That's very interesting, Nancyjane! I knew a baby who loved all kinds of flavors up until the next Piagetian stage, when she realized her parents were wussies who didn't like spice, heat, etc. After that, she'd only eat bland. Such a shame! Many cultures just give babies what the parents eat, mooshed up if they're pre-teeth. All kinds of flavors and spices. Some that eat a lot of hot peppers give those flavors to babies too, and it doesn't seem to do them any harm.

One of my daughters was very picky! She's now a foodie. But I'm amazed at what the twins are scarfing down since starting (semi) solid foods!

Here, they get proper food puréed from as young as possible. No surprise there lol

Some cultures treat the family table of food as a gift. Expected to be apperciated. Asian mostly. Another food forum is discussing this now. A French member is cooking four diffent meals. Husband, son, daughter, and herself. Doesn't seem to mind but i would go batty.

Good whole foods, fresh raw marinated, steamed and roasted. Variety. No added processed sugars or salt.

My close friends with toddlers and pre-teens did seem proud at the variety of foods the 2-4 yr olds loved. Then horribly embarrased at the 8-12 year old picky. Boiled hot dogs, sugary sodas, candy, chips, salty/sweet. Ketchup on everything. Packaged boxed mac-n-cheese.

Parental food shaming needs to stop.

Many of them in their college years now are beyond picky. Experiencing all foods among friends.

My close friends with teenagers now have a picky son and a daughter that loves all things savory beyond most adult palates. Not always predictable but worth a try introducing whole fresh foods.

I grew up without processed sugars. My parents were cheap. No sodas or little debbie cakes/snacks. But we were gifted with an education that was expensive. Pop saved dollars. Maybe why my palate is savory?...who knows.

Same here, Islay. Our kids ate what we ate. We had a little hand mill which sat on the table and they got theirs mushed up.

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but a lot of child pickiness is allergy related. I think the plan of desensitizing the babes to common dangerous allergens is a good idea. The variety may do the same with less common allergies. Stumping by the kids for "pop" foods is another story, but if a kid tells you something is "icky" do give a think to whether that kid might have a sensitivity to it. Sometimes the reaction it's just a bit of feeling less than perky or a barely noticeable rash, but a kiss on the the forehead and, "You're fine. Go out and play," isn't a great answer. Food should make you feel good, not like you have the flu.

The point of the post and these books were to introduce littles to all sorts of foods/flavors.

They weren't the greatest of cooks before the twins were born, but didn't want them to be raised eating Mac& cheese every night, so they bought these books and use organic produce (from me and the grocery store and farmers markets when they have time).

The food they prepare is "proper" (The parents are eating better than they ever have these days!)

The moms swear that they won't have sugar or junk food til they are 18, but we all know how that goes! ;)

I was just trying to help some young parents out.

Well, I think they sound great. My young people aren't quite making babies yet, but I will keep your suggestions in mind.

It is an interesting subject. Much more information now than in the past few decades. Does make sense that some food 'icks' may be an allergy via plllogs observations. Reactions like rashes and respiratory distress direct to the emergency room....the testing is more immediate now as well.

Before celiac was given a name, the intestinal distress was often considered a stomach 'bug'....or stress and often referred to a therapist.

I like that your daughter and partner/wife are being educated parents and learning about their own diet as well. Win-win.

I don't think it is difficult to keep soda sugars and heavy salted food, or processed foods out of the home. Salty hot dogs and chips never. They will get plenty of junk away from the home and at friends homes...i never felt denied some treats. We had popcorn, nut butters, crackers, cheese...pop bought the cheap ice milk ice cream but i now prefer it over the heavy cream versions. A favorite was mini pizzas made with english muffins. We had plenty of fresh fruits in season. Never tins/cans.

I had so many tests done in my early 30's after a 3 day migrain...first thing my primary care asked after being pissed we waited 3 days to call..."what are you eating?". We cut out all processed food. It is not MSG but maybe maltodextrin?...I will never know since i don't ever go there. Whole fresh foods, never processed. My grandmother had migrains intense in the 60's-70's. Days on the couch. So horrible i wore a necklace with a cute pill container for a few years....early signs can nip it before the horrid symptoms set in. My grandmother suffered without medical help.

Anywho, not to go off topic....but allergists have their hands full. Just a subject i wish i knew more about.

Even with my many tests, alergies are still a mystery to me. Aloe?. I had a bad burn but festered and did not heal...my sister, the nurse..."we are allergic to aloe"...My dad and sister elder..same blood type...same sensitivities.