Baby's First Superfoods:
Introducing your baby to solid foods can be an exciting but sometimes daunting task for new parents. When it comes to choosing the first foods for your baby, it's important to choose nutrient-dense options that will help support their growth and development.
Our list doesn't have any buzzy superfoods like açai berry, irish moss seaweed, matcha, goji berries, mangosteen, pomegranate etc - these foods while healthy, are usually "superhyped", hard to find and expensive, helping create a billion-dollar industry as consumers are willing to pay more for nutrient dense food when your local farmers market or green grocer has equally as healthy superfoods without the marketing hype.
Here are some baby-friendly superfoods and tips on how to prep them:
Avocado: Avocado is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. To prep it for your baby, simply mash or puree the fruit of a ripe avocado with a fork or in a blender - add a little squeeze of lemon to prevent it turning brown. When blending, you can add a little water, breastmilk or even formula to thin out the consistency.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, which is important for eye health. To prep them, peel and chop the sweet potato into small pieces and steam until tender. You can then mash or puree them, you can mix in a small amount of coconut oil and cinnamon for a nutritious treat.
Bananas: The worlds first superfood! It was the first food used as part of a marketing strategy around World War 1 due to its practicality, being cheap and easily available. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which is important for heart health. They are also easy to digest and sweet, making them a favorite among babies. To prep them, simply mash or puree a ripe banana with a fork or in a blender that can be folded into full fat, unsweetened yogurt.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and is also rich in vitamins and minerals. To prep it for your baby, cook steel-cut oats or rolled oats according to package instructions and puree them in a blender until smooth.
Blueberries: Blueberries tops the list for antioxidant rich superfoods due to being packed with antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage - in fact it has has the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). To prep them, wash the blueberries and puree them in a blender until smooth, goes great with yoghurt.
Broccoli: Broccoli is truly a star superfood, it is rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber. To prep it for your baby, steam or roast the broccoli until tender and then puree it in a blender until smooth.
Remember to always introduce new foods one at a time, and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. It's also a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before introducing solid foods to your baby.