![<i></i>](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/2/f/b/6/image.related.landscape.380x253.gs2f5m.png/1476412142559.jpg)
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![Toddler food](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/c/7/c/9/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.2evg.gmxl91.png/1457309991795.jpg)
Toddler snack ideas
The little engine of a toddler is constantly burning fuel, and your toddler will benefit from small meals spaced out during the day. Healthy, fun snacks will provide toddlers with energy to burn. Here are some great snack ideas.
![Banana balls from <i>Food Babies Love</i>.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/e/o/h/m/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.3eohp.gmxl91.png/1457063667948.jpg)
Banana balls: food babies love
Your baby will love you for these! Like a piece of cake in a ball, they are clean to eat and extremely moreish. They're also great for anyone with egg allergies.
![baby eating](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/b/u/0/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.dzco.gmxl91.png/1457063667948.jpg)
![<i>Baby Pip Eats</i> is out now.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/t/j/u/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.1mf3e1.gmxl91.png/1457063667948.jpg)
![Chicken nuggets from <i>Food Babies Love</i>.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/e/o/h/k/image.related.landscape.120x80.3eoht.gmxl91.png/1457063667948.jpg)
!["I found myself wondering why we expect babies to like bland tasteless foods when that isn't what we enjoy as adults" ...](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/s/o/x/0/image.related.landscape.120x80.140xrp.gmxl91.png/1457063667948.jpg)
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Training tiny taste buds
Commercial baby food has stepped up a notch, but how good is at teaching tiny palates to eat a broad range of healthy foods?
![babyled weaning](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/q/1/o/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.2q1o6.png/1373951173400.jpg)
Is baby-led weaning best?
Not only is the timing of introducing solids important for future health, research shows that how babies are introduced to solids may also have an impact on their future habits and health.
![Melanie Gill](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/i/o/i/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.2jble.png/1368118800000.jpg)
Into the mouths of babes
It was only a matter of time before the idea of gourmet baby food caught on in Australia. The surprise is that it took a non-parent and fine-dining chef to come up with the concept.
![Olives](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/j/5/b/s/image.related.landscape.300x200.2j73g.png/1367994540000.jpg)
First tastes on film a hit
A short film has captured children trying a range of foods for the first time, with some very funny - and sweet - results.
![baby eating](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/2/m/i/d/image.related.landscape.300x200.22mi0.png/1343252469290.jpg)
Choosing organic baby foods
Parents want the best for their baby, and when it comes to buying baby food, more parents are choosing organic – even though it means paying a premium. But some of these organic foods contain more real food than others, and it can be hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
![First meal](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/y/q/n/v/image.related.landscape.300x200.1do8b.png/1344481845633.jpg)
The latest advice on starting solids
Introducing food to a baby’s diet is one of the biggest milestone of the first six months. But when should you start, and what can you give your child to eat? We look at the latest advice on starting solids.
![Medical experts and breastfeeding advocates are debating the best age to start solids.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/x/3/8/e/image.related.landscape.300x200.1x383.png/1334559087820.jpg)
The battle of the breast
While doctors recommend that parents give their children solid foods from four months in an attempt to lower allergy rates, breastfeeding advocates are concerned it will reduce the already low number of Australian mums who breastfeed.
![In the second year it is common for little ones to use food (or refusal of food) to assert their developing independence.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/8/t/4/6/image.related.landscape.300x200.1muym.png/1329275765917.jpg)
Mealtimes with young children
Mealtimes with young children can be a challenging part of parenthood, but they can also be a source of immense joy, fun and satisfaction.
![eb-fruit-veg-box-90x60](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/q/d/e/9/image.related.landscape.300x200.1mv07.png/1338468125520.jpg)
Vegie bean curry
Throw all the left-over vegies in and you have a great dish for the whole family.
![zucchini Polpette](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/v/0/0/image.related.landscape.300x200.1muzx.png/1320206208413.jpg)
Zucchini polpette
These vegetarian ''meatballs'' are inspired by a wonderful recipe from Italian food writer Ursula Ferrigno
![Egg parcels.](/web/20170206180008im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/u/z/p/image.related.landscape.300x200.1muzm.png/1320206208413.jpg)
Egg parcels
Essentially little quiches without pastry, these are quick, simple and eminently adaptable.
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