5 Best Healthy Baby Food Options

Baby food doesn’t have to be made from powdered or canned foods. There are many nutritious options you can feed your baby. Here are the five best healthy baby food options.

1. Breast milk
   Breast is best when it comes to baby food. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all mothers breastfeed their babies until at least six months old and continue breastfeeding for a year or longer if they can. However, many moms cannot produce enough breast milk to satisfy the nutritional needs of their children. If you fall into this category, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about formula supplements or baby food options that will meet your baby’s nutritional demands. In some cases, with the help of a pediatrician, you may be able to make your baby food from organic ingredients and still provide adequate nutrition for your baby.
2. Infant cereals
   In addition to breast milk or formula, most infants can start eating solid foods after four to six months. When you start introducing your baby to solids, it is important that you do not feed her anything with added salt, sugar, or fat. Most pediatricians suggest starting with infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula and put into a mesh feeder for teething babies. If you choose the cereal option, be sure to mix in some pureed fruit and vegetables, so your baby gets a balanced meal and does not grow accustomed to eating mostly cereal.
3. Organic baby food
   There are many organic baby food options on the market today that can provide healthy alternatives for infants who need nutritional supplements or just want something different than infant cereals every day of the week. Some brands offer several different flavors, including banana, peas, and mashed potatoes, to keep your infant interested in eating. Since organic baby food is made with all-natural ingredients, it should not contain preservatives or coloring agents found in many other baby foods.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables
   If you were to ask most pediatricians what the healthiest baby food is, they would probably tell you fresh fruits and vegetables are the best options for infants who can eat solids. You can steam, roast, or simply chop up fruit and vegetables and offer them to your child whenever he seems hungry during the day. When introducing feeding time to your infant, you may want to start offering small bites of bland-tasting foods at first, so there will be less chance of allergic reaction. And, of course, no added ingredients or salt!
5. Mashed meats
   While many pediatricians recommend against feeding your baby meat before 12 months old because it can be difficult for them to chew and swallow, if your child seems ready, you can feed her mashed meat mixed with some infant cereal or pureed fruit and vegetables. Remember that feeding raw meats to babies is not recommended due to the risk of parasites often found in uncooked meats. You should also make sure chicken or any ground meats are fully cooked until steaming hot all the way through before feeding your baby.

You can talk to a pediatrician or other healthcare professional for more information about healthy baby food. They can help you choose the right type of baby food depending on your child’s health needs, personal preferences, and food allergies.