Get in my belly!

I just added a "snack shelf" for Q in the pantry. She has gotten very interested in opening the pantry and looking inside, so I decided to create away for her to use the pantry just like Mama! I put out three choices of healthy, easy snacks--two flavors of applesauce and some raisins. I put them at a shelf right at her eye level. I didn't put out too many choices because I didn't want to overwhelm her, but did include enough options that she can start learning to have some input in what she eats. She typically eats a snack when she wakes up from her nap in the afternoons. Some days I have something in particular I want her to eat for various reasons (she hasn't had any protein that day and I want her to get a little, we have some avocados that need eaten up, etc.) but other days I don't mind her choosing and I will let her go to her shelf. I will start teaching her how to choose 1 item and take it to the table. If she chooses applesauce I will teach her that she also needs a spoon! In this simple way she can begin to take part in her nutrition!

Note--I LOVE this Mott's Nature's Harvest applesauce. It has no added sugar and nothing artificial, including any dyes. All coloring comes from natural vegetable juice. I think they are yummy and Q does, too!