By: New Naturalista

“If they feed their children thai food in Thailand or curry’s in India, why do American’s believe bland food for their babies is better?” asks Shane Valentine, author of the Baby Cuisine Cookbook.

It’s an interesting question: Can babies really eat what we eat? Are we setting ourselves up for a lifetime of picky eaters by feeding them those convenient but “flavor challenged” jars of baby food?  Possibly, says Valentine.

He explained his philosophy to me during a sit down interview at his home in West Seattle.  ”The jarred food is bland, there’s no flavor so as a baby’s taste buds develop, they aren’t able to make those connections to flavors. They ultimately stick with what they’re accustomed to.”  In many cases that means bland, processed foods, (think mac & cheese and hot dogs!)

With this thought in mind Valentine who is a chef by trade, wrote the Baby Cuisine Cookbook.  ”Life happens at the table. You celebrate successes at the table. Even sadness,” he explains.  ”It’s a great bonding experience when they’re eating the same things that you’re eating.”

Chicken Parmesan

Sauteed Tomatoes

Along with recipes, the book has an easy to read outline on what foods are good to introduce to children at certain milestones. There are also vegan and special diet recipes. Whole Foods will begin carrying the Baby Cuisine Cookbook early next year, but why wait?

The Baby Cookbook

Shane and Chantal are offering our readers two books for $25 or 1 for $17 . Click on this link: AlinasCucina and enter code: NEWNATURALISTA for your discount!

Here are some other interesting facts from the Baby Cuisine Cookbook:

• Taste buds start and develop in utero.  Another great reason to choose a variety of good foods during pregnancy!
• This train of thought extends to breastmilk too.  Valentine’s resident medical expert Dr. Tamara Cullen says studies show the flavor of breast milk changes depending on what mom eats, so breast fed babies are exposed to a much wider palate of tastes than babies who are formula fed.
• When trying out a new food, remember it can sometimes take up to 15 introductions before a for a child will like it.
• When eating out, stay away from the kids menu.  Most items are unhealthy.  Instead choose a dish with a good variety, grab another plate and share it with your little one.
• “The best model is you.” says Valentine.  ”There are books out now about how to sneak in veggies, well if you introduce them early you won’t have to sneak them in!”

Related posts:

1. The Perfect Food (you probably aren’t eating)
2. Cute Alert: “Babies” Movie Review
3. The Honest Food Pyramid
4. “In Defense of Food” – Getting closer to what you eat
5. Yin and Yang of Food (and why it’s important)