Feeding my baby


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Our son Sterling was always super interested in what was going on at our dining-room table during meal time, so when his doctor encouraged us to start him on food just before he turned 6 months, I was excited to get experimenting with flavours and textures.

I started with the basics as recommended; oatmeal, apples, bananas and quickly began to learn his favourites like squash, sweet potato and pumpkin. Over the last few months, we also tried new textures for him like chicken and cottage cheese (not together) and stronger flavours like Kosher Sour dill pickles (which he loves to suck on and has helped with teething) and peanut butter (he tried it really early with the Israeli snack Bamba).

It was time to start developing those taste buds and blending more complex flavours together. And with that new task it was time to breakout the Beaba Babycook Pro, a 4-in-1 food processor that steams, blends, defrosts and reheats baby food with ease.

This machine makes preparing for Sterling so easy. The jar is large enough (1100 ml) to fit all of the ingredients for all of the recipes I’ve prepared. And most of the recipes from the Beaba Baby Cook Book are as simple as chop and peel (as required) add water, wait 15 minutes while it steams and then blend. Here are two different cookbooks by Beaba, one for baby and one for mama, but you can pick up this one in store at West Coast Kids.

The machine shuts off once it’s completely cooked and you simply remove the basket and set aside some of the water that you’ll add back in to create the desired consistency during the blending process.

A current go-to recipe that Sterling has been enjoying is the Carrot, Apple, and Potato Soup, with a pinch of cinnamon.

When Sterling tried this soup, it was love at first taste and I’ve made another batch to freeze for those meals out of the house, or when time is limited. I love the Kushies SiliTray, made from food-grade silicone, making it easy to just pop out the perfect portion.

    

Another favourite recipe from the Beaba Baby Cook Book, that Sterling devoured was the Apple Raisin Compote that can be served on top of oatmeal, pancakes or toast.

With half a cup of cubed apple, 1 pitted date and only 10 raisins, this simple recipe is filled with fiber, vitamins and minerals ensuring Sterling is getting all of the right things from his food.

I served this compote as a part of his breakfast along with cottage cheese and half of a mashed banana. This adorable Kushies SiliPlate has a strong suction that sticks to his high chair and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe makes it one of my go-tos.

I also have an assortment of the Kushies’ bibs that help keep Sterling’s clothes clean. I love that most are spill and waterproof and that they are made in Canada. They also have a pocket (this one is made from a food grade silicone) so any crumbs or drops are safe from the floor and my pup Taco, who is happy to help clean up any mess that does make it to the floor.

Read more about my love for his Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair here.

    

Thank you West Coast Kids, Beaba and Kushies for partnering with me on this post and helping me make Sterling’s meals easy and nutritious.

Appliance: Beaba Babyfood Pro in Lemon. Plate: Kushies SiliPlate. Spoons: Kushies SiliFeed. Bowl: Kushies SiliBowl and Spoon set, Bibs: Kushies Waterproof Clean bib with sleeves, SiliSoft bib, Waterproof clean bib.

Good Enough to Eat

  

There’s nothing quite like the soft, delicate skin of a baby. And using the right products to protect and nurture Sterling’s skin has been one of our main concerns.

I have yet to invest in green beauty for myself, but I did want to start my son on the right path, using products that are as natural as possible, especially since a baby’s skin absorbs so much.  So when my friends at West Coast Kids introduced me to one of their favourite brands Shoosha Truly Organic, I quickly became obsessed with a line of products with ingredients that are so pure and organic you can actually eat them.

Because soap always end up getting in baby’s eyes and mouth while in the bath, Shoosha ensured that their line was made from USDA Certified Organic food grade ingredients, like Calendula, Coconut and Sunflower Oil, so it’s not only gentle and hydrating on sensitive skin but it’s also tear-free.

My favourite product that I tried was the Calm Baby Calendula Oil in the Lavender Vanilla scent (also available in unscented), and I can’t help but use it on myself after a shower and I’m becoming addicted to the beautiful scent.

 

Sterling absolutely loves bath time and now I do too, knowing that I’m using the purest products for his soft skin. Thank you Shoosha Truly Organic and West Coast Kids for partnering with me on this post.

I’m wearing: Dress: Smash & Tess, glasses: c/o Clearly.ca
Bath: Stokke® Flexi Bath®, Changing pad: Keekaroo

On a Walk with Sterling

As a new mom, I think one of the most important things that helped me feel normal (during a time when nothing feels normal) was getting outside. Having a winter baby, it was easy to get comfortable staying at home and hibernating while getting to know my new bundle of joy, but as the season changed, there was no longer an excuse and it was time to move that bonding time outdoors.

All babies are different and I’m beyond fortunate that Sterling allows me to bring him with me to events, road trips and errands around the city. Having a baby that cooperates with an active lifestyle has proven to be a blessing and the right equipment has been key for when he needs a little extra attention and care.

The essentials for excursions may also differ baby-to-baby, but for Sterling and I, the keys to success has been to have options, sun protection and a plan. I never leave the house without my diaper bag filled with a swaddle blanket for privacy during nursing, either my ring-sling or baby wrap in case he gets fussy and wants to be held, and a handful of outfits for him (and at times an extra one for me).

Probably the most important item for a day on-the-go is a compact and portable, lightweight stroller, like the new MINU by UPPAbaby available at West Coast Kids. I’m so excited to have partnered with UPPAbaby to try the newest stroller to the collection. It has a spacious seat suitable for babies 3 months to 50 lbs, there is also a bassinet attachment available for newborns (From Birth Kit), and the seat has the ability to recline which allows Sterling to fall asleep while we’re on-the-go. (From Birth Kit & Infant Car Seat Adapters available in stores Fall 2018).

But my favourite feature, with this compact stroller is the way that it folds, it’s literally a one-handed smooth movement, that I can do while holding Sterling. Once folded it can stand and can easily be carried using its built-in handle or shoulder strap.

Some of my favourite places to go with Sterling are for walks along the waterfront where we live, for picnic days at Trinity Bellwoods and shopping around downtown on Bloor Street or Queen Street.

He travels so easily in the UPPAbaby MINU stroller, with the all-wheel suspension and a pop-out sunshade to shield his eyes from harmful UV rays that I don’t need to worry about having him tag along during any adventure I’m on. There is also a peekaboo-window which allows for air to flow through during those hot summer days that we’ve been having.

  

I think that having options available to you is important when it comes to life with a baby. Different things work at different times and a travel stroller, like the UPPAbaby MINU, has been essential for a busy day in the city.

They say “you only get 18 summers with your children”, and with this being our first one with Sterling, I’m looking to making the most out of it as we explore our favourite parts of Toronto with him. Be sure to follow along Instagram, as I share a lot more of our daily adventures using the hashtag #OnAWalkWithTheNegins.

Jumpsuit: Gap, Slides: Loeffler Randall, Frames: C/O Main & Central Clearly.ca
Stroller: C/O UPPAbaby Minu in Jake, Diaper bag: SkipHop
Sterling’s romper: Ollie Jones