Here are 20 of the best baby foods for stage 1 (4 - 6 months) feeding and their nutritional benefits!
Whenever introducing a new food, be sure to do 1 at a time and wait 2 - 3 days before introducing the next food. This will give you time to ensure there is no allergic reaction. Stage 2 is when you can start combining foods together! (7 - 8 months old)
Vegetables:
Parsnip – Fiber, vitamins C and E. Roast in the oven and mash or steam and slice into sticks for BLW. (Baby Led Weaning)
Carrots – Beta-carotene (vitamin A). Steam and purée/mash or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Pumpkin – Beta-carotene. Roast in the oven and mash.
Sweet potato – Vitamin C, fiber, beta-carotene and potassium. Roast in the oven and mash or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Potato - Vitamin C, B6, potassium, manganese, magnesium. Roast in the oven or boil, then mash with formula or breastmilk, or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Squash – Vitamins A and C. Roast in the oven and mash or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Spinach – Iron, folate and vitamin C. Steam and purée with a little water or breastmilk/formula.
Broccoli – Vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, calcium, folic acid, iron and potassium. Steam and purée or steam and slice into long florets for BLW.
Avocado - Vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. (wow) Mash or slice into sticks for BLW.
Legumes:
Beans are a good source of fiber and protein! Steam them and mash them up or steam and squish them individually for BLW.
Fruits:
Watermelon - Vitamin C and A and very hydrating. Dice small or slice into sticks for BLW. (remove all seeds)
Apples – Antioxidants and Fiber. Steam and purée (with skins on) or steam and slice into sticks for BLW (skins off).
Pears – Antioxidants and Fiber. Steam and purée (with skins on) or steam and slice into sticks for BLW (skins off).
Bananas – Potassium. Mash or slide your finger down the center and the banana will split into 3 easy to grab BLW sticks.
Peaches – Vitamin C. Steam and purée or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Plums – Vitamins A, C and fiber. Steam and purée or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Papaya – Vitamins C and E, fiber and beta-carotene + digestion enzymes. Steam and mash or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Apricots – Iron, potassium and fiber. Steam and purée or steam and slice into sticks for BLW.
Blueberries – Vitamin C, beta-carotene and extremely high in antioxidants. Purée with water or squish them individually for BLW.
Kiwi fruit– Vitamin C, fibre, potassium and folate. Mash or slice into sticks for BLW.
