Monday, March 15, 2010

taste




I have always had it as a goal to wait until my baby hits the 6 month mark before introducing the line of cereals, one at a time. I blame it on a radio blurb that I heard as a first time mother that was speaking about introducing babies to food before 6 months could increase the risk for food allergies. Of course, being the somewhat seasoned mother that I now am, I know both sides of the spectrum. I know mom's that have started the rice cereal with their 4 mo. old and never had a problem. I also know mom's that waited till the very last possible moment to deliver that first spoonful of ground rice goodness and their baby was a few months later diagnosed with this or that allergy (which does run in the siblings). So even though I have known both sides, I am a creature of habit. Like when my high school anatomy teacher (probably jokingly) said that if you eat all the right foods, you really don't need to take all those vitamins. And I am quite sure that that is the reason why I have resisted taking vitamins over the years(though so much better now with 3 pregnancies and 3 kids under my belt). Those little blurbs stick in my head.

Needless to say, Mr. Caiden has not started the slurpy rice cereal yet. He is actually so ready to "dig in." I can see it in his eyes when we're eating. It is on this week's to-do list for him. So don't worry, I am not starving my child. I am a tad concerned about food allergies since he's had continual patches of eczema for the past 4 months, so I am just being cautious. But even though this week marks having 6 years of motherhood experience in my favor, I am still amazed at how very different I have been at each child's stage in comparison to the others. And how I am continually changing as I learn and grow and how the industries and products are ever changing at our fingertips from one child to the next.

So, all this to say, that Caiden has actually already tasted the following: cream cheese frosting, pea pods, popsicles, ice cream, and I am sure there is something an older brother slipped in while mom wasn't looking. Isn't it so hard to resist that little curiosity sitting on your lap while everyone else is stuffing their face!?

Curious as to what you first introduced to your little one and when.

12 comments:

Andrea Hamilton said...

Great picture Erin! I couldn't resist the temptation, and last week we gave Elaine some oatmeal. She is just over four months. My doc. told us that new studies show that introducing solids sooner decreases the risk of allergies and eczema. She's also had ice cream...compliments of daddy!

Erin Neiner said...

So interesting! Good to know. Yes, Caiden's daddy was the one to give him his first lick of ice cream also! :)

Richele said...

Since I so craved chocolate malts when pregnant with Luca I would have to say I introduced him to his first ice cream.

I have a niece that calls chocolate milk "grandma juice!" My mom was pretty strict with us so I am amazed at what she gives the grandkids : )

Our second surely got things earlier than the first. Can you imagine your fifth?

Erin Neiner said...

Richele-that must be why Luca loves his chocolate milk!!! I indeed cannot imagine my fifth right now..... for so many reasons! ;) Although, I would have to say that my youngest brother (#5) was the 'easiest, sweetest, calmest kid' of us all!

kellyH said...

that's what scares me about having another - everyone says how different it is. So will I feel like I am starting from scratch all over again? I hope something I've experienced helps some. :)
We started G on a little rice at 5 1/2 and vegs @ 6 months. He still has yet to taste ice cream - am I am mean mother or what?? mostly because we only eat ice cream after he goes to bed, so it hasn't even been an issue. I am guessing he'll get some doses this summer though. :)

Diana Vicas said...

It is funny that I also remember the radio commercial(which I guess inspired me) and the Anatomy vitamin lesson. I also waited with my first. It is so funny, the things we hear that stick in our minds.

The Schindel Six said...

Hurray for Caiden!

Erin Neiner said...

Kelly: ok. you will certainly not feel like you're starting all over again! that I can say for certain! it is just a whole new element. Like, say, you play volleyball in college :) and it's your first year. Everything is new: the coach, the school, your team players, the practice drills, even your shoes! You are learning everything new all at once. But then, fast forward a couple of years and you're coming back after a long summer of no training. It all comes back to you, but there may be a little bit of tweaking to do. You may be a bit sore (ok, bad analagy---that part doesn't count toward having a baby) but you get back into it easier and easier. Although, there are new aspects: like a heavier load, harder classes, a boyfriend, a job, leadership roles, etc. etc. etc. So, I was totally laid back about #3---not many fears or anxieties about the delivery process and transition time. Nothing like the first (for me) or second (for our oldest). But I did have this "freak moment" about one week prior to delivery that I'd forgotten how to care for, nurse, schedule a baby. It only lasted a day--but still! SO...don't worry, friend! It is different and the same altogether. But you certainly gain "seasoning" from everything you are doing now. I promise.

Erin Neiner said...

Diana: I cannot believe you also remember that anatomy lesson. I guess if anything, our teachers would be pleased to know their time was not wasted on us!!! :)

kellyH said...

thanks for chatting back and I am glad you told me to come back for a visit. :) well, that does give me some relief! maybe I'll consider #2 now............ :)

Jenny said...

Aaron got avocados first, right around 7 months, followed by sweet potatoes and then peas. To this day he loves his veggies!! :-) Evan got avocados first, too, and it wasn't until about 9 months. Then I just ground up whatever veggie we were eating at the table. Both kids never ate much cereal until they were able to feed themselves and I wanted to thicken something. That's pretty much it - worked for us!!

Jenny said...

that would be "neither" kid