Rehana's Reflections: Bits about Life with my Twin Tornadoes

I'd like to introduce you to one of my little tornados, Chase. As you can see, he is quite the butterball. Hard to believe he was only 4 lbs 7oz when he was born! 

This is one of my all-time fav videos. The story behind it goes something like this...when Michelle and I were in the early stages of launching Petit Organics, my twins happened to be the perfect age for taste-testing all our purees and blends. One day, I was home alone with Chase trying out a new seasonal selection, Beets & Butternut...lucky for me, my camera was close by and I was able to capture an awesome moment - my little man showing the world just how great his mama's new recipe was!

Petit Pointers: Introducing Solids 101

If you're like most new moms, starting your wee one on solids is both incredibly exciting, and also quite intimidating. There are so many questions around "when is my baby ready to...?" that we've put together an easy cheat sheet on the most common questions:

• Water: As soon as you have the go ahead from your pediatrician to introduce solids (between 4-6 months), you can allow a little bit of water each day, but limit it to a maximum of 4 oz.

• Rice Cereal: This is usually introduced between 4-6 months of age. However, unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician, we highly recommend skipping the cereal stage altogether and instead start with fresh fruit and veggie purees. Many pediatricians are now suggesting this since there is very little nutritional value in commercial baby cereals.

• Dairy foods: Cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt (all made with whole milk and without added sugars/salt) are a-ok by 6 months, but hold off on cows milk until at least the 1st birthday. 

• Finger foods: These are typically introduced around 9 months, when your baby has developed a pincer grasp (able to pick things up with thumb and forefinger). Offer a variety of foods at each meal (soft pieces of fruit, cooked diced veggies and soft brown rice/pasta are all great options). Be sure these foods are diced into 1/4 inch cubes to prevent choking.

• Bread and Crackers: By 9 months babies are typically ready to try all "bready" foods as long as they are kept under close parental supervision. Your little one does not need tons of teeth for this, as his gums are surprisingly strong on their own!

Bon appetit to you and your bébé!

FAQs on our Cold Weather Favorite: Butternut Squash!

Surprisingly, butternut squash is a fruit and is closely related to the cucumber (who knew?).  It is low in fat and high in fiber, making it an exceptionally healthy choice.  This gourd is known for its creamy consistency and mildly sweet flavor, making it an excellent choice for your foodie-in-training.

Butternut squash's most notable health perk comes from its vibrant orange hue.  The color signals its richness in beta-carotene, which helps support healthy lung development in babies.  Furthermore, by incorporating this fall favorite into your little one's diet, you can help reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Recipe of the Day for you and your Foodie-in-Training: Creamy and Healthy Butternut Squash Risotto Yields 4 adult servings 3 containers Petit Organics' Butternut Squash (or 1 small butternut squash, cooked and pureed) 1 1/4 cup brown rice (medium grain preferred) 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 2 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth 1 cup water Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Minced fresh sage (optional) Preparation Combine rice and olive oil, stirring to coat.  Cook in a medium saucepan on high heat, uncovered for about 12 minutes stirring constantly. Add 1 cup water to rice, bring to a boil, then simmer covered until all the water is absorbed.  Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth and stir until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.  Continue adding the broth in this way until the rice is thick and creamy and the kernels are tender. While risotto stands, warm butternut squash in saucepan for five minutes on low heat. Add the butternut squash, sea salt, pepper and cheese (optional) to the risotto.  Stir to combine and garnish with additional cheese and/or sage if desired.

Bon appétit to you and your bébés!