Pastina

[Mom to M&M]

I'd like to try pastina with my DD and see if that helps her take better to lumpy food (so far she doesn't like lumps and only does finger foods if they are "dry" - graham crackers, cheerios, puffs, bread, maybe chicken nugget). I can't put it in chese sauce as we are still trialing a dairy formula - do you think she might liked it mixed in one of her favorite purees like sweet potatoes or another veggie? Any ideas?

[Mrs. Gravy]

Keep in mind that pastina contains wheat.

Wheat is one of the Top 8 allergens. 

Personally, I avoid giving wheat until 1 year.  You might want to try some rice pasta instead.

[Mom to M&M]

Thanks but DD has already had wheat on the OK of her doctor and been OK with it. We can't do rice because of constipation issues on it.

[Lana]

I'm not sure what pastina is but I think is a great idea to mix it with something you know she likes. 

[Kimberly®]

If your LO has already had wheat products its ok to use them Wheat cereal can be introduced at 7-8 months and if your LO eats cheerio's then she'll be fine.

[*Natasha*]

Sorry we don't have Pastina in Australia what is it 

[RachelC]

Natasha,
I believe it's just a pasta.... my best friend (former roommate) would make it with tomato soup.

http://www.ronzoni.com/cooking/PastaShape.asp?S=36&C=3&N=Soup+%26+Side+Shapes

[Mom to M&M]

Exactly - it's a tiny star shaped pasta - very soft and small and many love it for introducing babies to pasta. Only problem is that it's made with egg yolks and we have yet to try that (soon on the plan).

In the meantime, do you think it would work to chop up whole grain pasta really tiny (in a chopper) and add it to her favorite puree - like apples and sweet potatoes? I'm trying to get her used to lumpier food and we're having a hard time - does anyone know if it would work to cook pasta and put it in chopper and last minute add it to the puree and feed?

[Mom to M&M]

Along the same lines - does anyone know if there are any brands of pasta without egg that are tiny like that? Like little soup pasta?

[Kimberly®]

We have shaped rice pasta here. Do you maybe have that?

[Mom to M&M]

I'm not sure but we don't really do rice - DD fights constipation and it's finally at bay. I'm going to head to Whole Foods later and see what they have in terms of soup pasta.

[Mom to M&M]

I picked up this De Cecco pasta called Riso - it's really tiny. I'll make a tablespoon now and see how it looks/tastes and maybe try it mixed with her sweet potato puree tonight. Will let you all know. Otherwise, Stacy, I like your smashing to bits idea LOL