Choosing the right food for the baby is one of the most important decisions parents have to make. Today, there is so much variety in baby food from baby-led weaning to Purees, from non-organic to organic, and from jars and baby food pouches to subscription services. Also, there are many food options for newborns that can be served without any preparation. Though serving your little ones fresh, homemade, organic baby food everyday is ideal but sometimes, it’s just not practical. Fortunately, there are numerous wholesome baby food brands that can meet the nutritional needs of the baby. However, parents have to be very careful in choosing which ingredients their baby needs and in what quantity they need them. The label on a food pack lists ingredients from the highest amount to the least amount. The top three ingredients are most important. The best choice of food will be one that has real foods and no or little added ingredients like sugars, fillers, artificial flavors and sodium to ensure adequate nutrition. Moreover, you also have to ensure that your baby is having a variety of foods. Most of the purees are a mix of fruit and vegetables, which are great for the baby but they don’t provide enough iron and calories. So, you cannot solely rely on them as the only source of solid food. It’s best if you find whole grain and protein in the baby food. Here, we have listed some of the best baby food items and brands that experts recommend for every baby.
When to Start Giving Your Child Baby Food?
You have to make sure that your baby is ready for solid food before you start buying baby food for your child. Mostly, babies are ready for baby food after 4-6 months. However, some pediatricians suggest waiting till the baby gets 6 months old as, by then, the baby has a good head and neck control and is able to sit up with support. He/she will also be showing interest in eating; leaning and opening his/her mouth when you offer food. Starting solids is an exciting milestone for your child but choosing the right baby food for your little one can be a bit confusing. Different babies have different preferences and needs so what’s right for your baby would be different. If the baby spits out the food, he/she probably is not ready for solid food yet. You might want to consult with your doctor to ensure your child is ready for solids.
How to Start Your Baby on Baby Food?
The best way to start your baby on baby food is by offering solid food when he/she is active and not sleepy. Also, give solid food to your baby when he/she is not too full or too hungry. Have your baby sit up with support and offer food with a tiny spoon. Start with once every day and then gradually add more servings. Stop feeding when your baby starts to refuse food; turning away, leaning back and or spitting it out.
There are various things you can do to set the stage whether you are cooking food at home or consuming store-bought baby food.
- Introduce Variety of Flavors: There is a wide variety of baby food that will let you introduce different flavors, colors and textures to your baby. This will keep the baby interested in eating and set a stage a for more adventurous tastes down the line. You can use different spices or herbs for flavors if you are feeding him/her purees.
- Cook and Eat Together: Cooking and eating together develops healthy eating habits in your baby. While eating together with your baby you can show him/her that it is fun to eat a variety of healthy foods.
- Eat Good Tasting Foods: Make the meal time an adventure for you baby with good tasting foods.
How to Choose the Best Foods for Babies?
Traditionally, infant cereals were recommended as one of the best first solid foods for babies as they have added iron and bland taste. But, now pediatricians say that it is perfectly fine if you jump right to fruits, vegetables and even meats as first foods. You can start with fruit or vegetable puree such as avocado, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas or carrots.
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you introduce pureed meat as first food as it is a good source of iron. You can mix these first foods with formula or breast milk when you are trying out to reach a texture that is good for your baby.
Choosing the baby food that is best suitable for your baby can be a little challenging. You have to be careful about several things like nutritions, ingredients, texture, taste, cost and availability. Here are some of the things you have to consider while buying baby food.
- Read Labels Carefully: Pick foods that contain only natural ingredients. Also, avoid added sugars or salt, and corn syrup. Water, herbs and spices are good.
- Prefer Oats Over Rice: If you want to give your baby infant cereal, pick an oat-based cereal, not a rice-based one. This is because rice contains arsenic that you should avoid introducing to your baby. Also, try to add a variety of other grains in the diet such as barley and wheat.
- Choose BPA Free: Pick food that comes in BPA free packaging whenever possible
Which Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Baby?
There are several foods that you should avoid your little ones who are one year of age. They include:
- Thick, hard and round objects like popcorn, nuts and grapes as they are choking hazards
- Honey increases the risk of infant botulism
- Unmodified cow’s milk. However, full fat cheeses and yogurts are perfectly fine
- Foods that have added sugar or added salt, i.e. juice.
Also, talk to your doctor about potential allergenics in baby foods. Several studies have shown that early exposure to high allergenic foods help decrease the risk of food allergies. You can start with low allergenic foods at first. Then later on, after a few foods have been safe and tolerated by the baby, you can introduce the high allergenic foods such as egg, milk, peanut, wheat, soy, fish, tree nuts and shellfish. You can introduce these foods when your infant is 4-6 months old. Still, make sure you talk to your doctor if your baby has a higher risk for having allergies before introducing these allergenic foods. Usually, babies with eczema are more likely to develop allergies.
What are the Types of Best Baby Food According to Dietitians?
Different dietitian nutritionists have highlighted different factors to keep in mind when picking a baby food for your baby: They are:
- Low in Fruit and High in Veggies: The best baby food is one that has a combo of veggies and/or fruit and some fat content.
- Variety is Key: Include a variety of food in your baby’s diet so that he/she gets best nutrition. If your baby is getting all the nutritions he/she needs, it will boost his/her immune system and will help protect him/her from any potential harms. For example, a variety of foods will reduce the risk of heavy metals build-up in the body. Therefore, it is important to avoid giving the same food to your baby every day.
- Healthy Fats: When your baby starts to prefer more solid foods to formula or breastmilk, you can start to include healthy fats in the diet.
- Avoid Added Salt or Sugar: All of the dietitians we consulted are in consensus that parents should avoid foods that have added salt and sugar.
- Heavy Metals: heavy metals are found not only in the packaged food but also in the foods that grow in the ground. Many dietitians haven’t changed their good opinion about certain brands on the bases of heavy metal reports.
- Arsenic: Many dietitians recommend against rice-containing products because various studies have shown that rice absorbs arsenic from the environment.
Best Baby Food
Summary
- A pack contains 18 pouches
- 4 ounce each pack
- Includes 6 pouches of banana and pumpkin, 6 pear, purple carrot and blueberry, and 6 pear, spinach and pea
- Resealable pouches to customize portion sizes
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
- Pack of 16 pouches
- 4 ounce pouch each
- Transparent packaging
- For stage two eaters
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
- Recommended for 6 months+ babies
- No added salt
- Pack of 12 pouches
- 4-ounce pouch
- Gently cooked real ingredients
- Stage 1 baby food
- The jar can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 3 days once it is opened.
- 4 ounce jar
- Recommended for babies 4 months+
- 100% organic food
- No toxic persistent pesticides
- Artificial hormones
- Each wafer is 1 ounce
- You can eat it within 7 days once it is opened
- Stage 1 baby food
- 4 ounce squeeze pouch
- Pack of 10
- 100% Natural
- Recommended for the babies of 6 months and up
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Pack of 18
- 3.5 ounce each
- Organic and non-GMO
- Puree and meal
- Pack of 6
- 2.1 ounce each
- Contain Choline for brain and eye health
- Premium organic food to match the baby’s age
- Pack of 18 pouches
- 6 of each flavor
- Each pouch weighs four ounces
- Stage 2 and 3 pouches
- Each pouch contains 3g of fiber and 3g of protein
- Pack of 12 pouches
- Each pouch weighs 3.5 ounce
- Recommended for babies above 6 months
- BPS-free resealable pouches
- No artificial colors or flavors
- A pack contains 18 pouches
- 4 ounce each pack
- Includes 6 pouches of banana and pumpkin, 6 pear, purple carrot and blueberry, and 6 pear, spinach and pea
- Resealable pouches to customize portion sizes
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
- Pack of 16 pouches
- 4 ounce pouch each
- Transparent packaging
- For stage two eaters
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
- Recommended for 6 months+ babies
- No added salt
- Pack of 12 pouches
- 4-ounce pouch
- Gently cooked real ingredients
- Stage 1 baby food
- The jar can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 3 days once it is opened.
- 4 ounce jar
- Recommended for babies 4 months+
- 100% organic food
- No toxic persistent pesticides
- Artificial hormones
- Each wafer is 1 ounce
- You can eat it within 7 days once it is opened
- Stage 1 baby food
- 4 ounce squeeze pouch
- Pack of 10
- 100% Natural
- Recommended for the babies of 6 months and up
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Pack of 18
- 3.5 ounce each
- Organic and non-GMO
- Puree and meal
- Pack of 6
- 2.1 ounce each
- Contain Choline for brain and eye health
- Premium organic food to match the baby’s age
- Pack of 18 pouches
- 6 of each flavor
- Each pouch weighs four ounces
- Stage 2 and 3 pouches
- Each pouch contains 3g of fiber and 3g of protein
- Pack of 12 pouches
- Each pouch weighs 3.5 ounce
- Recommended for babies above 6 months
- BPS-free resealable pouches
- No artificial colors or flavors
Plum Organics Stage 2
Organic Baby Food, Fruit and Veggie Variety Pack
Plum is one of the best choices if you are looking for an organic baby food brand that offers different foods and flavors for every stage of the baby’s solid foods journey. It has only non-GMO organic ingredients and they are completely free of added sweeteners or salt. There are foods for all the stages of a baby and toddler; from single foods such as sweet potatoes and mangoes for babies through fruit and veggie blends for later stages. You will find something for every hungry baby here.
Plum offers food in non-BPA pouches that have recyclable caps so that there is a smaller overall environmental footprint. They are committed to sustainability and they use business as a force of good. These pouches contain much nutritious and yummy food that you can give your baby at home or when you are on the go.
Other Key Aspects
- A pack contains 18 pouches
- 4 ounce each pack
- Includes 6 pouches of banana and pumpkin, 6 pear, purple carrot and blueberry, and 6 pear, spinach and pea
- Resealable pouches to customize portion sizes
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
Pros
- non-GMO, organic fruits and veggies, 2-4 grams of fiber
- Perfect for introducing new flavors
- non-BPA, resealable pouches and recyclable cap
- Safe ingredient sourcing and sustainable product design
Cons
- May not be suitable for buying online
- Check expiration date before using them
Happy Baby Organic Clearly Crafted Stage 2 Baby Food Variety Pack
Pear Squash & Blackberries, Apple Kale & Avocado, Apple Guava & Beet, Pear Kale & Spinach
Though there is ease and convenience using pouches, many experts don’t recommend using pouches exclusively. Pouches are the most feasible options when you are traveling when you don’t want to deal with the mess of traditional solids. The Happy Family brands including Happy Tot and Happy Baby offer pouches of a variety of fruit veggies, seeds and grains blends that are rich in nutrients and vitamins. There are many flavors such as apples, carrot, mango and sweet potato and kale and avocados.
Using food pouches occasionally is completely fine but you should also have you little ones sit in the high chair with the family and explore the flavors, tastes and textures of different solid foods. The Happy Baby pouches make introducing food an educational experience as well as nutritional one. It also helps babies practice and learn to chew and swallow.
These pouches are suitable for stage 2 eaters as they are ideal for the exploratory taste buds. They introduce babies to simple balances of organic food in a smooth puree.
Other Key Aspects
- Pack of 16 pouches
- 4 ounce pouch each
- Transparent packaging
- For stage two eaters
- Recommended for babies of 6 months and up
Pros
- See through pouches
- No toxic persistent pesticides
- Rich in vitamins and nutritions
- BPA-, PVC- and phthalates-free packaging
Cons
- More expensive than others
- Check the expiration date before opening
Amazon Brand - Mama Bear Organic Baby Food
Stage 2, Mango Apple Carrot Peach
Mama Bear lets you enjoy the convenience of pouches at cheap prices. It is an organic baby food which is free of all kinds of artificial colours or flavors. It contains non-GMO, gluten free ingredients and it is USDA certified organic. There are twelve pouches of 4-ounce of stage 2 baby food for 6+ months. They keep their high quality standards by combining the best quality ingredients.
The main ingredients are organic apple puree, organic mango puree, organic peach puree, organic carrot puree, ascorbic acid for maintaining color and organic lemon juice concentrate.
Other Key Aspects
- Recommended for 6 months+ babies
- No added salt
- Pack of 12 pouches
- 4-ounce pouch
Pros
- Certified organic
- No artificial colors or favors
- No genetically engineered ingredients
Cons
- Buying online may not be a good idea
- Check the expiration date
- Pouch not transparent
Beech-Nut Stage 1 Naturals
Beech Nut provides simple ingredients in a jar. You can get both natural and organic options. The jars contain 100% natural food with no artificial additives. There are single-flavor purees for babies who are new to solid foods and blends of fruit, veggies and grains for later-stages. It has heartier textures and more eating experience for the little ones.
The glass jars are a great option if you are concerned with the plastic material of the pouches. It is one of the first baby foods in the US that come in a highly recyclable glass jar.
Other Key Aspects
- Gently cooked real ingredients
- Stage 1 baby food
- The jar can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 3 days once it is opened.
- 4 ounce jar
- Recommended for babies 4 months+
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Made with fresh ingredients
- No artificial additives
- No plastic experience
Cons
- Glass jar is breakable
Happy Baby Gentle Teethers Organic Teething Wafers Banana Sweet Potato
12 Count Box (Pack of 6) Soothing Rice Cookies for Teething Babies Dissolves Easily, Gluten-Free
These Organic Teethers by Happy Baby are great for the young teethers who would chomp on anything they find. These teething wafers are made to soothe their aching gums. They are made with organic ingredients and they dissolve into the baby’s mouth easily. They are free of artificial flavors and top eight major allergens.
The wafers are individually wrapped so you can keep them in your diaper bag when you are on the go. The major ingredients are jasmine rice flour, and organic fruits and vegetables. They are stage 1 baby food, made for the baby’s sensitive palate which makes them a perfect choice when you are introducing your baby to solid food. The organic recipe is just right for your baby’s age and stage.
Other Key Aspects
- 100% organic food
- No toxic persistent pesticides
- Artificial hormones
- Each wafer is 1 ounce
- You can eat it within 7 days once it is opened
- Stage 1 baby food
Pros
- Melts fairly quickly
- Soothes baby’s gum
- Best for baby’s sensitive palate
- Natural food
Cons
- Can be messy as they become a fine dust in baby’s hands
Peter Rabbit Organics, Banana, Mango, and Kale
Peter Rabbit Organics is a naturally wholesome and healthy snack for your baby. It is available in a variety of flavors to introduce your child to several enjoyable tastes and adventures. It contains non-GMO ingredients and is USDA Certified Organic, giving you a high quality product.
It comes in a convenient BPA free squeezable pouch.
You don’t have to keep it in the refrigerator. It is recommended for 6 months or older babies.The pack contains 10 pouches of 4 ounce each. It has a lemon juice concentrate which keeps it in a perfect condition to eat. The 14g of sugar is because of the natural banana in it.
Other Key Aspects
- 4 ounce squeeze pouch
- Pack of 10
- 100% Natural
- Recommended for the babies of 6 months and up
- Non-GMO ingredients
Pros
- USDA certified Organic
- Naturally wholesome snacks
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Convenient squeezable pouch
Cons
- Not recommended for online purchasing
Gerber Purees Organic 2nd Foods Baby Food Fruit & Veggie Variety Pack
3.5 Ounces Each, 18 Count & 2nd Foods Chicken Rice, 4 Ounce Tubs
Gerber foods are suitable for the kids who are ready for more variety of tastes and foods. These Gerber meals are the best way to introduce meat to your baby’s diet. There are two baby foods by Gerber; Gerber Purees Organic and Gerber Chicken Rice. They are shelf stable so you can take them to restaurants. They come in a wide variety of food and flavor combinations. They are perfect to expose your child to different tastes and ingredients that will help them accept new flavors
They are organic and non-GMO. The baby food comes in pouches with Smart Flow spout which reduces the risk of spills. They are made with natural fruits, vegetables and grains that help in the nourishment of your baby as it is an ideal food for growing bodies.
Other Key Aspects
- Pack of 18
- 3.5 ounce each
- Organic and non-GMO
- Puree and meal
Pros
- Smart flow spout
- Best for introducing meat flavor to your baby
- Babies love the taste
Cons
- Too pricey
- Plastic container not completely recyclable
- Contains additive sugar
Happy Baby Organic Superfood Puffs Assortment Variety Packs 2.1 Ounce (Pack of 6)
Puffs offer delicious taste and help the baby develop pincer grasp. However, they don’t provide much of a nutritional value. With Puffs, your baby will enjoy taste and develop the ability to hold small objects between forefinger and thumb. This will help in developing self-feeding and fine motor skills. They are organic and simply melt in the baby’s mouth which makes them completely safe for the baby. Also, they are super fun. Just scatter some on the baby’s tray and watch your little one getting excited as he/she experiences new flavors.
Puffs are perfect to take with you when you are going out. You can entertain the babies in restaurants with them so that you can enjoy your own meal too. They are recommended for the child who can crawl without their tummy touching the ground.
Other Key Aspects
- Pack of 6
- 2.1 ounce each
- Contain Choline for brain and eye health
- Premium organic food to match the baby’s age
Pros
- Snacks for baby
- Helps in developing pincer grasp, self-feeding and fine motor skills
- Fun and tasty for the baby
- Available in a variety of flavors
Cons
- Doesn’t have any nutritional value
- Can be messy
Sprout Organic Stage 4 Toddler Food Power Pak Pouches
Variety Pack, 4 Ounce (Pack of 18) & Organic Stage 3 Baby Food Pouches, Meat Variety, 4 Ounce (Pack of 18)
Sprout offers a vast variety of organic products for babies and toddlers. There are stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 baby foods. These foods contain baby’s daily nutritional requirements. Each package contains only one feeding so that it doesn’t get wasted. They are made with the cleanest ingredients and without any kind of preservatives.
There are organic foods made with organic chickpeas which make a perfect alternative to meat and dairy for protein. Each pouch includes 3 g of fiber and 3g of protein to satisfy the baby’s growing appetite. The purees are free of additives, fillers, preservatives or concentrates.
Other Key Aspects
- Pack of 18 pouches
- 6 of each flavor
- Each pouch weighs four ounces
- Stage 2 and 3 pouches
- Each pouch contains 3g of fiber and 3g of protein
Pros
- USDA Certified Organic and non-GMO
- Contain nutrition from whole, organic food
- Satisfies baby’s growing appetite
- More calories
Cons
- A little pricey
- Check expiry date before using
Earth's Best Organic Stage 2 Baby Food, Sweet Potato and Beets
3.5 oz. Pouch (Pack of 12) & Organic Stage 2 Baby Food, Spinach Lentil and Brown Rice
Earth’s Best Organic foods offers USDA organic products for all stages. There are three types of cereals for infants including rice, multi-grain and oatmeal. The stage 2 foods come in jars and pouches. The stage 3 pouches come with a homestyle meal line with organic protein like chicken and turkey.
It is a pack of 12 pouches of Earth’s Best Organic Stage 2 puree of sweet potatoes and beets. It is suitable for 6 months or older babies. The food is packaged in resealable and BPA-free pouches. It doesn’t contain any kind of artificial color or flavors.
Other Key Aspects
- Pack of 12 pouches
- Each pouch weighs 3.5 ounce
- Recommended for babies above 6 months
- BPS-free resealable pouches
- No artificial colors or flavors
Pros
- Resealable, BPA-free pouches
- USDA Certified Organic
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Contains vitamin A, C and E, fiber, protein and Zinc
Cons
- pricey
- Unrecyclable plastic pouches
FAQ's
What solid food can we give to a 6 month old baby?
You can give fruit or vegetable puree such as avocado, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas or carrots to your 6 month old baby. Here are some solid food brands that you can include in your 6 month old baby’s diet:
- Happy Family
- Plum Organics Stage 2, Fruit and Veggie Variety Pack
- Mama Bear Organic Baby Food
- Once Upon a Farm
- Gerber 2nd Foods, Chicken & Rice
- Little Spoon
- Beech-Nut Organics
- Happy Baby Puffs
- Sweet Potato & Banana Organic Teethers
What are the foods to be given for a 7-month-old baby?
You can add more variety of food in the diet of a 7-month–old baby. Here are some of the foods you can give to your 7-month-old baby.
- Fruit and Vegetable Puree
- Meat Puree
- Porridge
- Cereals
- Cheese
- Egg
Which baby foods have too much sugar?
Excessive consumption of salt and sugar should be avoided for babies is harmful and causes numerous problems such as tooth decay, impaired kidney function, decreased immunity etc. Following are some of the baby foods that have too much sugar:
- Ready Meals
- Sweets and Chocolates
- Fizzy Drinks
- Fruit Juices and smoothies
What foods can you puree for babies?
You can puree a variety of fruits and vegetables such as:
- Avocado
- Banana
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Peas
- Carrots
What is the best baby food? Age 6-24 months?
The best baby food is the one that is rich in iron, and smooth and soft in texture so that it’s easy for babies to swallow. Here are some baby food for the baby age 6-24 months:
- Vegetable and fruit puree: Pumpkin, Spinach, sweet potato, Chinese spinach, Apple, peach, banana, avocado.
- Meat
- Fish
- Egg
- Chicken Liver
What are the best baby food flavors, and why?
All babies like sweet flavors and dislike bitter tasting vegetables but you can change their taste preferences before the age of 18 months. For this reason, you might want to give foods that are primarily vegetables in the first couple of years. Rotate vegetable flavors to provide familiarity. Here are some of the best baby food flavors:
- Peach: Naturally sweet and babies will easily like it therefore they can help your child in palate development.
- Broccoli: There should be more vegetable flavors in the diet during the early part of the weaning process.
- Pears: To add a variety of flavors in the diet.
- Peas: Add variety and offer naturally sweet taste
- Apple: Early taste and flavor learning in children is important to develop life-long flavor preferences.
- Sweet Potato: help children to like sweet tasting vegetables as necessary for a healthy diet.
- Spinach: It is is important to introduce different flavor profiles
Can you give pure vitamin c powder to a baby?
No, you cannot give vitamin C supplements to a baby unless it is recommended by a professional healthcare provider. If you think your baby needs more vitamin C you are advised to consult your pediatrician before you start adding vitamin C powder in your baby’s diet.
What is the best food for a one year baby?
Following are some of the best food for a one-year baby:
- Soft fruits like bananas, peaches etc
- Avocado
- Milk and yogurt
- Whole grain pancakes
- Oatmeal
- Firm or silken tofu
- Eggs
- Chicken or turkey
- Steamed broccoli, carrots, and peas
What are examples of healthy food choices for a baby?
Parents have to be very careful about choosing the right food for their baby. The examples of healthy food choices for a baby are:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Grain foods such as oats, barley, cereals
- Dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese
- Protein rich foods like fish, lean meat, chicken, beans, eggs, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and tofu.
Which is a good organic baby food company or brand?
There are several organic baby food companies or brands. One of the best organic baby food brands is Happy Baby Organic Baby Food. It offers a robust line of organic food for babies for their first tastes. They offer iron rich oatmeal and multi-grain cereals. Also, there are various traditional fruit and vegetables pouches and puree jars for babies who are just starting on solid foods.
Conclusion
However ideal the thought of cooking food for the baby from scratch is, it can be a stressful and time consuming process, and taking out enough time for it can be difficult. Fortunately, there are high quality baby food brands that you can give your baby to meet his/her nutritional needs. You can introduce a wide variety of foods to your child in addition to cereals. All of the baby foods listed above are carefully searched and tried to ensure the best quality food for your little ones. These foods offer adequate nutritions, best tastes, colors and textures that will bring a joy to your baby’s meal time.
