Dining out

Have you seen the kids' menus at restaurants?  They're terrible!  They usually consist of the following standard kid fare: chicken nuggets and french fries, pizza, chicken tenders and french fries, grilled cheese and french fries, battered fish and french fries, quesadilla, etc. etc.  There are very few exceptions - Chilis has a grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli option on their kids' menu and Kona Grill has a grilled salmon and green bean and ratatouille option on their menu - and big props to them for having those excellent options!  It is still possible to order a Paleo meal for your little cavegirl or caveboy from the rest of the menu.  Yes, you may end up paying more money than you would if ordering from the kids' menu, but isn't your little one's health worth it?  You can always get a grilled chicken breast.  In some places you can get a side of grilled steak or fish.  And then a veggie.  Most places have broccoli or green beans.  Perfect!

We go out to the local brewery quite a bit.  The Caveman has a mug club membership there and it is a very loud, kid-friendly place.  We usually get Cavegirl K a grilled chicken breast, or grilled side of salmon and broccoli, but she's been getting bored with that (we go way too often, really...)  This week we decided to get her their Turkey Avocado sandwich, minus the bun, lettuce (because it sticks to the back of her tongue) and mayo.  We also subbed the fries for more avocado and tomato (she loves tomatoes!).  So here was her meal: turkey, avocado, tomatoes - and she loved it (even though she is not smiling).  We had to take it away before she finished the entire plate and her belly exploded.  So, yes, it was a $10 dinner.  My dinner was $10.  Caveman's dinner was $12.  Why should I pay less for Cavegirl's dinner just because she's a kid?  She's worth it. :-)

Cavegirl K enjoying a Paleo dinner out

This is IT.

I'm up before Cavebaby K this morning and looking through my new cookbook "Nom Nom Paleo". I snapped this (poor quality) picture, because this is IT!

Dinner

Dinner tonight was chicken breasts marinated in Tessemae's lemon garlic dressing, seasoning salt, and crushed red pepper baked in the oven, with broccoli covered in grass-fed butter and kosher sea salt on the side.  It was a huge hit with Cavebaby K, who had to be constantly reminded not to eat big fistfuls at a time...

Cavebaby K's plate

Tessemae's Lemon Garlic dressing

Welcome!

Welcome to Happy Paleo Baby!  This page is dedicated to raising happy Paleo babies and children in a modern world.

I started this page because I haven't found many resources online for this subject.  The few I've come across have been very motivating and have been very helpful.  I want to help other parents to raise their babies and children Paleo by providing some insights into how we do it at our house.  Basically it is this:

•  When it comes to food: breastmilk for the first six months, at least (we went 14 months with #1) and when it is time for solid foods - meat, vegetables, and a little fruit.  No grains.  No sugar (not even "Paleo-approved" sugars, such as honey (except in tea when sick) or maple syrup).  Very limited processed foods (no-nitrate hotdogs, bacon, lunchmeats).  No "Paleo-fied" foods or desserts.
• Shoes-free whenever possible!  In order for a baby and child to develop a proper gait pattern when learning to walk, it is important for them to be able to feel the ground and have as much flexibility in the foot as possible.  When shoes are necessary, they should be minimal to allow foot movement.  Adults can benefit as well!
• Get as much sunshine, walking, and outdoor time as possible.  Limit sitting and greatly limit screen time.

There is so much more, but this is what jumps to mind first.  Feel free to ask questions and make (appropriate) comments.  Welcome!