Gerber Snacks for Jax

As most of you know, I am a stay-at-home-mom who is actively pursuing acting. When I have to go to auditions or gigs, Jax now attends daycare. He’s been my road-dog and has  accompanied me to most of my auditions up until a few months ago when he began to be more mobile (and vocal). LOL! Our morning routine typically consists of the same things – wake up, cuddle, wash face, brush teeth, diaper change, more cuddles, and breakfast of course. Sometimes, Jax requests to listen to music when he’s having breakfast. He lets us know by snapping his fingers and doing a little jig in his high chair. LOL! We usually have oatmeal and fruit most mornings, but let’s face it, kids can get bored with food. Easily. To be honest, he sometimes just takes a few bites then aggressively spits the oatmeal out and reaches for the ‘boo’ (blue) containers. Cue the Gerber snacks!

Now, I’ve been a stay-at-home-mom with him since he was born. So naturally, attending daycare was a little frightening for he and I. I had a million questions.

Are they going to comfort him when he cries or just let him cry it out forever? Will he sit in a wet diaper all day? Will they take their time to try to feed him even when he spits food out or turns his head? I’m sure most moms can relate.

It’s always good to include familiar items from home that can comfort babies and toddlers when they are in an unfamiliar setting. Along with his blanket, his lovey, and a few other essentials, I always remember to pack the ‘boo’ (blue) containers (Gerber’s Little Crunchies, Yogurt Melts, and Puffs.) Jax is a finicky eater, but he has yet to toss these overboard.  Gerber’s snacks are nutritious with good for you ingredients like whole grains, real fruit and yogurt, with no added bad stuff (no artificial flavors/no synthetic colors). Change in environment can sometimes also curb a little ones appetite so having these handy allows me to know that his nutrition isn’t being compromised.  These littles are also great for self-feeding and allow toddlers to feel independent by having the ability to feed themselves. While snacking does not replace meals, it’s important to ensure that snacks, too, are meaningful building blocks in your child’s overall nutrition.

Here’s a few fun facts:

• Little ones 8-24 months get about 25-30% of their daily calories from snacks.
• 1/3 of 8-24 month olds are not eating whole grains on a given day.
• 90% of 2 and 3 year olds fall short on MyPlate recommendations for whole grains.

Next time you’re out grocery shopping, be sure to visit the baby section and pick up a few Gerber snacks for your little one using these coupons! 

For an added treat, try popping the yogurt bites in the freezer for those hot days ahead.

Disclaimer: Parents may or may not enjoy them too.