Elan Vital

🥑 Why do babies crave BLAND FOODS?⠀
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They have three times the number of taste buds as adults!⠀
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😮 Babies are born with a whopping 30,000 taste buds all over their tongue and on the roof of their mouth (compared to the average adult's 10,000).⠀
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So when babies happily eat bland mashed up turnips or peas, they’re actually experiencing a taste sensation in that one-ingredient puree.⠀
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This difference in taste buds is also one explanation for fussy eating: a baby’s heightened sense of taste magnifies bitter flavors like spinach, so they prefer sweeter tastes like fruit and sweet potato.⠀
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I’m a huge fan of homemade baby food, and it’s really so simple (and cheap!). There are fancy all-in-one baby food makers that steam then puree food, but really you just lightly steam or bake vegetables then toss them in a blender or food processor. Same with grains; prepare them according to the instructions on the package, then throw them in a blender with liquid to thin them. Ice cube trays are great for freezing portions, so you can make large batches in advance.⠀
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Even easier is simply mashing avocados or bananas with a fork. As baby gets older, you can take whatever you’re having for dinner and mash it up or blend it, though remember their taste buds. They don’t need salt or seasonings. Remove their portion before you add seasoning for the best result.⠀
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👉 Got any favorite homemade baby food recipes? Post them in the comments!⠀
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❤️ CONNECTING WITH YOUR EXISTING CHILDREN during pregnancy and postpartum with siblings is essential in helping them navigate the transition into their new life.

Involving them in baby preparations is great because it can help them understand and feel excited about the baby before it comes.

And — make sure that you prioritize spending time with your child(ren) that has NOTHING to do with the new baby.

Focus on them as an individual and spend time every day doing things they enjoy. Spend time with them in which you don’t talk about the baby at all and instead talk about what’s going on with them.

This is doubly important once the baby arrives.

Involving your child in baby care as much as possible can help them grow to love their sibling and feel protective of them.

But prioritize quality time with them that is focused on their identity and life separate from being a brother or sister as well.

Try as much as you can not to blame the baby for not being able to spend time with them when they ask. Even subtle language differences like, “I’ll be free in a minute,” versus “I’m changing the baby,” can help prevent them from seeing the baby as a wedge that’s come between you.

👉 What other tips would you share for helping your child adjust to becoming a big brother or sister?