It's funny how parents often tell children not to play with their food (me included), when actually playing with food is a great way of exploring and learning about the food that they are eating. I've been thinking more about this as Ivy is nearly 6 months old and ready to start on solid foods. All this planning for her has made me realise that I've got into a bit of a rut with Ethan's meals. He has cereal for breakfast, usually some type of sandwich for lunch and one of only about 10 different dinner options. It's all a bit boring, and it's time to add some excitement to all of our meals! So I am starting with lunch, and jumping on the Bento bandwagon!
I had a few things already, then bought a few more things to make my own little bento starter kit, so far we have:
- Munchkin bento box
- Lego lunch box
- Car shaped snack pots
- Silicone cupcake cakes
- Star shaped moulds
- Vehicle shaped moulds
- Vehicle cupcake picks
- Sandwich cutters
I am certainly no expert at it yet, but I am enjoying being creative with Ethan's lunches, and he's having fun discovering what new things I'm putting in front of him each day. It definitely encourages him to play with his food, aeroplane shaped sandwiches do have to fly around before being eaten, but as long as we're not in a hurry that isn't a problem. As an added bonus he is eating a greater variety of things, because of the way that they are being presented. I would love more bento and other toddler food ideas, please share your tips! I have been inspired by the fantastic bento creations on Eats Amazing and Capture by Lucy, those Mamas are truly creative with their little ones' lunches, take a look at their blogs for some serious bento cuteness!
Play With Your Food is going to be a regular feature on the blog, with different themes each week. Next week I'll let you know how Ivy did with her first tastes of food! This post includes some affiliate links, and future posts will include product reviews as well. If you've got a baby or toddler food or meal time accessory that you would like us to review, please do get in touch!
4 comments
I love Bento lunch boxes :D I used them before I had the boys even haha. Here is where I shop for stuff... online of course :D Can't wait to see what else you do so I can get some inspiration!
ReplyDeletehttp://casabento.com/shop/en/3-bento-accessories
http://eatsamazing.co.uk/shop
http://www.japancentre.com/categories/bento
Thanks for the links, I know eatsamazing but didn't know the other too, fun stuff! I think this could get very addictive ;)
DeleteThis is a brilliant start! I love edible ink pens to add some colour to even the most boring of sandwich shapes ;)
ReplyDeleteEdible ink pens?!? I didn't even know there was such a thing! I still have so much to learn, thanks for the tip!
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