Supporting your baby’s health with nutritious food from the start is important for his or her growth and development. In addition to breast milk or baby formula, when your baby reaches around six months of age, your pediatrician may recommend feeding him or her solids that are age-appropriate. While it may seem easier to just grab a jar of baby food at the grocery store, making your own baby food can be simple, too. Here’s a list of baby-friendly superfoods, along with super easy ways to prepare them for your little one:
Organic Sweet Potato (great source of vitamin A, as well as vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6). Bake sweet potato, then scoop out potato from the skin. Mash sweet potato with a fork or puree in a food processor or high-powered blender. (Add breast milk or formula for a thinner consistency.)
Organic Avocado (nutrient-dense fruit including protein, fiber, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, and zinc, as well as healthy fats). Simply cut avocado in half and mash fruit with a fork before serving.
Organic Berries (various vitamins and nutrients). Note that extra caution in preparation is needed when feeding strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc. to avoid choking. Add water to a pan and bring to a boil, then add fruit and reduce heat. Remove berries, puree, and strain the berries before serving.
Organic Spinach (potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium). Wash spinach and cook in a pan with a little bit of water for two to three minutes or until the spinach has wilted. Then, puree until smooth.
Organic Banana (rich in potassium and other vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin B2 ). Simply peel banana and mash fruit with a fork or puree.
Organic Carrots (vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, potassium, amongst many other nutrients). Wash and peel carrots. Cook in a pan with water for about 10-15 minutes or until tender. Then drain liquid and puree carrots to desired consistency.
Many of these baby-friendly superfoods can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for quick meals. Remember to wait four days before introducing a new food to your baby to watch for possible allergies. Happy feeding!
