Q + A With Our Favorite Speech-Language Pathologist

Jordyn Koveleski, @EatPlaySay

Hi, I’m Jordyn: Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist, founder of Eat Play Say, and Mom of two. My team and I aim to educate parents on how to support their baby & toddler’s speech, feeding, and motor development at home!

Q: Why do you choose Mission MightyMe over other baby puff snacks?

A: Most of the baby "puff" snacks on the market have an ingredient list that's super long and doesn't really serve a nutritional purpose. I love that Mission MightyMe's Puffs have a very short ingredient list, are made with organic ingredients, serve a nutritional purpose being over 50% nuts, and help me consistently offer allergens to my littles. Little ones are only eating so much in a day, so every bite does count!

Q: What about MightyMe's "Mission" resonates with you?

A: There are a lot of misconceptions out there about allergen introduction, and I love that Mission MightyMe is first and foremost trying to educate parents and professionals about the current research guidelines. Knowledge is power, and I'm proud to help them spread the message about early allergen introduction and help parents decrease their child's risk for developing a food allergy.

Q: Are Mission MightyMe's Nutty Puffs as delicious as they are healthy?

A: Mission MightyMe Nutty Puffs are proof that snacks don't need added refined sugars to taste good- real ingredients are delicious (so much so that I sneak a few handfuls of the Puffs after bedtime).

Q: What are your top 5 favorite kids snacks right now and why?

A: I love focusing on offering snacks that provide a great balance of fat-protein-carbs. My go-to snacks for my littles are:

• Fruit dippers: A soft fruit like a nectarine or a piece of cantaloupe dipped in yogurt.
• Banana roll ups: Crushing down Mission MightyMe Nutty Puffs and rolling a long slice of banana in them (makes it easier to hold too)
• Pina Colada Smoothie from Eat Play Say's Free Smoothie Guide: 2 Bananas, 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 cup frozen pineapple, 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup whole milk, handful of spinach.
• Hard Boiled Egg with Salt: Just as it sounds, a hard boiled egg rolled in a little pink himalayan sea salt. 
• Fruit + Feta: Feta cheese off the block is so fun for littles to play with! It crumbles and smooshes and pairs nicely with any soft fruit. 

Q: As a feeding specialist, can you explain the correlation between speech development and what your baby eats?

A: Speech development and feeding are very much related- it's fascinating! We use the same muscles to eat as we do to speak! It's not a surprise that when a baby starts eating and chewing, their babbles usually start to increase. Spoon feeding and drinking from a cup help babies find their lips. Chewing helps strengthen their jaw and encourages their tongue to move around. That tongue is the powerhouse behind sounds! So, as the baby's jaw gets stronger, their sound repertoire increases too. 

A special note from Jordyn about her NEW BOOK! 😍

Just like Mission MightyMe is on a mission to help educate parents and professionals about allergen introduction, I'm on a mission to help parents feel confident about starting solids and feeding their little one. Eat Play Say's Starting Solids Handbook is the most comprehensive guide to feeding your little one. Created with input from a Registered Dietitian, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Therapist, several Feeding Specialists, and a Lactation Consultant, it's packed full of all the information you need to offer baby their first bites and beyond! 

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