Preparing Thanksgiving dinner for your extended family is no simple chore, so you'd rather not add "make dinner for baby" to your already long to-do list. Give thanks: If your child's closing in on his first birthday and transitioning to table foods, you can serve him at least some of the typical Thanksgiving menu, says registered dietitian Cathie Squatrito, director of medical affairs for Gerber. Just be sure all the foods you do offer your baby are diced very small (about 1/4 inch in size) and cooked to the point of being well-done (soft enough to gum).

Good for gobbling: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans, peas, carrots, cranberry sauce, bread or rolls, pumpkin pie, apple pie

Pass on these: corn and succotash, rich-tasting casseroles (such as string-bean or broccoli-cheese), creamed onions, stuffing (which can contain onions, rich seasoning, choking hazards, or seafood), raw veggies from a crudités or relish tray, desserts with nuts or peanut butter

More recipes at Thanksgiving 2008

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