I wanted to get some feedback on easy dinner and finger food ideas for my son (13 months). I don't usually make myself dinner (just eat a PB&J most nights) so I don't have the option of just giving him what I eat and I will be making things specifically for him. I've done chicken nuggets, hotdogs (cut up very well), fish sticks, some canned veggies, spaghetti, etc. Anything like a casserole, crockpot meal, etc. would be out of the question because he would never eat enough of it. He had an iron deficiency at his 12 month visit so I would like to give him iron-rich foods but he is fussy about what he eats as well. Any other quick and super easy dinner ideas? Thanks in advance!!
I agree with making larger portions and then freezing/storing and taking what you want on an as needed basis. This will make things easier for you in the long run. Individual things like meatballs freeze beautifully too.
I would also suggest making a couple of chicken breasts or steaks early on in the week and using them for different types of meals like sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, soup, with pasta, etc. That way you can increase some of his iron intake with every meal.
I buy lunch meat at deli counter and just break up and serve with veggies, black bean tacos, salmon or tilapia filets - cook in oven at 350 for like 12 min, I also do chicken breasts in the oven a little EVOO for like 30mjn depending on thickness or with BBQ sauce. My DS won't eat it but my SIL is vegan so her kids ate tofu, also in a pinch I will do cheese quesadillas with hummus or some bean spread
PP gave some great advice but how long do you intend cooking separate meals for him? What are you going to do when he realizes that all you eat is pb&j and that is ll he wants too?
I would consider finding some easy meals that you like too and embrace leftovers.
As for iron, how about baked salmon or using pasta with a bit extra like Barilla plus?
My daughter is so picky so I can't help with dinner ideas but for iron I give her Gerber oatmeal which is loaded with iron 3x week. She also starts the day with dry cereal and milk. Right now her favorite us alpha bits which is loaded with iron as well. Just some ideas!
Re: Dinner ideas?
I would also suggest making a couple of chicken breasts or steaks early on in the week and using them for different types of meals like sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, soup, with pasta, etc. That way you can increase some of his iron intake with every meal.
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