You're already juggling holiday parties, wrapping presents at midnight, and pretending not to notice that Elf on the Shelf hasn’t moved in four days. It's chaos. But it should be about eating cookies and opening the gifts you undoubtedly bought for yourself but wrapped with a tag "from Santa." Feeding your chaotic little person shouldn't be the thing that breaks you during the holidays (that's Aunt Karen's job).
Introducing the 12 Days of Baby-Led Feeding: a joyful, globally-inspired countdown that helps babies explore flavors, textures, independence, and curiosity.
Let's begin…
Day 1: Offer One New Flavor
Rosemary. Ginger. Cardamom. Cumin. Pomegranate. Holiday spices = baby palate builders.
Day 2: Try a New Texture
Soft chunks, mashed pieces, shredded meat — every new texture reduces future picky eating.
Day 3: Reintroduce a Top Allergen
Egg, peanut, sesame, dairy. ‘Tis the season to rotate allergens regularly, and not take a break even if you're off your normal routine.
Day 4: Sensory Play (Food Edition)
Let baby squish mashed veggies or explore soft cooked fruit. Exploring with their hands is part of exploring how to eat.
Day 5: Deconstruct a Family Dish
Whatever you're eating (we're keen on matzoh balls AND meatballs), your baby can often try a safe-texture version cut into small pieces.
Day 6: Explore Warm vs. Cool Foods
Temperature variation = sensory learning. In our family, nothing beats perfectly fried latkes hot from the oil dipped in cold, freshly-made apple sauce.
Day 7: Try a Spice From Another Culture
Curry powder, za'atar, harissa (mild), oregano, turmeric. Literally....anything.
Day 8: Practice Self-Feeding
Hand baby a pre-loaded spoon or soft strip of food.
Day 9: Celebratory Foods
As long as your pieces are small enough and textured properly, let your baby participate in the culinary celebratory festivities.
Day 10: Create a Colorful Plate
The more color babies see, the more they accept new foods later. We eat with our eyes starting from day 1.
Day 11: Practice Open-Cup Drinking
Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Hot/warm/cool chocolate, water, whatever your nugget's heart desires.
Day 12: Share a Family Meal
Because feeding isn’t just nutrition — it’s connection. Pull that high chair or booster seat right up to the table; kids crave community just as much as we do.
Closing Thought:
These tiny steps build one giant thing: a confident eater with a brave palate and a sense of belonging at the table. Happy holidays, and happy eating adventures!
