I’ve always been passionate about feeding my kids wholesome meals and snacks, right from the moment they begin testing out different foods. Like all moms, I want to give my baby the best start by feeding him healthy foods that are not only nutritious, but that he’ll also love. When you’re looking for healthy foods to feed your baby, it can be a bit daunting off the bat. But once you’re confident in the foods you’re offering and are introducing your little one to a variety of items, it will be enjoyable for both you and your baby!
Healthy, wholesome food for baby
I always strive to make my baby food from scratch. I like knowing exactly what has gone into my baby’s food and when and where it’s been made. Unfortunately the amount of time I have to make baby food has been cut a bit short now that I have my high-needs baby who is only content in my arms and my five-year-old social butterfly who is perpetually in play-date mode. Luckily I was able to try the amazing baby food and snacks from organically-minded company NurturMe, and I was opened up to a whole new world of healthy, wholesome baby food.
NurturMe makes freeze-dried baby food, quinoa baby cereal (the first of it’s kind!) and dried fruits & veggies snacks that are all certified organic, non-gmo, gluten-free and kosher. Only the good stuff is put into NurturMe’s wide variety of products aimed at giving your baby a head start in nutrition.
Great foods to start with
If you’re ready to feed your baby solids but aren’t sure where to start, take a look at these 8 healthy foods and snacks to start your baby off on the right (healthy) foot!
1. Quinoa baby cereal
Baby cereal is usually the first food a baby will eat. But normally it is rice cereal, which has almost no nutritional value whatsoever and is hard on a baby’s developing digestive system. NurturMe has created the first quinoa baby cereal which offers 100% naturally occurring plant-based nutrients — meaning this cereal will be easily digestible and free of synthetic ingredients. This will help improve baby’s overall nutrient absorption. Rather than reaching for rice cereal, try out quinoa instead for a protein-packed punch.
2. Apples
Apples are one of my go-to foods for when I’m stumped on what to feed Reid. He will always happily scarf them down, and I can’t complain considering they are high in fiber and other valuable vitamins for a baby’s growing body. I love NuturMe’s dried crisp apple ready-to-make puree. Want to spice things up a bit? Add a little bit of cinnamon. Don’t be afraid to add a bit of spice to your baby’s food! This is the perfect time to expand their palettes!
Reid enjoying some NurturMe hearty sweet potatoes!
3. Sweet potatoes
This is another popular one among all babies! Who couldn’t resist the creamy sweetness of a sweet potato? This is one food you’re definitely going to want to keep in your rotation as it’s chock full of important nutrients for your baby. NuturMe has dried hearty sweet potatoes that you can whip up in a matter of seconds — and you can also add it to pancake mix to create delicious and nutritious pancakes for your family!
4. Squash
Feed your babe some beta carotenes and fiber with this delicious favourite. Squash was Reid’s first food and it is still a favourite of his three months later. If all else fails and he doesn’t like my latest baby food concoction, I know I can pull squash out and he will happily gobble it down. Try NurturMe’s dried version for a quick but just as healthy alternative to homemade purees. For an added nutrient boost, try mixing the freeze dried baby food with breast milk or formula.
Tatum testing out NurturMe’s dried pineapple, banana and mango snacks.
5. Cut-up fruit for snacks: pineapple, bananas or mangoes
Snack time doesn’t have to put you in panic mode when it can be as easy as giving your baby some cut-up fruit to munch on! Fruit is still our go-to snack for Tatum, and now for Reid as well. Sweet and juicy fruit like pineapples, mangoes and bananas can ensure that your child will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but will satisfy their parents’ desire for them to eat a nutritious snack! If you’re on the go, try NuturMe’s dried pineapple, banana and mango snacks! These are perfect for long car rides or when you’re out and it’s not feasible to pack fresh fruit for a snack. I gave some to my picky five-year-old to try and they were a hit!
6. Bananas
Bananas. You can’t go wrong with bananas. After Reid tried squash, we introduced him to bananas and he was in LOVE. Bananas are one of the best foods you can feed your baby — just peel, squash with a fork and serve. Or you could also try the freeze-dried version for a smush-proof travel version. I’ve had smushed banana in my diaper bag before — it’s not pretty. Another great way to prevent baby food explosions is to use NurturMe’s Eco-Pouch – a dishwasher safe, BPA-free, refillable pouch that you can fill with homemade purees, yogurt or smoothies!
7. Peas
Peas are packed with fiber and protein. Protein?! Who knew? This is a great food to feed babies to give them that much-needed protein boost. I’ve recently started giving Reid peas to pick off of his high chair tray, but you could keep NurturMe’s freeze-dried version on hand for quick and easy mealtimes. NurturMe also has a really cute recipe that includes their freeze-dried peas: “Froggy Sauce!” Combine 1 to 2 pouches of Plump Peas with 1/2 cup to 1 cup of milk and stir — then pour the “froggy sauce” over the pasta of your choice. Making food fun is a great way to get babies and kids interested in healthy eating.
Check out NurturMe for more great products such as super food blends, recipes, and more!
What is your favourite healthy food to feed your baby? If your baby could eat one food all day long, what would it be?
