Living From Scratch with Kids

I've had people ask me how I have time for all these projects while being at home with my kids. The most significant part of the answer is that I involve them (well, not the six month-old so much). My four year-old loves to help crack eggs while I'm baking. He comes outside with me while I work in the yard, and, if there's a chance to get dirty, he is eager to help. We talk about the choices we make and why we make them. He knows the difference between healthy food and treats (although healthy has a pretty broad definition in his mind). When we shop and he asks for a toy, we talk about the difference between wants and needs. As long as these discussions happen on his level and don't become lectures, he is receptive and as understanding as  a four year-old could be. I feel that it's important to talk with him now so that he grows up knowing these things and that he doesn't ever feel like we sprung a huge lifestyle change on him when he's older.

Remember, also, that part of living from scratch, is living in the moment-living deliberately. That means that whenever I take a break from a project to play Go Fish or color with my son I am living from scratch. Being present, listening and staying involved with my sons (and everyone else in my life) is more important that any of the projects I'm doing. Honestly, those things are more important than any projects anyone is doing. In the end, the time you spend with people will be remembered and appreciated so much more than anything else.

Baby Food from Scratch

Baby food has to be the easiest thing in the world to make at home. In the earliest days of solid food all you need is a veggie (or fruit) and a bit of liquid. As your baby gets a little older you can start adding spices and making combinations. My philosophy is that kids should be exposed to fresh, healthy food right from the beginning. The tastier it is, the more likely they are to eat it. American children are just about the only ones in the world that are started on super-bland food which sometimes resembles wallpaper paste (seriously, leave that rice cereal in the bowl for a few minutes).  In other nations, the kids are eating mooshed up versions of what the adults are eating. So, I'm not squeamish about adding some flavor to my baby's food (being aware of potential allergens, of course).

Right now, we're still in the earlier stages. The recipes are simple. Blanch or steam a veggie or fruit until it's slightly soft. Put it in the food processor. Puree until smooth. Freeze in small portions. I use a silicon ice cube tray for freezing. Things pop out of it like a dream and the cubes will make later food-mixing super easy. I also use a food mill instead of a processor. It's easier to clean, is great for small batches and leaves a little more texture than a processor. The pictures are of a batch of peas I fixed up yesterday.

As my little guy gets older, I'll start using stock to cook the food instead of water. I'll also add appropriate spices and maybe even a smidge of butter. I don't ever add sweeteners to anything, but keep in mind that kids under two should never, ever eat honey. They could end up with botulism, which can be fatal in infants.

Not sure you want to jump in to homemade baby food? No problem! Some of baby's favorites don't involve any cooking at all. Smash a ripe banana or avocado with a fork. Buy some natural, unsweetened applesauce (the large jar is a much better deal than a baby food size jar). The earlier baby is exposed to real food (that tastes good) the more often he'll choose it later.

Baby Wipes from Scratch

There's a phrase, "smooth as a baby's bottom", and a baby's bottom is smooth enough to warrant a saying- really! To keep my new little one's bum exactly that smooth, I decided to give homemade wipe solution a try. Commercial wipes have all kinds of chemicals and detergents-even some of the "gentle" ones. The solution I make comes from Tipnut, is incredibly easy to make and is much less expensive than store bought wipes. The tea tree oil ensures that it lasts a couple weeks. I use baby washcloths that I got from the dollar store (4 for $1). Since I use cloth diapers, it's really simple just to throw the cloths into the wash when I do the diapers. Other people suggest using cut up t-shirts, sheets or even paper towels.

To make the solution, mix together:

- 2 cups of water

- 2 tablespoons of baby wash (I'm using some conventional wash that I had in the pantry, but any gentle wash will work.)

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (calendula oil is also suggested, but most folks have olive oil hanging around)

- 2 drops of tea tree oil (this has some antiseptic properties)

You can put your cloths right in the solution or put the solution in a spray bottle and spray your cloths as you use them. This is recommended if you're using paper towels, to avoid disintegration.

This mix cleans really well and is gentle on the little one's most sensitive areas. We haven't had any issues with diaper rash so far, but I'm confident that this solution is gentle enough to use even if there is some rash.

If you've got little ones, give it a whirl. It only takes a minute to whip up and you won't hear any complaints from the baby!