AHIMSA BLOG

The Pediatrician Kitchen

Dr. M empowers parents and kids to blend the joy of cooking with the science of medicine to create a recipe for good health. Let her be your expert guide to making mealtime more mindful with tips, recipes, activities and more!

The Pediatrician Kitchen

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stainless steel dishes

A pediatrician's Earth Day kitchen swap guide

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

This Earth Day, swap where it matters most—your child's plate. A pediatrician shares simple, sustainable kitchen changes that reduce plastic and protect kids' health.
stainless steel dishes

Why pediatricians recommend stainless steel dishes for starting solids

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician explains why stainless steel dishes are developmental tools — and shares the 2-spoon method and open cup training to help your baby learn to eat and drink.
cafeteria trays

Plastic trays and foodware in schools: what parents need to know

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician explains why school cafeterias expose children to harmful chemicals through plastic trays — and shares a proven, cost-saving alternative.
iron rich meal on stainless steel plate

5 iron-rich meals your toddler will love

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Iron deficiency is the #1 nutritional gap in toddlers. A pediatrician shares 5 easy, toddler-approved meals packed with iron and vitamin C.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Why "BPA-free" doesn't mean safe for kids

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

BPA-free is marketing, not safety. Learn what chemicals replaced BPA, why they're risky, and what a pediatrician recommends for your child's dishes.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

New microplastics research: what it means for kids

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician explains what the latest 2026 microplastics research means for your child’s health — and the mealtime swaps that reduce exposure.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Why Kids Eat Better at Daycare Than at Home (And How to Recreate the Calm)

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Why do kids eat better at daycare than at home? A pediatrician explains how structure, rhythm and calm routines support appetite—and how to recreate it at home.
protein pasta bowl

The Repeatable Protein Pasta Bowl: A Low-Stress Dinner That Actually Works

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician shares a simple protein pasta bowl kids actually eat—designed to reduce dinner stress while supporting growth and steady energy.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Why Toddlers Suddenly Become Picky Eaters (And Why It’s a Healthy Phase)

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Why do toddlers become picky eaters? A pediatrician explains what’s normal, why this phase happens and how to support healthy eating without pressure.

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