Tips for moving on from the baby to toddler stage with Little Freddie

As you may already know I am working with the awesome organic food company that is Little Freddie this year and recently told you all about the steps they are taking to be more sustainable by launching the UK first pouch recycling scheme, do read more about this positive initiative. Being a busy mum on the go I can say first hand how important it is for me to make sure I have some healthy snacks on me at all times to avoid those hangry moments but also so I know they are getting all their nutritional needs met.

Having successful weaned two children know I feel like I have something to offer in ways of practical advice for those parents out there who are juggling it all, working, parenting, school runs, play dates, weekend adventures, family trips and everything else life throws at you and at those times if often when we let things slip such as well balanced family eating. Little Freddie have recently launched their new range of healthy smoothies and finger food to help make sure no matter how busy you are you don't have to compromise on healthy eating. 

  

Here are a few foodie tips on moving on from the baby to toddler stage for busy parents

1. Don't get too caught up in what everyone else is doing and do what is best for you - With my eldest we weaned using mainly homemade purees & did struggle to move onto more solid food but with my second we did baby-led weaning from the get-go because it's what worked best for us at the time so just do what works best for your family dynamic.

2. Take your time it's a long process - Rome wasn't built in a day and children don't always move onto solids as quickly as you think they will. You will have up's and downs in your journey and even now my toddler refuses things he used to love, it really is all about trial and error.

3. Try avoid negative remarks about food - snack and meals times should be a fun and happy experience. Yes it's hard when your facing a very fussy eater or you have just made a lovely meal and most of it has been spat out or thrown on the floor but it's really important to make sure healthy food is encouraged and celebrated in a positive way.

4. Batch good and bake - if you are doing purees then batch make a whole lot of freeze them in ice cube moulds, or if your doing baby-led weaning then freeze small batches of your family meal so you have some on hand for quick lunches.

5. Pack the snacks! Organic brands like Little Freddie offer such well balanced and nutritious smoothies and finger food I don't feel at all bad about offering them to my children (as appose to home made snacks) especially when time short as they use such a great variety of ingredients. The smoothies for example which are 30% lower in sugar than similar products, contain things like coconut water, flaxseed flour, passion fruit while their finger food puffs are multigrain based, with wheatgerm and quinoa. All of their products having have no added sugar, additives or preservatives.


6. Avoid added sugar - it's just so easy for kids to acquire a sweet tooth very early on. We all know the fantastic benefits of having enough fruit and veg daily and while fruit is naturally sweet we really don't need any more than that. There are plenty of ways to cook and back without additional sugar and I have shared one of my favourite quick naturally sweetened Wholemeal Spelt banana muffins below which are great for on the go.

If your looking for very quick, easy and no added sugar muffins that are toddler friendly, here is my go-to recipe

Banana and raisin muffins

55g melted coconut oil ( you can also use unsalted butter)
1 free-range egg
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
125g Wholemeal spelt flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 bicarbonate soda
55g chopped raisins or apricots

This recipe makes for a very mild and mellow tasting muffin, if you are looking to sweeten it a little bit more but without using cane sugar then you can add 40ml Agave or Maple Syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees or gas mark 4. Line a muffin tin - this recipe makes around 8/9 standard muffins or around 20 mini muffins.

2. Peel and mash the bananas and add the egg and vanilla and beat for 30 seconds before adding the melted coconut oil plus the agave if using.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and beat until all combined. Lastly stir in the chopped raisins/apricots

4. Full each muffin case with the mixture and pop into the oven. They should take around 12-14 minutes although do check and take out once golden, risen and firm to touch. Once cooled these can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for a quick snack on the go. 

  

With a little bit of preparation and organisation you can move from that baby stage to toddler foods with ease even when your really busy and remember just have fun with it.

In collaboration with Little Freddie