The table heaves with steaming dishes of yellow rice, delectable looking roast chicken and side dishes of an innumerable number, those fried potatoes glistening like gold nuggets look divine. I still haven’t had a chance to catch a glimpse of the desserts, OH MY GOD..there’s ice-cream of every colour imaginable, tantalizingly miniature strawberry cheesecake which look too good to eat and the most delicious looking chocolate dessert I have ever seen. We are at someone’s dinner party and sadly due to the constant lack of child care my parents seem to suffer from, they had to bring US. When I refer to US, I mean a scruffy four year old who insisted she wear her mermaid outfit and of course the ever smart yours truly, who is today rocking matching pajamas. Mother dearest, thought that I would fall asleep in the car and then she could store me away in the corner whilst she chitted and chatted and did something called socialize. But HA!..I spoiled that plan. So here I am hanging on to her shoulder, dribbling on her new Mango dress. Mother dearest you really should come more prepared you know, extra wash cloths, a few diapers etc etc. I have no control over my faculties, you know I have this superhuman power in which I can poop and vomit at the same time. And if that friend of yours squeezes my cheek one MORE time lady, it's gonna happen the simultaneous vomit/poop!  I object to this severe manhandling!

Anyways, back to the happening party at hand. Apparently it’s some work associate of Mother’s some childless career chasing so and so and of course her other socialite friends. Therefore my parents are the only two with kids, they all give my parents “poor you” glances. “Are you really up all night” one goes “When do you get time to play bridge ?” the other says and someone chirps in “What about your daily spa ritual”. My mother smiles wanly, suddenly being privy to the life she could have had without children. Yes mother dearest say goodbye to that dream..now it’s sleepless night, dirty diapers, regurgitated  mushy food all the wayyy..baby!!! Mum drags Miss Mermaid and myself over to Dad, whose looking like James Bond there with his shaken but not stirred drink chattering about politics with the other men. “Watch them for a minute will you please, Fiona wants to show me her new Paris wardrobe” and Mother dear flounces off. Dad takes one look at us and says “Good children” and goes back to his stimulating discussion. Right let's head straight to the food table Big Sister. I dive into the jelly whilst Big Sister starts at the chicken. Just when I had put both my hands in the cheesecake I hear the caterer scream..whaat I was only giving it a lick. Party over, apologetic parents…back to my baby kinda life!  Who needs “Paris” wardrobes anyway Mother dear.

Are salty and sweet foods good for baby?

When your baby is about six months old, you can start to introduce him to a variety of foods. Providing your little one with a healthy, balanced diet will help to ensure he has the vitamins and nutrients he needs to grow. Try not to give your baby foods that are high in sugar or salt. These foods are low in the nutrients he needs and it's easy for your baby to fill up on them, leaving less room for healthy meals. If your baby gets a taste for sugary, salty foods, it may be harder for you to persuade him to try healthy options.

What to put in your baby’s bag?

A well-stocked diaper bag can save the day. But what do you really need in there? It depends on how old your child is, how long you'll be out, where you're going, and how prepared you like to be. Make sure to pack diapers, bibs, wash clothes, drool cloths, extra change, a soother, bottle full of water and a bottle ready for milk.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe