In a couple of weeks, many of us will be sitting down at the table with close friends and family and remembering what we are thankful for. For my family, we are especially thankful for the precious little boy who has graced our lives. And, as an official member of the family now, he will also sit down at the table (well, in a high chair), and feast on (and most likely play with) some traditional Thanksgiving morsels with the rest of us.
If you traditionally make Thanksgiving dinner for your family (or even a few dishes to bring to a relative's house), you will quickly discover that making Thanksgiving dinner for Baby is probably the easiest holiday cooking you've ever done. Simply set some cooked vegetables, fruits or turkey aside as you are finishing up your dishes and mash them up in your blender, food processor or food mill. Better yet, make a few items ahead of time and freeze in individual portions using an ice cube tray. You don't (and probably shouldn't) need to added spices or herbs, and definitely do not add sugar or salt. Little ones like the sweetness in fruits just fine, and they don't need all the sodium, either. But, if you wish, you may add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to your homemade baby food for this special occassion.
Here are some ideas and recipes for homemade Thanksgiving dinner for your baby. Unless otherwise noted, you should cook (steaming will help retain most of the nutrients in the foods, but you can also simmer and boil) the ingredients until soft, and mash or puree in a blender, food processor or food mill to the desired baby food consistency. Some ingredients, like sweet potatoes, require a little liquid to puree. Use breast milk, formula, diluted juice or water. One serving is equivalent to an ice cube, or one generous tablespoon.
Please do not try to stuff all of these into your baby! As much as we all can't resist eating everything in sight at the dinner table on Thanksgiving, your baby will not appreciate the more-than-full tummy (and neither will you). Give your baby only as much as he usually eats. And, this is not the time to introduce a new food. Play it safe and have a pleasant allergy-free holiday. Here are some ideas:
For Starters
Babies just starting on solid foods (generally younger than 7 months)
Offer one from each category:
