Introduction
As a new parent, you want to give your baby the best start in life. One of the most important aspects of this is their nutrition. With so many baby food options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive checklist of 100 baby food options to help make feeding your little one easier.
Baby Food Basics
Before we dive into the checklist, let’s go over some baby food basics. It’s recommended that babies start with pureed foods around 4-6 months of age. As they get older and more comfortable with eating, you can introduce thicker textures and eventually move onto soft solids.
It’s important to introduce new foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each new food to watch for any allergic reactions. And remember, breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition for babies under 1 year old.
Vegetables
1. Sweet potato
One of the most popular first foods for babies, sweet potato is a great source of vitamins A and C.
2. Carrots
Carrots are another great source of vitamin A and can be a tasty addition to your baby’s diet.
3. Peas
Peas are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for babies.
4. Green beans
Green beans are a good source of folate and vitamin C, and their mild flavor can be appealing to babies.
5. Butternut squash
Butternut squash is a great source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, and its sweet flavor can be a hit with babies.
Fruits
6. Apples
Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and can be cooked and pureed for babies to enjoy.
7. Bananas
Bananas are easy to digest and a good source of potassium, making them a great first food for babies.
8. Avocado
Avocado is a great source of healthy fats and can be mashed and served to babies as a first food.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and can be pureed and mixed with other fruits for a tasty snack.
10. Mango
Mango is a great source of vitamin C and can be pureed and served to babies as a sweet treat.
Proteins
11. Chicken
Chicken is a good source of protein and can be cooked and pureed for babies.
12. Turkey
Turkey is another good source of protein and can be cooked and pureed for babies to enjoy.
13. Beef
Beef is a good source of iron and can be pureed and served to babies in small amounts.
14. Tofu
Tofu is a good source of protein and can be mashed and served to babies as a first food.
15. Lentils
Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for babies.
Grains and Cereals
16. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can be mixed with breast milk or formula for a tasty breakfast for babies.
17. Rice cereal
Rice cereal is a common first food for babies and is easy to digest.
18. Quinoa
Quinoa is a great source of protein and can be cooked and pureed for babies to enjoy.
19. Barley
Barley is a good source of fiber and can be cooked and pureed for babies to eat.
20. Brown rice
Brown rice is a good source of fiber and can be cooked and pureed for babies to enjoy.
Dairy
21. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and can be mixed with pureed fruit for a tasty snack for babies.
22. Cheese
Cheese is a good source of calcium and can be grated and added to pureed vegetables for added flavor.
23. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and can be mashed and served to babies as a first food.
24. Milk
Milk should not be introduced until after 1 year of age, but can be used in cooking and baking for babies over 6 months.
25. Formula
Formula should be used as the main source of nutrition for babies under 1 year old.
Healthy Fats
26. Olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy source of fat and can be added to pureed vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
27. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a healthy source of fat and can be added to pureed fruit for added flavor.
28. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be added to pureed vegetables for added nutrition.
29. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be added to pureed fruit for added nutrition.
30. Nut butters
Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, are a healthy source of fat and protein and can be added to pureed fruit for added nutrition.
Snacks
31. Rice cakes
Rice cakes are an easy and convenient snack for babies to enjoy.
32. Cheerios
Cheerios are a common first finger food for babies and are easy to pick up and eat.
33. Puffs
Puffs are a popular finger food for babies and come in a variety of flavors.
34. Yogurt melts
Yogurt melts are a tasty and convenient snack for babies.
35. Fruit pouches
Fruit pouches are a convenient way to offer babies a variety of fruits and are easy to take on-the-go.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
36. Lentil soup
Lentil soup is a great source of protein and can be pureed for babies to enjoy.
37. Hummus
Hummus is a good source of protein and can be mashed and served to babies as a first food.
38. Tofu scramble
Tofu scramble is a tasty and healthy breakfast option for babies.
39. Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamins and can be added to pureed vegetables for added nutrition.
40. Chia pudding
Chia pudding is a healthy and tasty snack for babies and can be made with breast milk or formula.
Seasonal Foods
41. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and can be pureed and served to babies in the fall.
42. Cranberries
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and can be pureed and mixed with other fruits for a tasty snack in the winter.
43. Asparagus
Asparagus is a good source of folate and can be pureed and served to babies in the spring.
44. Watermelon
Watermelon is a great source of hydration in the summer and can be pureed and served to babies as a refreshing snack.
45. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin C and can be pureed and served to babies in the fall.
Spices and Herbs
46. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be added to pureed fruit for added flavor and nutrition.
47. Ginger
Ginger can be added to pureed vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
48. Basil
Basil can be added to pureed vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.