We have always tried to be intentional with meal times. We sit at the table, phones off, and really try to engage with Mykenzi as she eats, and these days Rowan is joining us at the table. Thanks to The First Years, Rowan finally has a place to call his own at the dinner table, and for once in his life it isn’t pink or girly. #littlebrotherproblems In fact, it’s Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3 theme with bright reds and yellows complete with Lightening McQueen himself. I love when Rowan gets to have things for himself and that aren’t just hand me downs from his Big Sis. The First Years was nice enough to send us their booster seat that will simply attach to your dining chairs with two simple clicks. It has a durable tray like a high chair, and as he gets older we can ditch the tray and just use the Booster Seat to scoot him right up to the table. It’s high, contoured back is one of my favorite features because I know that it not only keeps him supported, but comfortable. It’s actually a feature that Mykenzi’s booster lacks and leaves marks on her back if she tries to lean back in hers. I’ll be going to the store and getting a First Years Brand for her now too. My other favorite thing about the seat is it’s a durable plastic so clean up is a breeze. One simple wipe down for the seat, pop the tray in the dishwasher, and boom, you’re done. Now we just have to work on Rowan actually eating his food instead of throwing it.
As most of you may know, it’s been a long year for Rowan, but a little over a month ago we got the all clear to start trying solid food with him after his battle with formula. If you missed that whole ordeal, you can catch up here. We know that he has a Dairy allergy, but he has also reacted to Soy Formula, Bananas, Apples, Pears, and Prunes. We haven’t been tested for those yet, but we are steering clear just in case. We are also advised to avoid Avocado because apparently if you react to Banana, you could likely react to Avocado as well, and it could also indicate a latex allergy. Who knew, right? Certainly not me, but since we learned Rowan has some allergies going on I’ve been doing all the research I can to make dinner time and solid foods more accommodating for him.
We got the go ahead to start with some vegetables, and let me tell you, Rowan isn’t going to make this food allergy thing easy for us. So far, Carrots and Broccoli don’t cause an allergic reaction, however, Rowan seems to think they are poisonous and that I am trying to kill him by feeding them to him. We have tried purees, chunks, even Popsicle feeders and the kid spits it out faster than a dog that knows there is a pill wrapped up in that “treat” you gave them. Sticking to our approved list of foods, we then ventured on to Sweet Potatoes. I figured Sweet Potatoes just might be sweet enough to trick him into liking a vegetable, but I was sorely mistaking. We managed to get some sweet potato down, but not without a fight. We didn’t see a topical reaction, but we are a little concerned with how upset his stomach got afterward, so we’ll have to talk to the Doctor about that.
The anxiety that surrounds each bite of food Rowan takes is unreal. My heart races, I break out into a cold sweat, and I’m already formulating a fast exit plan to the ER should I see any sign of an allergic reaction. I know things will get easier for all of us as we narrow down the list of foods he can’t have, but until then the stress is high, and everyone feels it. Rowan is so curious about food, but just doesn’t know what to think of it right now. I know this stage of life is hard on him, and at the moment I only find comfort in knowing he probably won’t remember all these trials and tribulations. In the meantime, we’ll continue to make meal times intentional as Rowan joins our table in his new little spot, and we’ll continuously work on the beast that is solid food. Any tips and tricks on making food more appealing for allergy babies are welcome, and if you need a space saver place for your little Racer to eat, I’d definitely recommend The First Years Cars Booster Seat, we’re big fans! You can find it at Walmart!
I received the Disney/Pixar Cars 3 Booster Seat complimentary from The First Years in exchange for an honest review. As always here at Jen and Juiceboxes all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
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