If you are a new parent, you know that it is important to start your baby on the right track when it comes to their diet.
There are so many different options out there when it comes to baby food, and it can be hard to decide which ones are best for your little one as it can be tough trying to figure out what's actually in those little jars and pouches of baby food. Are they really organic? What about the added sugar?
In this blog post, we will discuss the 4 best baby foods to help your child grow and thrive!
When should you start baby food?
Many pediatricians recommend starting baby food between 4 and 6 months of age. Around that time, babies usually start to develop the skills needed to chew food.
Introducing baby food too early could lead to problems such as malnutrition, because babies aren't developmentally ready to eat solid foods and may not be able to eat enough yet to meet their nutritional needs. On the other hand, waiting too long can also be a problem, because it may be harder for babies to learn how to eat solid foods if they've never tried them before.
How to pick baby’s first food*
From around 6 months
When baby first starts weaning you can try giving them a small amount of different solid foods each day, once per day.
Its best to try this after their regular milk drink and at least a few hours before they are due for a nap, so that you can watch for any adverse reactions.
It’s a good idea to start with one food type at a time – blended, mashed or soft cooked. You could try vegetables like butternut squash, carrot, broccoli, potato, banana, apple or strawberries.
You can and should also try introducing foods that could trigger allergic reactions, but remember to add these in very small quantities and e sure that baby can be awake for a few hours after the meal to watch for any reactions:
cows’ milk (in cooking or mixed with food)
eggs (eggs without a red lion stamp should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked)
foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye
nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)
seeds (serve them crushed or ground)
soya
shellfish (don't serve raw or lightly cooked)
fish
7 - 9 months
When your baby has become accustomed to eating solids once per day, you can start to introduce more meals. It’s a great idea to get baby eating with you where possible, as this will model the behaviour of eating for the, - plus they love spending time with you! So it can be a bonding experience.
You can try adding a variety of different foods and start mixing one of two flavours together in each meal. As you will still be feeding them plenty of milk (breastmilk or formula) you can experiment with different types of food without worrying that they wont get all the nutrients they need.
Try adding foods from different food categories; protein, wholegrains, dairy, fruit and vegetables.
It is important to remember that after age 6 months, baby’s iron stores from birth are running out so you must ensure they get enough iron as well as Vitamin C to help their bodies absorb the iron.
One way of getting their daily dose is with fortified rice cereal added to their food.
Also bare in mind that they don’t need salt or sugar added to their food and good baby foods will not have too high quantities of these either.
Don’t be deterred if it takes 5, 10, even 20 attempts to get baby to try something new. Perseverance is key! This is perfectly normal so be patient and keep trying. Baby will likely want to pick up the food, smell it, touch it, squish it, throw it….anything but taste it to start with!
Others they’ll put in their mouths with no hesitation, its all part of the experimentation and fun!
10 – 12 months
Baby will likely now be having 3 meals per day along with you and you may even be trying to introduce baby to the foods you’re eating, especially if you have more than one child and don’t fancy making several different meals.
You can try adding in a pudding of unsweetened yogurt or fruit.
12 months +
At this age you may be weaning baby off milk and can replace milk feeds with healthy snacks such as vegetable puffs, toast, a glass of milk or fruit.
Remember they still don’t need added salt or sugar and try to ensure they eat with you as much as possible so they can learn from you, and enjoy the experience!
*sourced from NHS https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/
How I Choose – Best Baby Food
While knowing what we can give our babies is a great start, it doesn’t always help us find the time to peel chop, boil and mash baby’s every meal, despite our best intentions to serve only homemade baby food in cute little glass jars. We still want to be sure the food we’re giving our babies is totally safe and free from nasties and so I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best products out there.
As well as recommendations from other parents, I cross check facts with medical advice including the NHS so that my recommendations are safe for baby to use and medically recommended.
So, which baby food is best in the UK?
Let's have a look at the best baby food brand options:
Cerebelly Baby Food Pouches
Why Parents Love It
Parents love that this brand was formulated by practicing neurosurgeon, Teresa Purzner, M.D., Ph.D., who studied intensely for a year after having her first child about what they needed in a baby food. Knowing the exact 16 ingredients that would best benefit babies, she created her own brand of baby food with these exact ingredients.
Soe parents noted that their babies went off the taste after a while but that is exactly why it is important to try a range of different baby foods and keep trying to introduce them as it can take 10 or more attempts for a baby to try a new food.
What You Need to Know
Includes 16 113g pouches
Cerebelly is the only organic pouch that delivers 16 key brain-supporting nutrients studied by Dr. Purzner.
The blend is high in Zinc, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Vitamin B12 that supports the development of motor skills like movement control and stabilization as well as cognitive abilities like emotional expression, problem solving, and memory.
Ceritifed gluten-free, BPA-free, non-GMO, organic, dairy-free, nut-free, and 100% plant derived.
Ella's Kitchen Organic Stage 1 Pouches
Best fruit and vegetable pouches
Ella's Kitchen Organic Stage 1 Mixed Variety Pack
Why Parents Love It
Ella’s Kitchen pouches come in cute packaging and flavours that babies seem to love. Parents have stated their kids enjoy them from an early age and they're great for saving time preparing food.
I personally feed these to my 11 month old and my 2 year old is always trying to get her hands on them so they are affirm favourite in my home.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for babies from 4 months
100% Organic natural ingredients.
Gluten free, Dairy free, Nut free, Egg free, Soya free and Vegetarian with no added Sugar or Salt.
Includes 11 x 120g fruit & veg pouches in 11 different flavours.
Aptamil Creamed Porridge Baby Food Cereal
Why Parents Love It
Parents love how easy this is to make and say their babies enjoy the resulting porridge, although the consistency can remain a little runny. It cools quickly with stirring and babies seem to enjoy the taste.
It is recommended to make this with water but I use the Aptamil Creamed Porridge Baby Food Cereal myself for my baby’s breakfast and he loves it mixed with yogurt so I choose a few different flavours and serve it that was for an added bonus of a serve of dairy with protein!
What You Need to Know
Suitable for 4-6+ Months
Includes 5 packs of 125g pouches
Contains Minerals (Calcium, Iron, Iodine) and vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Thiamin)
With our blend of galacto- and fructo- oligosaccharides
No added sugar or salt
Mama Bear Fruit pouch Organic Purée
Why Parents Love It
Parents say their babies fight over these handy little pouches as the flavours are so good, the big kids want them too! They say that they are great for storing around the home for meal emergencies or taking out in your handbag if you’re out for the day and need a healthy meal/snack on hand.
The leak-proof cap means even if baby doesn’t want the whole thing in one go, you can pop it back in your handbag for later.
They are great value, coming in cheaper than a lot of other options and the fact they are certified organic with only fruit and vegetables and without unnecessary additives and preservatives in the packet makes them a favorite.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for 6 months and up
Certified organic, No added salt, Non GMO, non BPA. No artificial colours or flavours
Contains 6 x 90g pouches
FAQs
Knowing what is best for baby when it comes to giving them supplements can be tough as there are a lot of options available so I have compiled some of the top questions around baby carries here for you to review;
What is the best baby food in the world?
The best baby food in the world is the type of food that is appropriate for the culture and region in which the baby lives. A baby living in Japan, for example, would be best served by traditional Japanese fare such as fish, rice, and vegetables. Conversely, a baby living in Mexico would be best served by traditional Mexican fare such as corn tortillas, refried beans, and chicken.
There is no one "best" type of food for babies; what is best depends on the individual child's climate, culture, and dietary needs. However, all good baby foods share some common characteristics: they are fresh, unprocessed, and free from artificial additives. They also provide a variety of essential nutrients to help support development and growth.
Which baby food product is best?
Some babies do well with pureed fruits and vegetables, while others do well with baby cereal or formula. It depends on the individual child and what they are most comfortable digesting. That being said, there are a few general tips that can help parents choose the right baby food for their child:
-Look for baby food that is made from natural ingredients, without any added sugars or preservatives.
-Choose a variety of different flavors and textures to expose your child to different tastes and textures. This will help them develop a wider range of taste preferences as they grow older.
-Pay attention to your child's cues when feeding them.
What should babies eat NHS?
The NHS recommends that babies eat a variety of foods, including wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy. You should avoid foods with added salt or sugar and the best baby food brands will not have these additives.
It's important for babies to start with small amounts and to gradually increase the amount as they grow. This will help them develop healthy eating habits and avoid becoming picky eaters.
What foods should you avoid feeding a baby?
You should avoid feeding a baby any solid food that is not specifically made for babies. This includes things like unhealthy snacks, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
It's important to feed your baby a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. These are all essential nutrients that will help your child grow and develop properly.
Babies should not eat honey, as it can contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism. They should also avoid whole nuts, as these can be a choking hazard.
What should babies eat every day?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what babies should eat every day, but a general guideline is to offer your baby a variety of healthy foods from each of the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods and dairy products.
Experts generally recommend that babies start with solids around 6 months of age, and that they try new foods one at a time to help identify any food allergies or sensitivities.
What is the healthiest way to feed a baby?
The healthiest way to feed a baby is in an ergonomically sound chair. There are a few things to consider when feeding a baby in a high chair; baby should be sat upright, with support for their back and a foot rest at the appropriate height.
baby should be able to easily grab the food in front of them.
You want to make sure that the food is age-appropriate and safe for your baby to eat. You should also choose foods that are nutrient-rich and healthy for your baby.
What food is easiest for babies to digest?
The digestibility of foods will vary from baby to baby. However, some of the most easily digestible foods for babies include rice cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables, and boiled eggs.
Breast milk is also highly digestible and is a great source of nutrients for newborns. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's digestion or if you would like specific advice on which foods are best for your child.
What fruit is best for babies?
One great way to introduce your baby to a variety of fruits is to let them try different kinds of pureed fruit. There are lots of recipes for making your own baby food, or you can try any of the baby foods recommended here. Just be sure to check the ingredient list and avoid any that contain added sugar or preservatives.
Some good fruits for babies include avocados, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupes, honeydews, mangoes, papayas, peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries and watermelons.
What foods are good for baby brain development?
There are a number of different foods that are thought to be beneficial for baby brain development, including:
-Fish: Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development.
-Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from damage.
-Nuts: Nuts are a good source of healthy fats and protein, both of which are important for brain development (f serving nuts ensure they are served in an age-appropriate way such as in paste or milk form).
-Iron-Rich Foods: Iron is essential for cognitive development. Good sources of iron include meat, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.
Which vegetable is good for babies?
There are a lot of great vegetables for babies. Some good ones include sweet potato, green beans, peas, carrots, and butternut squash. These vegetables are all packed with important vitamins and minerals that support baby's growth and development.
It's important to introduce babies to a variety of different vegetables at an early age so they can start developing a taste for them. As they get older, they'll be more likely to eat other vegetables as part of their regular diet. So start early and give your baby plenty of chances to try new things!
What is the #1 food for infants to choke on?
The top food for infants to choke on is small, round and firm, like a cherry tomato. Other dangerous foods for babies to choke on include grapes, hot dogs, carrots and popcorn. That's why it's important to cut these foods into small pieces before feeding them to your baby.
Choking is one of the leading causes of death in young children. So it's important to be vigilant when feeding your baby and to always watch them while they're eating. If your baby starts choking, be sure to call emergency services right away.
What foods help babies poop?
There are a few different foods that can help babies poop. Some of the most common include prunes, oats, pears, figs, and bananas. All of these foods are high in fiber, which helps to move stool through the digestive system. In addition, they also contain natural laxatives that can help get things moving.
If your baby is having trouble pooping, talk to your pediatrician about trying one of these foods. You can also check out my guide to the best baby probiotics to help balance their gut.
How long do babies eat purees?
Most babies are ready to start eating purees at around 6 months old. They will continue to eat purees until they are about 8-9 months old, when you can start to introduce solid foods.
So, what is the best food to feed a baby?
The best food to feed a baby when you're ready to start weaning is bland foods like pureed fruits and vegetables which you can make yourself or buy ready made in handy, portion-sized pouches, such as the suggestions made above.
You are now armed with the knowledge of what the best baby foods are for your specific needs are so that you can make an informed decision.
All of the baby foods above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which baby foods work best for you and baby so you can shop today!
Thanks for reading!
