There are a couple things about milkshakes that Julian really liked when he was a toddler. Drinking with a straw is one of them. Watching me make it is the other part. What I liked about the smoothies I made him is that he was getting milk and the magic superfood blueberries at the same time. Bonus that none of it went on the floor because he’s was so captivated by the straw experience.
The key to my smoothies is the Kitchenaid stick mixer, also known as an immersion blender. This takes two seconds to clean and there is no set up. This is a helpful tool for all baby food making. I have a phobia of blenders and food processors, though, so if you have confidence with your appliances, you might not need an immersion blender.
Oh wait, the other key to my milkshake is frozen organic strawberries. Buy them. It helps to have something frozen in your shake to give it a little froth. For those who think ahead, you could keep banana in the freezer. Just make sure to peel it before you store it.
How to make the shake: Put about 10 frozen strawberries, a cup of milk, a handful of blueberries and a banana into a container. Blend. Pour into child-friendly cup and add a straw. Add a second straw for extra fun.
Since I originally experienced DIY smoothie-making, the world has changed. I don’t make smoothies with my smart phone (yet), but the trend of throwing a handful of spinach in your smoothie has exploded. People are drinking their vegetables at 7 am like it ain’t no thing. I’ve been experimenting with this, and I think it’s a great trick for kids who don’t like green veggies. Kiwi and banana overpower 
the spinach, so the taste is not much of an issue. And, getting your kid hooked on green as an aesthetically acceptable food color early in life seems wise.
See Family Sponge for tons of green smoothie info. The pretty photo above belongs to them.
Need something to do while you wait for your blender to arrive in the mail? See the rest of our homemade projects for parents.
We just had great luck today with frozen peaches, fresh pears, and formula… which is especially good since Holden has beeen rejecting his bottles lately. Thanks for the idea.
[...] Related link: If your baby is somewhere in the middle – ie 10-15 months, read about making a smoothie. [...]
[...] Make a smoothie. Sweeten up your milk with a dollop of yogurt or just a handful of berries. I always keep a banana in the freezer for this purpose. [...]
[...] > Share a smoothie (Here’s another smoothie recipe to [...]
Going to have to try that stickmixer~ Didn’t know about that little tool of yours, personally I despise using the blender, its such a pain to clean, especially when it is in use at least once, almost always twice a day. I’ve been making “frankenstein smoothies” for my little guy which include kale, spinach, pinapple, banana, yogurt and splash of apple juice.
[...] interest in broth-based meals, so when they’re sick, I let them have juice all day, including a smoothie. I also make my daughter avoid dairy when she’s stuffy because I believe there’s a [...]