It's Cultural

“It’s cultural.” This was the simple reply that my Singapore-based cousin got when she asked her pediatrician what to give her then 15 month old son. My cousin was complaining to me that he was not as accommodating as Filipino doctors. But that is another story. In fairness to her Singaporean doctor, I think he simply meant that the kid should be introduced to table foods already. And true enough, table foods vary depending on the nationality and/or culture.

Once your “baby” turns one, he should slowly be introduced to table foods. To make things easier for you, I am listing down some of the common Pinoy dishes (Because we are Filipino) which are good and tummy-friendly for your little toddler. Here are some:

1. Chicken tinola
2. Pork sinigang
3. Fish sinigang
4. Fried fish or fish fillet
5. Fried Chicken
6. Nilagang manok
7. Omelet
8. Homemade chicken nuggets
9.Cream soups-potato, asparagus, mushroom, squash, etc
10. Chicken arroz caldo

In general, you should give the white meat part of the chicken. Also do not use msg-containing seasonings or patis when preparing the above dishes( This will benefit the adults in the household as well).Add as many veggies as possible when cooking sinigang or nilaga.

Omelets are generally attractive to kids-from simple cheese omellete to chicken and carrot and so on. (you may use leftover chicken from Nilagang Manok)

Because most ready to cook chicken nuggets have either msg or too much salt, it is better to make your own. I use cooked chicken meat, finely chopped carrots, a little flour, milk, and grated cheese instead of salt. Roll into bread crumbs before frying. You may prepare this kiddy meal when the adults in the house feel like eating kare-kare, chili crabs, and those other non-child friendly foods.

Cream soups are easy to make-all you need is some broth plus whatever veggies you can mash or puree (Again, you may use leftover broth with potato, carrots, etc., from your nilaga). Add a little milk to make it creamy.

Leftover tinola can be used to make chicken arroz caldo the following day. Whenever I do this, my husband asks why my arroz caldo has greens. But your little toddler wouldn’t really mind if there are greens in his arroz caldo.

You probably noticed that I did not include the good old Adobo. Although it is not “bawal”, it is better to introduce these saltier foods a little bit later.
For snacks, here are some ideas:

Start with whatever fruits are available – apples, bananas, pears, papaya, and currently, avocado is in season.

For variety, as well as added flavor and nutrition, you may add a little yoghurt to your fruits.

Crackers plus a serving of fruit juice also makes a healthy snack.

A little bit of cheese with crackers or bread may also be introduced.

Camote, which can be mashed also make a healthy snack.

You may add a little condensed milk to sweeten an avocado.

Americans may find avocado with condensed milk a bit absurd as they only consider it as a vegetable for salads and guacamole rather than a fruit. But then again, “it’s cultural”.