Modern Parents Messy Kids

We're all about finding ways to make family life better while keeping our sense of humor. Check out our famous MPMK Top Toy Awards, already viewed over 7,000,000 times!

  • Start Here
  • Travel
  • The Kids
    • Our Famous Toy Gift Guides
    • Play Activities & Art Ideas
  • The Home
    • In the Kitchen
    • Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life
      • Cleaning House
      • Meal Planning
      • Decluttering
      • Organizing
      • Schedules & To Do Lists
      • Daily Rhythms
    • The Holidays
    • Photography & Memory Keeping
  • Parenting
    • Parenting Discussions
    • Happy Family Habits
    • The Book Nook
    • Mom Health & Beauty

Learning to Explore Food Through Play: Fruit-Filled Jigglers

March 3 by Kristin

Today we’re once again exploring ideas for building good eaters through food play with our sponsor Ella’s Kitchen, producer of some of my kids’ favorite fruit and veggies squeezers (yes, big kids love them too) and big time believers in the importance of raising healthy and adventurous eaters.

(Be sure to also check out our previous adventures with pancake decorating and rainbow, scented glitter slime.)

I just love how these colorful fruit-filled jigglers will entice all of baby’s senses while encouraging him or her to try new foods.  Plus the rainbow theme is perfect for extending into a St. Patrick’s Day activity for older siblings too!

Here’s Kristin with all the details…

Babies and toddlers learn through play.  It’s through spontaneous play that self-confidence is gained.  This is what helps them engage in new experiences – including new food experiences.  Think about it like creating a fun and safe environment for our little ones to explore the world.

We recently used gelatin in two ways to introduce different textures, colors, smells, and tastes to baby.  The result was a lot of fun and a lot of interest on her part.

jello-2

 

What a fun and easy way to introduce babies to new texture. Who couldn't resist fun jello colors. And hiding fruit in the jello is genius!

We started with various trays of gelatin and a set out spring-themed cookie cutters.  Using the shapes, we helped baby cut out jigglers.  She loved playing with the shapes and her fingers explored the bouncy texture of the thicker jello.

jello-3

Later, we introduced a tray of jello with fruit hidden inside each texture.  Instead of using fruits she’d already tried, we used new fruits like blueberries and mango. You could also easily incorporate some new veggies with this idea as well.

Who could resist digging into all these colors!?  She timidly touched the tray and after a few minutes, every color had been squished and tasted.

What a fun and easy way to introduce babies to new texture. Who couldn't resist fun jello colors. And hiding fruit in the jello is genius!

This fun little activity is a precursor for being open to foods with unfamiliar properties.  Imagine, for example, how this activity will eventually translate into trying a new fruit or vegetable with an unfamiliar color or texture.

jello-2a

Instead of giving it an immediate no, her brain will remember that it’s fun to try new things.

So, dig out your cookie cutters, make a tray of gelatin (don’t forget to hide in some new foods) and have a fun afternoon exploring with baby.  You’ll have fun making memories together while laying the foundation for an adventurous and healthy eater!

Thanks to Ella’s Kitchen for sponsoring this post and helping modern parents everywhere to raise healthy eaters.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profile

Kristin

Blogs at Kristin Eldridge Photography
Kristin is a former teacher turned children’s photographer in southern California. Visit her website to read all about her adventures in photography, cooking, and her love of style.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profile

Latest posts by Kristin (see all)

  • Online Summer Classes for Kids that are Perfect for Down Time - June 12
  • Parenting Styles: 9 Ways to Squeeze in One-on-One Time with Your Kid - May 22
  • 15 Summer Hairstyles that Take 5 Minutes or Less - May 9

Filed Under: Kristin, Seasonal Fun, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault Tagged With: ella's kitchen, exploring food through play, getting kids to try new foods, play activities for babies, seasonal fun, sponsored, spring activities, St. Patrick's Day activity, St. Patrick's Day treat

Get your kids' kit

Finally Get Organized

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Our Famous Gift Guides

MPMK's Famous Gift Guides

Find the Perfect Toy!

Copyright © 2018 · Parallax Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in