gratin! 

 

Kid Friendly Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a favorite with kids and this easy version from Tastes Better from Scratch uses three or four basic ingredients. Our only edit is to skip the parmesan cheese at the end.

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Honey and Birch

Give your pasta a buffalo twist with a little help from Honey and Birch. This dish sports tangy buffalo sauce and can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes. 

Related: 18 Easy One-Pot Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Creamy Parmesan Orzo

orzo pasta recipes are good for families
Life Made Simple

You’d better bookmark this recipe from Life Made Simple because we guarantee it’s the orzo of your dreams. Creamy, garlic-y, and made in 30 minutes, it’s gonna be your new go-to pasta. 

 

One-Pot Black Bean Enchilada Pasta

Savory Nothings

Pressed for time? This recipe from Savory Nothings only requires a little bit of time and one pot—but the results are oh-so-tasty. It’s the perfect way to spice up Taco Tuesday! 

 

Pasta with Cream and Ham

this pasta with cream and ham is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Travel for Taste

Instead of plain buttered pasta, go for this super simple recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.

Pasta with Peas and Bacon

kid friendly pasta recipe with peas and bacon
iStock

Go back to basics with a tried-and-true, kid-approved recipe. For those nights when the tots are fussing, and the clock is ticking, you can’t go wrong with this 30-minute meal. To see the full recipe, click here.

Related: Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

Pasta Jambalaya

jambalaya pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
iStock

This yummy take on the classic jambalaya packs an extra punch of healthiness with the addition of veggie puree. Even picky kiddos will love noshing on the yummy sausage and shrimp. Click here to get the recipe.

Pasta al Pastore

This comforting dish comes together in a flash using just five ingredients. Flavorful Italian sausage and ricotta cheese are the stars of the show. Get the full recipe by clicking here.

Pasta Carbonara

spaghetti carbonara is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Bruna Branco via Unsplash

Bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese—what more could you need? Keep things simple with a delicious bowl of pasta carbonara. Find out how it’s done by clicking here.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

pesto chicken pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe
Leelalicious

Our kiddos go crazy for pesto, and this yummy recipe is a weeknight savior—the addition of chicken breast makes it a filling but quick meal. To find out how it’s done, click here.

Skillet Lasagna

Our Family Eats

Have you ever read the list of ingredients on one of those “helper” boxes? We can honestly say that we don’t know what half of those words mean. That’s not the case here. This skillet lasagna, which comes to us from Our Family Eats, is full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients that come together to create a creamy, comforting plate of deliciousness. 

Baked Ravioli

baked ravioli is a great pasta recipe for families
iStock

Give your ravioli a flavor boost with a heaping of yummy meat sauce. After making the ravioli and pasta sauce like you normally would, stick everything in the oven in a baking dish. The outcome is a tasty twist on your traditional ravioli dish. Get the recipe here.

Related: 50+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With

Kid Friendly Beef Stroganoff

Does anything scream comfort food more than Beef Stroganoff? We don’t think so, and This Mom’s Kitchen has an easy version that you can make in both an Instant Pot or as a stovetop one-pot pasta meal.

Mac and Cheese

iStock

You'll never go back to boxed mac and cheese again, thanks to Joy, Food, Sunshine. This kid friendly pasta recipe features sharp cheddar, but you can use a combination of cheeses for a more rich flavor. After one bite of this dish, you'll be hooked.

Baked Ziti

easy baked ziti is one of the best kid friendly pasta recipes
Shutterstock

If your kids love Italian food as much as ours do, then this baked ziti pasta recipe is sure to be a hit. Think of it like a lasagna but with more cheese and more creamy goodness. This is a great dish to make in advance and bake when needed. Get the recipe here.

 

Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Bacon, ranch, and pasta? Made in an Instant Pot? All of our favorite flavors come together in this quick and kid-friendly pasta recipe from Meatloaf and Melodrama that you’ll want to bookmark immediately.

One Pot Wonder: Tomato Basil Pasta

tomato basil pasta is an easy dinner idea
iStock

It’s no wonder this one-pot pasta recipe won us over. Who wouldn’t want an awesome pasta dish that only gets one pot dirty? Bonus: It's got kid-friendly ingredients and isn't too fancy. Get the details here. 

 

Pasta Primavera

pasta primavera is a classic pasta recipe

Sometimes nothing hits the spot more than a no-frills vegetable pasta dish. We like that the veggies can always be switched out for whatever you have on hand. Served hot or cold, this pasta recipe is delicious either way. Get the recipe here. 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

17 Kid Friendly Appetizers & Finger Foods You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

by Emily Myers

Keep things festive and simple this year with little bites you can make on the fly

Celebrating the holidays with little ones brings its own set of challenges—like managing energy levels, non-existent bedtimes, and finding ways to keep them busy while you get ready for family—but having kid friendly appetizers can go a long way in making the season a success. Whether you want your offering to be creative and colorful or just plain delicious, we’ve got the best quick (like 30 minutes or less!) and easy finger foods to make this year. For more ideas, check out our favorite 3-ingredient appetizers. 

Baked Cream Cheese Rangoon

Warm cheese, crispy egg roll shell, sweet chili dip, what’s not to love? This kid friendly appetizer is so easy, you can whip up a batch right before your guests arrive. Get the recipe from Instru Pix.

Savory Chicken Bacon Wraps

If there’s a food that’s not made better with bacon, we’re not sure we want to know about it. These savory chicken bites have just enough spice for adults but are still a kid’s favorite. You’ll find the recipe in the IG post above.

Mini Grilled Cheese Bites

mini grilled cheese bites are a kid friendly appetizer
The View from Great Island

Celebrate NYE with a kid favorite: grilled cheese! These bite-sized morsels are easy to put together and guaranteed to please a crowd. Don’t forget the tomato soup shooters! To get the recipe, visit The View from Great Island.

Pull-Apart Pizza Ring

Pull apart pizza rings are good finger foods
Pinch of Yum

We love that this pull-apart pizza ring can be made with any type of toppings: cheese, veggies, sausage, or just about anything you desire! And, only requiring 20 minutes in the oven, it's an appetizer that can be made quickly. 

7-Layer Bean Dip

7 layer bean dip is a good finger food
Chelsea's Messy Apron

This seven-layer bean dip recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron is a cinch to make, can be paired with chips or veggies, and can be made in advance. What's not to love? 

Mini Stacks

mini pancake skewers are a kid friendly appetizer
iStock

There's nothing like a stack of pancakes to suggest you've made it through 'til morning! These mini stacks skewered with party picks and topped with a slice of fresh fruit are sure to go down well. Dust with confectioners sugar for a sweet touch and a hint of snowfall. Kraft Canada has the how-to.

Easy Enchilada Cups

Enchilada cups are a good finger food and a kid friendly appetizer
Gimme Some Oven

These might be one of our favorite finger food ideas! The hardest part might be shaping your mini tortilla in a muffin tin because the filling comes together quickly and is ready to be served in 30 minutes. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Ham and Cheese Pie

ham and cheese puff pastry is a kid friendly appetizer
The Clever Carrot

This ham and cheese pie uses pre-rolled pastry, making it an easy addition to any party platter. It calls for just four ingredients sandwiched between flaky puff pastry. After 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a pie that can be sliced into bite-sized squares and tastes so good you'll be making it again and again.

Perfect Cheese Board

Take Two Tapas

A cheese board is an obvious snack table centerpiece—and crackers are always a big hit with kids! Layer up a tray with the help of Take Two Tapas where you'll find a tutorial to answer all your questions. You can create an appetizing feast of cooked and cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, sliced veggies, and dips that kids and adults can both enjoy.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Endlessly Inspired

Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks, and this recipe just adds melted chocolate and crushed candy canes to make the perfect celebratory treat. Use half regular popcorn and half kettle corn for sweet, minty popcorn with all the delicious flavors of peppermint bark. Head to Endlessly Inspired for the how-to.

Rainbow Pretzel Wands

Pretzel wands are a finger food.
Mom on Time Out

Harness the magic of New Year's Eve with these colorful rainbow wands! Get the recipe from Mom On Time Out and see how versatile they are. They can be easily made in batches and are a great combo of sweet and savory that adds pizzazz to any party platter.

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

cinnamon sweet potato fries are a kid friendly appetizer
Weelicious

Nothing revives a flagging toddler like a fist full of fries, and these cinnamon sweet potato sticks are no exception. The best part? They take just five minutes to prep! Relish their sweet and savory flavors as you celebrate the season. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.

Caprese Skewers

caprese tortellini skewers are a kid friendly appetizer
My Fussy Eater

We’re pretty sure this appetizer idea qualifies as pure genius. Just take your family’s fave tortellini, stick ‘em on skewers, and set them on a pretty tray. You’ll get major presentation points with zero fuss. To learn more, visit My Fussy Eater.

Classy Pigs in a Blanket

Culinary Hill

Make your NYE party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

cheese stuffed meatballs are a kid friendly appetizer
The Weary Chef

Serve these delish meatballs as an NYE app or a heartier dinner—either way, we’re sure kids and grownups alike will love them. The best part is that you can use whichever cheese is a household fave! Get The Weary Chef’s recipe by clicking here.

Tater Tot Treats

tater tot treats are a good finger food
Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Homemade tater tots? Yes, please! These muffin tin tots are filled with cheese, chives, and bacon, and taste just like mini-loaded baked potatoes. ‘Nuff said, right? Get the recipe over at Well Plated.

Oven-Baked Crispy Ravioli

oven baked ravioli is a kid friendly appetizer
Food Fanatic

Cheesy, crispy warm pasta bites? Yes, please! This super simple finger food recipe uses store-bought ravioli (choose any flavor you like!), parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs to create a kid-friendly appetizer that's sure to be snatched up at your next holiday gathering. Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement