Superfoods for Your Baby

Your baby’s health is your top priority, but feeding can be a challenge, especially when it’s time to introduce new foods. Try adding these eight “Baby Superfoods” as your child grows to promote healthy growth and development. (Note: introduction times vary and depend on your child’s individual progress)

Newborn
Breast milk—nature’s best nourishment for your baby. Breast milk supplies vital nutrients along with antibodies to get your baby off to the right start.

Iron-fortified cereal – Babies are born with a natural iron supple, but it depletes around six months of age. Make sure to start with a single-grain cereal to ease digestion.

4 to 6 months
Avocados – loaded with monounsaturated fats, which your baby needs for healthy brain development. They are smooth and mild, especially mixed with breast milk or formula and pureed

6 months and older
Sweet potatoes – rich in beta-carotene (turns into vitamin A), which promotes healthy vision, skin and growth and decreases your baby’s risk of infection.

Meat—excellent sources of protein, iron, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc. Just puree until smooth.

7 months and older
Beets – good source of folic acid and high in potassium and beta-carotene. Plus, they’re a sweet veggie, making them more palatable for babies. Roast or steam until soft, then mash.

9 months and older
Cheerios – this old standby is a good source of fiber. They’re also great finger foods to teach your child fine motor skills.

11 months and older
Yogurt – plain whole-milk yogurt is rich in protein, calcium, and live active cultures (for good digestion). Don’t switch to low fat or non-fat until your baby is two years old.