My little guy is eating more and more solids but I feel like I’m struggling so much for ideas for solids that he will eat and won’t choke on (I’m terrified of choking and I feel like I give him the same things over and over).. I’d love some ideas from a seasoned mama! He only has two teeth so I feel like I’m limited!
As a first time mom, I (Heather) was terrified of choking.. I mean, I am still terrified.. aren’t we all!? It doesn’t matter if you’re seasoned or not, watching a baby explore with food can cause so much anxiety. However, what I have learned is that it is REALLY hard for a baby to actually choke if you’re giving them soft, chewable food in bite sized pieces.. no matter what it is. And when you see them get something “stuck” in their throat, it’s not really choking that you’re witnessing. You are watching them develop their gag reflex. A baby who is choking won’t make any noise so when you hear your baby gagging or trying to get something up, they aren’t choking. Just working another muscle that’s new to them! Still scary, I know. But try and relax. Parker is almost 9 months old and eats everything we eat minus things like popcorn, hard candy, tough meat, etc. (like, duh) I give him a range of fruits (be careful with bananas as it is the perfect size to get lodged in their throat so mush it up!), toast with peanut butter, soft veggies, beans, pasta (don’t be afraid of the mess.. kids LOVE it!), pizza bites and lots of nutrition bars for snacks. Nothing is really off limits except for some obvious choices like I mentioned above! Have fun with it and offer anything and everything. And if they don’t show interest in something, keep trying. It takes at least 6 times before a baby knows if they “like” something or not! And before you know it, they’ll be living off of yogurt and applesauce packets like my other two cuz they’re #pickyAF 😉
I need some good squash recipes…my garden has gone CRAZY!
Fun!! My first thought obviously goes to ZOODLES and zucchini bread…yum! I will sometimes slice, blanch, then freeze extra squash to put into smoothies. You can’t really taste it in a smoothie and it’s an easy to up the veg intake. This taco zucchini noodle recipe is good or a summer squash casserole would make a great side dish. These muffins look delish!
I’m starting a 21 day sugar detox and want to get back into making smoothies. Do you have any good smoothie recipes or should I use Daily Harvest? What protein powders do you recommend?
Smoothies are the easiest way to get in ALL the nutrition! You can get super creative or keep it simple with smoothie recipes. Just make sure you’re getting in 4 main components…protein, fat, greens, and fiber! I wrote a whole post about how to make the perfect smoothie and there are also some recipe ideas ideas included in the post.
I love Daily Harvest smoothies as a base, but they don’t usually include adequate amounts of all 4 components so you have to add what’s missing. As for protein powder I like Tone it Up (pea protein), Garden of Life or Primal Fuel (whey protein) or Vital Proteins (collagen protein). All good choices depending on your protein source preference. Good luck!!
Heather- tell me more about the lash lift and tint you posted about on Instagram? How long does it last?
I found out about lash lift and tint when a beauty salon in our area reached out to us and offered up their services so I started to do a little research! It’s basically a perm for your lashes and the tint makes it look like you have mascara on when you don’t! I had lash extensions for years and will never do them again (just personal preference) but I wanted something done so that when I wake up, I still look fresh and ready to walk out the door. Enter a lash lift and tint. I got my service done at Sapien Aesthetics up on Capitol Hill in Seattle and it was $130. It lasts about 6-8 weeks when your lashes start to grow out (I got annihilated on Insta for saying 6-8 months lol I HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR!!!). I really love them and think it’s something great to do before a honeymoon or vacation when you aren’t wearing a lot of makeup but still want to feel pretty without having to do a full face of makeup!
My 13 month old has outgrown his baby carseat. What are your recommendations for a toddler car seat?
Heather: I have always used the Maxi Cosi convertible carseats for my boys. I’ve never tried anything else so don’t have many recommendations and this carseat is just what has worked for us! However, I have heard good things about the Graco 4Ever Carseat too!
Alix: I have the Graco carseat Heather linked above and we really like it!
What are your favorite budget-friendly champagne brands? I wish I could drink Veuve on the regular but need some alternatives 😉
Ohhhh Veuve.. we feel v spoiled when we get to drink that, Perrier Jouet or Dom 😉 But some fab alternatives are Moet & Chandon and Mumm. Prosecco is also a great alternative.. we honestly will drink anything bubbly except if it’s too sweet. We used to drink a lot of La Marca but it’s gotten a little too sweet for our tastebuds. Same goes for Cupcake Prosecco. We typically pick brut’s and rosé bubbly in champagne or Prosecco form 🙂
Do you girls have any advice on when and how to drop a baby from 2 to 1 nap/day? Also good activities to do with a one year old?
We vaguely remember dropping from 2 to 1 nap around the 12 month mark but every child is different and their sleep needs aren’t a one-size-fits-all model. We also remember it being rough.. sleep transitions/regressions are just the WORST! But, be consistent and let them dictate what they need. Transitioning from 2 naps to 1 can take a week or so for them to adjust and you have to be flexible. If 1 nap worked one day it may not work the next and they’ll need a little cat nap to take the edge off.. and give you your sanity back. Also, stick close to home. Don’t get in the car or stroller if you think they’re going to fall asleep and screw up the nap time routine you’re tying to achieve. Just know that the transition doesn’t happen overnight and you’ll get there slowly. Some days will suck. Some days you’ll high five yourself. Aka our motherhood motto. Trust the process, trust yourself and do what’s best for your kiddo!
As for activities, a one year old just wants to see, feel, touch and explore! Go to the aquarium, zoo, the swings, a walk to your local farmers market or splash pad if you have them. Sand boxes are disgusting but the babes LOVE it. Build up that immune system.. before long, they’ll be sick every other week being around their snotty friends lol. Just be outside! And let them be little 🙂
Can you give me some good snack and dessert recipes/ideas I can have on the no added sugar reset?
The struggle is real huh?! For snacks, I’ve been having popcorn, apple slices with almond butter and cinnamon, chia pudding, cottage cheese and fruit, veggies and hummus, berries, or nuts. This freezer fudge, this chocolate bark or these cookies (or these) look promising to help with the sweet tooth!
Do you know what you guys are going to wear for your half marathon race day?
Alix: I plan to wear these shorts in black, most likely this tank in black, this sports bra in white, these socks, and these shoes (on sale!!) I’ve also been using this running belt which fits my phone and energy gels perfectly and actually stays put while running. I plan to listen to music during the race and love my AirPods. I wore them last race and they didn’t slip when I got sweaty running.
Heather: I will be wearing the same shorts in black, this tank in black for breathability and these Nike’s since they’re the only shoes that haven’t made my feet go numb when running! I have the same belt as Alix and use these headphones that also don’t slip!
Thanks for all of your questions this week! Have a fab weekend 🙂
xx, H&A
