The Top 12 Healthy Foods for Your Baby

Everyone wants their baby’s first foods to be healthy and natural. In the past there was little question; everyone would tell you that white rice cereal was the best first food. After a little modern research, however, most doctors and nutritionists will tell you that times have changed and that old standby is no longer a good choice. Trying to decide what to feed your baby actually isn’t very complicated. Look for foods that are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that make them super healthy. This is why they are called super foods and we have a list of the top 12 that will make both you, and your baby or toddler, happy and healthy. 1. Avocados This is perhaps the most perfect first food for baby. Easy to digest and easy to prepare, just cut and offer your baby a bite. Avocados are full of healthy nutrients including Omega-3s. Find out 15 health benefits of using avocados. 2. Sweet Potatoes One of the most nutritious vegetables around is the lowly sweet potato. They are loaded with vitamins C and A, and are full of phyto-nutrients. Naturally sweet with a fabulous texture, sweet potatoes are an easy choice for your baby or toddler. 3. Bananas One of nature’s most perfect foods. Bananas come in their own container so you can take them anywhere. They are naturally sweet and sure to please. 4. Winter Squash Right up there with sweet potatoes, winter squash is one of the most perfect baby foods. There are maybe a dozen varieties, all with slightly different flavors. Bake, boil, or steam them, add a little vegetable broth, then puree to your heart's content. Toddlers can be fed chunkier versions. Winter squash is loaded with vitamins and they go well with almost anything else you want to cook. 5. Organic Whole Milk Yogurt If your baby is over 6 months old and doesn’t have a dairy intolerance, cultured yogurt is a great way to start your baby on probiotics. Try mixing different pureed fruits and veggies into the yogurt for added nutrition. 6. Homemade Soup Almost any homemade vegetable soup can be mashed up into a flavorful and healthy baby food. Be sure you haven’t added any extra salt. 7. Blueberries Another super food that is super nutritious. High in fiber and vitamins C and A, blueberries are high in antioxidants and are very good for every part of your baby’s body, including the heart, eyes, and brain. 8. Eggs Be sure to choose free range, organic eggs for lots of nutrients and protein. Eggs also contain Omega-3 fatty acids and choline, an important B vitamin. Easy to prepare and eggs are a super way to boost baby’s immune system. 9. Quinoa This is a full and complete protein, perfect for babies who are vegetarians. Quinoa is a good source of fiber and is high in iron. This is a gluten free grain that is a great alternative if you don’t want to use whole grain rice in your baby’s food. 10. Oats Another good source of protein and an easy to make food for breakfast or anytime. Rich in phytochemicals, vitamin E, and many minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Try adding a bit of fruit or honey for sweetness. 11. Coconut Besides tasting good, coconuts have a fatty acid that is similar to ones found in mother’s milk. Coconut also helps improve baby’s digestion and balance the blood sugar. Read more about other uses for coconut. 12. Beans Beans are another super food. They contain more than 10 times the amount of antioxidants found in many fruits, including oranges. High in fiber, protein, and vitamin B, they will help to keep your baby from suffering from constipation. Sources: Parenting.com Essentialbaby.com.au

The Top 12 Healthy Foods for Your Baby

4. Winter Squash

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