River Cottage
Baby and Toddler Cookbook

River Cottage Baby and Toddler Cookbook

'This is a book about feeding children, but these recipes are for adults too. I don't think there should be any sharp distinctions between 'baby food', 'children's food' and 'grown-up food'. It's a spectrum the whole family can be on, the food each person eats becoming a little more sophisticated and seasoned as they mature.'

Nikki Duffy brings the River Cottage ethos to feeding children, and shows that it's never too early to involve the youngest family members in mealtimes. Her delicious seasonal purées and simple, wholesome recipes put the needs and wants of babies and toddlers first, whilst offering up dishes that will delight adults too. With clear advice on nutrition and weaning, The River Cottage Baby & Toddler Cookbook is the perfect starting point for your child's great food adventure.

Start the day with breakfasts like blueberry pancakes, apple muesli or eggy bread, followed by simple and delicious meals like fishcakes, meatballs, shepherd's pie, home-made pizza, falafel, mackerel pâté, pea risotto or roasted fish with tomato sauce. Nice little puddings include baby baked apples with chocolate, rhubarb crumble and a classic rice pudding. With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, this book will put real food on the table for the whole family to share.

Author: Nikki Duffy

Nikki Duffy is an accomplished author known primarily for her contributions to cookbooks and food writing. She has written several notable works, including "River Cottage Baby and Toddler Cookbook," which is among her most popular titles.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 256 pages
  • Dimensions: 19.8 x 2.5 x 23.9 cm
  • Publication date: 8 Mar. 2018
  • ISBN: 978-1408896006

Read alongside these topics:

A look at children's eating habits in the UK

Author: Nikki Duffy

Children's eating habits in the UK are influenced by various factors, including dietary preferences, nutritional guidelines, and socio-economic conditions. Here are key insights into these habits:

Dietary Preferences and Trends

  • Increasing Interest in Vegan and Vegetarian DietsA survey by BBC Good Food found that 8% of children are following a vegan diet, and 13% are vegetarian. Additionally, 21% of children who are not currently vegetarian expressed a desire to adopt a vegetarian diet in the future. This trend reflects a growing interest among children in sustainable and ethical eating practices.
  • Cooking SkillsThe same survey highlighted that children are increasingly involved in cooking, with 68% knowing how to make toast, 60% able to prepare a packed lunch, and 55% capable of using a microwave.

Nutritional Concerns

  • Balanced DietThe British Nutrition Foundation emphasizes the need for a balanced and varied diet to ensure children receive the necessary nutrients and energy for growth and development. This includes adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins, especially for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.
  • Overconsumption and DeficienciesPublic Health England notes that many children consume more energy than needed, with insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, oily fish, and fibre. This imbalance contributes to high levels of childhood obesity, which is a significant health concern in the UK.

Health Issues

  • Childhood ObesityNearly one in four children in England are overweight or obese before starting school. This early onset of obesity is linked to long-term health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Dietary InequalitiesThe Food Foundation reports that children in the UK consume excessive amounts of saturated fat, sugars, and salt while not getting enough fibre, fruits, and vegetables. These dietary patterns are associated with conditions such as diabetes and other health issues.

Early Years Influence

Role of Early Years SettingsEarly childhood settings, including nurseries and childminders, play a crucial role in shaping healthy eating habits. These environments provide opportunities to introduce a variety of foods and encourage balanced diets, which can influence long-term health behaviors.

Practical Recommendations

Healthy Eating GuidelinesRecommendations for children's diets include offering a variety of starchy foods, fruits, and vegetables, and ensuring portion sizes are appropriate for the child's age and activity level. For children with specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarians or vegans, it is important to ensure they receive adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals through alternative sources.

In conclusion, while there is a positive trend towards more sustainable and ethical eating habits among children in the UK, there are significant challenges related to obesity and nutritional deficiencies that need to be addressed through balanced diets and early intervention.

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