10 best baby foods


10 Best First Baby & Toddler Foods From a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Mom of Three

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Have you been finding yourself deep down in the rabbit hole that is Google, searching “baby first food,” then trying to sift through the flood of suggestions that pop up? Given the amount of misinformation online and the confusion caused by recent shifts in infant feeding guidelines, searching for a trustworthy and realistic baby first food list can be daunting.

Table of Contents

  • Baby first food
  • Starting solids
  • Best baby first food list
  • Baby first foods 4-6 months
  • Best first baby foods
  • Toddler food ideas

Baby first food:

This is partly why I wrote my book, Simple and Safe Baby-Led Weaning: How to Integrate Foods, Master Portion Sizes and Identify Allergies, and why my private practice and consulting company are devoted to helping parents feed their babies and kids with confidence. I’m Malina Malkani, registered dietitian, author, speaker, and the mom of three behind @healthy.mom.healthy.kids. My goal is to reduce as much parental stress around food and feeding as I can, which is why I’m excited to provide this top 10 “baby first foods” list. Each of the foods on the list are also great toddler food ideas and can transition with your baby beyond the early phase of starting complementary foods and into toddlerhood.

Starting solids:

Whether you choose to offer finger foods, purees, or both, you’ll find nutrient-rich options on this list that provide plenty of nourishment in every bite. The goals in these very early food exposures are to establish feeding, encourage exploration, introduce new textures and flavors— and to have fun! When serving finger foods, be sure that the texture is soft enough to squish easily between thumb and forefinger. Your baby may not actually ingest that much, especially at first— and that’s ok! Either breast milk or infant formula will continue to be the main source of nutrients throughout the first year of life. Learning to eat solid foods is a process that can take some time, so focus on maximizing the nutrition in every bite you can while helping to foster some curiosity and positive associations around food and feeding.

Best baby first food list: 

1. Avocado

Avocado is an excellent source of healthy, brain-building fats and also offers fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals. Cut ripe, soft avocado into wedges and either remove the peel, or serve with half the peel still on the wedge for better grip during self-feeding. Mashed or pureed avocado also works well served on a spoon.

2. Banana

Banana is a convenient first finger food for babies because it can be served with a “handle” by slicing in half widthwise, then cutting away the top half of the peel, exposing some flesh. When ripe, the soft texture of banana is ideal. Banana offers plenty of potassium, fiber and magnesium and also works well mashed or pureed and served on a spoon.  

3. Sweet potato

Steamed or baked sweet potato can be served pureed and on a spoon, or offered as a finger food, cut into roasted or baked adult finger-sized strips. Tip – using a crinkle cutter to cut sweet potato fries makes the strips easier for a baby to grasp and self-feed. Sweet potato is high in vitamin A and potassium, and offers vitamins C and E as well as fiber, copper, iron and calcium. Add a dash of ceylon cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg to help introduce your baby to new flavors.

4. Oatmeal

Whether you choose an iron-fortified infant oat cereal or simply make some quick-cook or old-fashioned oats with breast milk and/or formula, oatmeal is a great first food for babies that provides fiber as well as some protein, fat and many important vitamins and minerals including iron and zinc. 

5. Mango

Mangoes are an excellent source of many important nutrients including vitamins A, C and K. A great way to introduce the flavor of mango while soothing sore, teething gums is to cut away the majority of the mango flesh and then hand the large pit to your baby, who can chomp down on the pit and nibble away at what’s left of the fruit.

6. Steak strip

By about 6 months of age, most babies have largely exhausted the iron stores they built up in utero and need to start getting iron from solid foods. Iron is essential for brain and immune health as well as overall growth and development, and beef is an excellent source that can be served ground and cooked into a tender meatball or strip of beef patty. Another option is to serve a finger-length strip of steak cooked medium-well, the goal of which is for the baby to suck out the iron-rich juices rather than actually ingest the meat.

7. Beans 

Beans and legumes are packed with nutrients including plant-based protein, iron, fiber, zinc and choline. During the earlier stages of feeding, mash soft-cooked beans into a bean paste for spoon-feeding or in a bowl for scooping with hands.  

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C. Keep in mind as you start offering a wider variety of foods that vitamin C-rich foods including watermelon help the body better absorb plant sources of iron (like beans) when both are served at the same time.   Be sure that the watermelon flesh is soft and ripe and that you have removed any seeds before serving. Serve in long finger length strips for babies using a palmar grasp. 

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamin C as well as fiber which supports digestive health. When serving, steam broccoli until it’s very tender. The stem makes a great “handle” for your baby to grasp while nibbling on the floret.

10. Lentil or chickpea pasta

Lentil and chickpea pastas are brimming with iron, zinc, plant-based protein, fiber and many other essential nutrients important for a baby’s growth. Larger pasta shapes that are easier for baby to grasp and self-feed include penne, fusilli, farfalle, shell and bowtie. Cook until very tender and serve with olive oil and garlic, tomato sauce, or another flavorful, low-sodium sauce for easier swallowing.

Baby first foods 4-6 months:

When to start giving your baby solids? Health organizations including the AAP, WHO, CDC, and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines all recommend starting solids at about 6 months of age, once babies are showing the signs of readiness for complementary foods.  

Best first baby foods:

Once feeding is underway and a baby has been introduced to a few first foods that are not potentially allergenic (such as all of those in our top 10 list above), it’s time to start introducing top allergenic foods (such as peanut and egg) in infant-safe forms to help prevent the development of food allergies (unless a baby has been identified as at high risk for food allergies and the pediatrician or allergist has recommended an alternative plan for allergen introduction). 

Introduce each top allergenic food for the first time either alone or along with foods the baby has had and tolerated previously so that in the event of a reaction, it’s easier to determine which food is responsible. An often forgotten piece of the allergy prevention puzzle is that once top allergenic foods have been introduced and tolerated, it’s important to build them into the baby’s diet 2-3 times per week going forward.

Toddler food ideas:

If this all sounds like a heavy lift and you want someone you trust to do all of the thinking and meal planning for you, check out my Safe & Simple 12-Week Meal Plan. This complete roadmap walks you through the first 90 days of your baby’s solid food feeding journey. It shows you exactly how to introduce each food, provides multiple daily options for balanced baby meals, lays out the timing of top allergen introduction, provides over 30 family- and baby-friendly recipes complete with weekly shopping lists, and provides a plan for keeping top allergens (once introduced) in your baby’s diet early and often. Please use promo code, BOBBIE20, at checkout.

Happy feeding! 

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant's pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.

Baby's first foods: The 10 best foods for babies

These 10 first foods are ideal for your baby because they're full of essential nutrients, reasonably priced, easy to prepare, and delicious.  Avocados contain healthy fats, while bananas are loaded with potassium. Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, whereas broccoli offers fiber and folate. Both lentils and meat are packed with protein. Prunes can help with constipation, and yogurt helps form healthy bones and teeth. Sweet potatoes and winter squash are great sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's important to offer your baby a variety of healthy foods. There are lots of healthy, baby-friendly foods out there, but these 10 recommended by doctors and dietitians alike stand out from the pack. From vitamin-rich fruits and veggies to meats and beans loaded with protein, these superfoods are full of essential nutrients, reasonably priced, easy to prepare, and delicious.

Many are also favorite first foods. Before introducing solids, talk to the doctor about your baby's readiness for solids, and which foods to introduce and when. Then introduce foods one at a time, waiting at least three days after each new food to watch for any allergic reaction.

Avocados

BabyCenter parents are all about avocado as a first food. This buttery fruit-vegetable is rich in healthy unsaturated fats that help boost brain development. In fact, the fat composition of avocados is somewhat similar to that of breast milk.

Serving ideas: Mash avocado with a fork, or make baby guacamole.

Bananas

Known as a good source of potassium, this grab-and-go fruit also contains vitamins B6 and C, fiber, and magnesium.

Serving ideas: Make banana and mango puree. Or, for your little one's first smoothie, puree banana and peach chunks with whole-milk yogurt.

Blueberries

Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants. The deep, brilliant blue of these berries comes from flavonoids that benefit your baby's eyes, brain, and even urinary tract.

Serving ideas: Blend or mash blueberries well and swirl a spoonful of the juicy purple puree into yogurt, or top silky coconut milk rice pudding with blueberry compote.

Broccoli

This cruciferous vegetable is a rich source of essential nutrients, including fiber, folate, and calcium. Introduce your baby to broccoli's bold flavor early, and you'll be expanding their tastes and encouraging a lifelong love of green vegetables.

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Serving idea: Steam until soft, cut into pieces small enough for your child to eat safely, and then chill. Steaming takes the bite out of broccoli, and some babies prefer the texture and taste when it's cold.

Lentils

Beans and other legumes pack lots of lean protein and fiber. But unlike larger beans, little lentils simmer into a pleasing mush just right for baby bites. They're also one of the cheapest healthy foods you can buy.

Serving ideas: Cook finely diced carrots along with the lentils. As your baby gets older, double up on nutrient-rich foods by making lentil and spinach stew.

Meat

Lack of iron can cause anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends meat as a first food because it's such a great source of protein, zinc, and iron, especially red meat and dark poultry meat. Plus, babies absorb iron more easily from meat than from iron-fortified cereals, another common first food.

Serving ideas: If your baby is new to solids, try our easy turkey or chicken puree recipe. As they get older, introduce new flavors with chicken curry with green beans and zucchini or shepherd's pie.

Prunes

Whether you call them "prunes" or "dried plums," these humble fruits don't sound glamorous – but they're soft, sweet, and full of fiber. Your baby may suffer from constipation when switching to solids, as it's a big change for their system. Add pureed prunes to your baby's diet to aid digestion and keep things moving.

Serving ideas: Serve pureed prunes alone or mixed with other foods, such as oatmeal, cereal, or applesauce, for a naturally sweet treat.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the more popular first foods for babies, who tend to like both their sweetness and texture. These colorful root vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and minerals, including iron and copper.

Serving ideas: Serve sweet potato puree alone or swirled into pureed chicken or turkey.

Winter squash

Orange- or yellow-fleshed hard winter squashes such as butternut, acorn, and pumpkin boast many benefits, one of which is they're exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, recognized for being great for eyes. Squash is also an excellent source of vitamin C. Natural sweetness and a creamy texture add to the appeal of winter varieties.

Serving ideas: Roast a winter squash like butternut, scoop out the flesh, and puree it for an easy first food. As your baby gets older, introduce new flavors and textures with dishes like smashed chickpea and butternut chili.

Yogurt

Creamy yogurt is rich in calcium and vitamin D, necessary for healthy bones and teeth. Your baby can have it at 4 to 6 months, long before they'll be ready for cow's milk.

Opt for plain yogurt with no added sugar. Also look for a brand with the most live cultures, which help regulate the good bacteria in your baby's digestive tract. Make sure you pick up whole-milk yogurt – babies need the calories from fat.

Serving ideas: Yogurt is fine on its own, or swirl in pureed berries or other fresh fruit, applesauce, or mashed avocado.

rating of the top 10 Russian and foreign brands with reviews according to KP

Goods for children are always under special quality control. Including food. After all, food for a baby is not only a way to satisfy hunger, but also acquaintance with different tastes and a guarantee of healthy development (1). Today there are many different brands. Among them, we selected the best manufacturers of baby food, based on the reviews of parents and expert opinions.

Rating of the top 5 Russian baby food manufacturers according to KP

There are many popular brands among Russian manufacturers of baby food. Basically, various purees, juices, cereals and dairy products are presented on the market. There are also formulas for babies, but in smaller quantities. The popularity of food is due to high quality and rather low (in comparison with foreign analogues) price.

1. "Agusha"

"Agusha". Photo: yandex.market.ru

Agusha is one of the most popular manufacturers of baby food in Russia. The trademark appeared in 1992 and has a wide range of products for children of all ages. Newborns are offered powdered milk formulas, babies from 4 months - a variety of purees, sour-milk products, water, older children - ready-made cereals (both dairy and non-dairy), juices, fruit drinks, compotes and fruit bars for a snack.

Thanks to the availability and variety of products, the manufacturer is confidently holding onto the Russian market. The safety and quality of Agushi is also confirmed by some neutral studies. For example, fruit cottage cheese, as well as kefir from this brand, received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (2, 3).

However, some parents are confused by the rather high price of certain items.

The main characteristics
Manufacturer Pepsico Russia
Assortment puree, Dry Milk mixes, porridge, fruit bars , recommended ages C Founded 1992
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line; a wide range of.

High price for some items.

2. FrutoNyanya

FrutoNyanya. Photo: yandex.market.ru

FrutoNyanya baby food brand products are distinguished by a wide range and wide distribution in stores. Among the products of the brand you can find: a variety of cereals (with additives in the form, for example, pieces of fruit or without them), vegetable, fruit and meat purees, water, dairy products, juices, fruit drinks and nectars, snacks. For children prone to acute reactions to certain products, a special line of hypoallergenic food is offered.

Some of the brand's products have received high ratings from Roskachestvo, for example, biocurd, buckwheat porridge (4, 5).

Nutrition from this brand is designed for both the first complementary foods and for babies after a year. The composition contains salt and sugar, which are not recommended for children under one year old.

Main characteristics
Manufacturer Progress
Assortment purees, drinks, soups, snacks, cereals, snacks, water
Recommended age from 0 months
Founded 2000
Pros and cons
There are hypoallergenic products.

May contain allergenic ingredients (eg sugar).

3. "Grandmother's Lukoshko"

"Grandmother's Lukoshko". Photo: yandex.market.ru

The manufacturer has been present on the Russian market since 1999. The main product is a variety of purees, which are available in glass jars and soft packs. For example, apple puree from this brand received the highest rating from Roskachestvo in all analysis criteria and was awarded the Quality Mark (6).

For older children, prepared meals, meatballs, healthy snacks such as fruit lozenges and biscuits are available. Also, "Babushkino Lukoshko" produces children's herbal teas. Salt in some products is not always welcomed by parents.

The main characteristics
manufacturer "Sivma"
Assortment puree, finished lunch, drinks, fruit pastures
Recommended age from 4 months
Founded 1999
Pros and cons

Relatively low price in the segment; varied products.

There may be undesirable auxiliary components in the formulation (eg salt).

4. "Subject"

"Subject". Photo: yandex.market.ru

"Theme" offers products for children from 4 months to 3 years. The assortment includes a variety of meat, fish and vegetable purees, dairy products, ready meals and juices. But fruit purees are not presented. Packaging 一 is one of the distinguishing features of the brand. Thanks to special tin cans, the products are reliably protected from sunlight, which prolongs the shelf life. Also, many products of the brand are available in non-spill packages, so it is convenient to take them with you on the road. According to the results of the research, cottage cheese and juice "Theme" received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (7, 8).

5. Diaper

Diaper. Photo: market.yandex.ru

All ingredients for production are supplied from our own farm. The manufacturer claims that thanks to this, it is possible to set fairly low prices for products.

The potential buyer is offered fruit and vegetable purees (some with cottage cheese), soups, various juices and fruit drinks, as well as water. Some of the products are hypoallergenic. The composition does not contain unnecessary components: salt, sugar and preservatives. Meat and fish products are not represented in the product line.

The main characteristics
SIT
Manufacturer "Gardens Podonya"
Assortment puree, cream-soups, cereal
Recommended age SITULATY OF 4 months 2005
Pros and cons

Low price in the segment; simple and clear structure.

Lack of meat and fish products in the assortment.

Rating of the top 5 foreign manufacturers of baby food according to KP

There are many foreign companies that produce baby food on the Russian market. A century of history, many years of experience and a good reputation helps to supply the market with quality products, which are preferred by many parents.

1. Gerber

Gerber. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The assortment of the American manufacturer includes products for children from 4 months. In supermarkets and online sites, you can find vegetable and fruit purees, cereals, healthy snacks, juices, and desserts (cottage cheese treats, smoothies, and others). Hypoallergenic food is also provided. For example, dairy-free buckwheat porridge of this brand is highly appreciated by Roskachestvo experts, who noted the safe composition of the product without dangerous and harmful substances, including no added sugars (9).

The manufacturer claims that the high prices are due to the corresponding quality, which is ensured by strict standards and adherence to technology.

The main characteristics
0022
Manufacturer Nestle
Assortment puree, porridge, snacks, desserts
Recommended ° from 4 months from 4 months СО 4 months of from 4 months of
Founded 1927
Pros and cons

Hypoallergenic products; natural composition; high quality.

High price in the baby food segment.

2. HiPP

HiPP. Photo: yandex.market. ru

German manufacturer's products are suitable for children from birth. Infants are offered hypoallergenic powdered milk formulas enriched with vitamins. For feeding - various purees, cream soups, cereals, and as a snack for older children - snacks and dairy desserts.

Meals are made exclusively from natural ingredients, without added sugar. The high price, according to the manufacturer, is due to the use of special technologies and high-quality products.

The main characteristics
9 months 9 months 9 months 9.0025
manufacturer HIPP
Assortment puree, cereals, drinks, snacks, dry dairy mixtures
Recommended age
Country of origin Germany
Founded 1957
Pros and cons

Natural composition; There are baby formulas in the assortment.

High price of products.

3.

Fleur Alpine Fleur Alpine. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Natural baby food of premium quality. The range includes purees, cereals, cookies and juices - both regular and for children prone to allergies or intolerant to gluten. In addition to the usual products, the manufacturer offers olive oil (from 6 months) and sauces (from 3 years).

From time to time, the products of this brand come under the attention of experts from Roskachestvo and Roskontrol. For example, Three cereals porridge showed excellent results: a good composition with dietary fiber and no foreign impurities, the appropriate taste, color and smell (10), and buckwheat porridge meets the advanced standards of Roskachestvo, except for the increased protein content (11).

Not all products on the official website can be purchased in a regular store. However, they can be purchased on marketplaces.

High price; Not all brand products are easy to find on offline sites.

4. Semper

Semper. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The Swedish company offers a wide range of products for children of all ages. Dry milk formulas are suitable for newborns, and there are even specialized ones that are best used for constipation. Some of them are designed for babies older than six months. For crumbs older than 4 months, the manufacturer offers a variety of vegetable, meat, fish and fruit purees, cereals, juices and children's tea with vitamins. In addition to the usual products for children, there are wellings — oatmeal and multi-cereal porridges with natural additives, cookies, and meatballs.

Roskachestvo examined this brand's applesauce and, apart from its high carbohydrate content (higher than indicated on the package), found no drawbacks (12). In addition, some purees contain starch.

The main characteristics
° 0 months0025
Manufacturer Hero Group
Assortment Dairy mixtures, puree, cereals, drinks, cookies
Recommended age ° 0 months
Country of origin Sweden
Founded 1963
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line interesting combinations of flavors.

High price in the segment; the presence of starch in the puree; the product according to BJU may differ from that stated on the package.

5. Heinz

Heinz. Photo: yandex.market.ru

American food company offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. There are fruit, vegetable and meat purees, cereals (dairy and non-dairy), soups and drinks. As a healthy snack for babies from 5 months, special cookies are suitable, and fruit and cream puddings will be a great dessert for older children. You can also find a special vermicelli that will suit crumbs from 6 months. The manufacturer's porridges received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (13). However, some products contain sugar and starch, which many parents of babies do not approve of.

The main characteristics
C C C 9 months .
Manufacturer Heinz
Assortment puree, soups, vermichel, pudding, cookies, tea
Recommended age USA
Year of Manufacture 1869
Pros and Cons

Product contains prebiotics; affordable price in the segment of baby food from foreign manufacturers.

Some products contain sugar and starch.

How to choose the right baby food

A child's menu may differ from another baby's diet, not only because of age, but also due to health conditions (for example, a tendency to constipation or a dairy allergy) and personal preferences. However, the first thing to consider is age. It’s also important to keep in mind that your baby’s diet should be free of added salt and sugar (14). Certain positions deserve some explanation.

Milk formulas

Designed for feeding babies. In fact, they are designed to become an alternative to mother's milk. For the full development of the crumbs, it is necessary that vitamins and trace elements are present in the composition.

Canned puree

Introduced from 4 months. There are fruit, vegetable, meat and fish options. Combinations are also possible. For the first feeding, it is recommended to choose one-component purees from vegetables or fruits.

Porridges

Porridges, as well as mashed potatoes, are recommended to be offered to a baby from 4 months. Thanks to the special processing of cereals, baby porridge is easily boiled, which significantly saves cooking time.

Nectars, juices

You can give your baby juice or nectar from the age of 4 months. As long as it doesn't contain sugar. If available, it is better to wait at least up to 1 year.

Reviews of doctors about manufacturers of baby food

一 Baby food is becoming an object of special attention on the part of the state and parents, 一 says pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova . - The main advantages of industrial products and dishes are ease of use, balanced composition and minimal cooking time. However, you must strictly follow the age recommendations and cooking rules indicated on the labels.

- Dairy products and baby food in particular are complex production products where quality control is essential at all stages. Therefore, it is better to trust large manufacturers, - explains sanitary doctor Nikolai Dubinin . - It is important to pay attention to the composition and, before offering the child, taste the food yourself. In general, doctors agree that commercially produced baby food is no worse than home-cooked. And some are even better, due to supplements in the form of vitamins and trace elements.

Popular questions and answers

We answer the most common questions about baby food together with pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova and sanitary doctor, epidemiologist Nikolai Dubinin.

How to choose food for the first feeding?

Pediatricians recommend starting the first complementary foods with vegetable puree. Fruits contain a large amount of fructose, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, the parent himself can boil and grind vegetables to a puree-like consistency, but it is easier to purchase products in the store, since baby food is made in compliance with special technologies, taking into account all the rules and regulations.

Another question is how to choose a brand among such a variety of baby foods. The best solution is to stick with a well-known brand. Large companies care about their reputation, and therefore strictly follow all established quality standards and do not violate production technology.

The next step is to study the information on the label, make sure the quality, evaluate the following indicators:

Natural composition. Preservatives, salt, sugar and other ingredients should not be present in the composition (at least in products for children under 1 year old).
Consistency (grinding quality). A good puree should be smooth and without lumps.
Multi or single ingredient . The first puree should contain only one ingredient. The child should get used to a certain vegetable, after which it will be possible to introduce others, adding each one in turn, so that the baby gets used to everything individually.
Hypoallergenic product. Formula must not contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
Package integrity . It is important to inspect the container in detail for dents, scratches or cracks (chips). Tightness must be observed. Don't forget to check the production date.
Appropriate for the age of the child . The age for which this or that product is designed is usually indicated on the packaging in compliance with the recommendations of pediatricians.

When all these factors are taken into account, it can be said that the product is really suitable for the child and will not cause side effects (15).

Which of the Russian manufacturers should I pay attention to?

Baby food brand Agusha has been producing products for over 30 years. The assortment has everything you need for a complete diet for kids: dairy products, cereals, fruit, vegetable and meat purees, juices and compotes. The company produces safe, hypoallergenic, complete nutrition for children of all ages. High-quality substitutes for breast milk and subsequent complementary foods are also produced. It is also recommended to pay attention to the manufacturers "FrutoNyanya" and "Theme".

What composition should healthy baby food contain?

When choosing puree in jars, pay attention to the composition. The ingredients should be natural, a good option (especially for younger kids) if the puree is a one-component puree - a fruit or vegetable plus water. Please note that the product does not contain salt, flour, starch, dyes and preservatives, and is not too diluted with water. The vegetable itself may contain starch, but its additional additives are very undesirable.

Sources

  1. Once again about baby food. Ladodo K. S. 2003.
  2. Roskachestvo rating. Children's cottage cheese "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/tvorog-detskiy-fruktovyy-agusha-multifruktovyy-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-9/
  3. Roskachestvo rating. Children's kefir "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kefir-agusha-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-2-dlya-pitaniya-detey-starshe-8-mesyatsev/
  4. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-frutonyanya-yabloko-obogashchennyy-vitaminom-d3-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-4-2-dlya-pitaniya-d/
  5. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/frutonyanya-pervyy-vybor-grechnevaya-kasha/
  6. Roskachestvo rating. Apple puree "Babushkino Lukoshko" URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-fruktovoe-gomogenizirovannoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-pitaniya-detey-rannego-vozrasta-s-4-mesyatse/
  7. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-tyema-obogashchennyy-bifidobakteriyami-s-grushey-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-massovaya-dolya-zh/
  8. Roskachestvo rating. Apple juice "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/sok-yablochnyy-vostanovlennyy-osvetlennyy-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya/
  9. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Gerber. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/bezmolochnaya-kasha-gerber-grechnevaya/
  10. Roskachestvo rating. Porridge "Three cereals" Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-fleur-alpine-tri-zlaka-/
  11. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-grechnevaya-gipoallergennaya-fleur-alpine/
  12. Roskachestvo rating. Applesauce Semper. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-iz-yablok-fruktovoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-s-4-mesyatsev-semper/
  13. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Heinz. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/grechnevaya-kashka-heinz-bezmolochnaya-nizkoallergennaya/
  14. Baby food safety. Zakharova I.N., Aisanova M.R. 2019.
  15. Classification of baby food products, requirements for their quality and safety. Georgieva O.V., Pyrieva E. A., Kon I.Ya. 2018.

TOP-10 best baby food manufacturers

How to choose a baby food manufacturer

Quality nutrition is the key to your child's health and the formation of proper eating habits. Therefore, when choosing a manufacturer, pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Price category. In pursuit of quality, parents choose the most expensive products for their baby, forgetting that the demand for them will only grow every month. Therefore, it is important to choose the best price for you, which you are willing to pay daily.
  • Country of manufacture. The quality of the goods produced depends on the country in which the products for the preparation of baby food are grown. And also in different countries there are different quality control and acceptable standards for the content of a particular substance. Technical capabilities also play an important role in production, for example, not all domestic manufacturers are able to produce medical nutrition and formula.
  • Assortment. It is important that the brand's product line contains as many products as possible. Since the positive reaction of the child's body to a certain product indicates that it will be the same for all the others. And a large selection will not force you to look for another good manufacturer, because baby food is designed for children from birth to three years.
  • Foundation time. The duration of a company's existence on the market testifies to the quality of its products. Consumer loyalty is earned over the years. Therefore, brands with a worldwide reputation are more trusted.

In order to help you make the right choice, we have prepared for you a review of the best baby food brands, both foreign and domestic. And to make a comparison and choose the best one from them, everyone should be on their own.

Useful selections

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it obligatory to feed the child with products of the same brand?

No, not necessarily. But choosing products from the range of the same manufacturer, you reduce the risk of allergies and other side effects. If your baby has come up with the nutrition of a certain brand, then you should not experiment with others.

Why is industrial food better than homemade food?

The quality of the original products is subject to strict control in production, and you can only be sure of the quality of a homemade product if you have grown it yourself. Also, the production complies with the norms of the content of useful substances in the product. For example, pure milk is not used, it is split into components, removing excess fat and some proteins.

Another advantage of factory-made products is that regardless of the season, your child's diet will be varied. And many of the goods that the baby needs cannot be prepared at home.

What raw materials do manufacturers use?

Most brands of baby food work with suppliers of various raw materials, and do not grow themselves. Some companies claim to control the process of planting and growing fruits and vegetables at suppliers. They also request a soil sample for self-checking.

But be that as it may, the products entering the production undergo a thorough control for GMOs, antibiotics and other impurities. The quality of products is monitored not only by the company itself, but also by Rospotrebnadzor. Goods entering Russia from abroad are also controlled for compliance with the standards for the content of individual components adopted in the country.

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Rating of baby food manufacturers

10. Kabrita

  • Goat milk products
  • Country: Holland
  • Rating (2021): 8

Kabrita products belong to the premium segment. It appeared on the Russian market recently, only 8 years ago, but is already among the top brands. The range of the company is small. All products are made on the basis of an adapted milk formula from goat's milk and are presented in three categories: mixtures, cereals and purees. Suitable for children from birth, as well as for newborns allergic to cow's milk protein. Buyers note a soft creamy taste that kids really like.

  • Advantages
    • Goat milk
    • Natural ingredients
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Suitable for children from birth
  • Flaws
    • Price
    • Assortment
    • No fermented milk products

9. Gerber

  • Best snacks for kids (bars and snacks)
  • USA
  • 0541

American manufacturer, on the market for almost 100 years. Deservedly has good reviews from moms around the world. The company's products are represented on the Russian market by more than 80 items. These include cereals, various purees, juices, cookies, bars and snacks. The company does not produce mixtures, which means that the products are only suitable for children who are ready for the first feeding. The main assortment of this brand is canned mashed potatoes, there are no problems with the choice, but you will have to look for other products. This is especially true for wheat-oat snacks and rice-wheat stars, which are a feature of the brand.

  • Advantages
    • Snacks
    • "clean" composition
    • Vitamins and minerals in the composition
    • Hypoallergenic products
  • Flaws
    • Price
    • No fermented milk products and formula
    • Not always available in the store

8. Tyoma

  • The best baby milk food manufacturer in Russia
  • Country: Russia
  • Rating (2021): 8.5

Since 1999, the Russian manufacturer has been producing baby food for children from six months. The main specialization of the company is dairy products: cottage cheese, biolact, milk porridge, baby milk and yogurt. The range also includes juices, fruit and vegetable purees, meat and vegetable purees. The company does not use glass jars. Meat purees are packed in cans, which extends their shelf life, and the rest of the purees are sold in pouches, which are convenient to take with you.

  • Advantages
    • Price
    • Assortment of fermented milk products
    • Packaging
    • Quality raw materials
  • Flaws
    • No formula and cereals
    • Small range
    • Not suitable for children from birth

7. Heinz

  • The best assortment of cereals
  • Country: USA
  • Rating (2021): 8.5

The Heinz brand is represented on the Russian market by the following products: cereals, puree, vermicelli, biscuits, tea, puddings. Among all manufacturers, the brand has the most diverse range of cereals: dairy, whole grain, low-allergenic, dairy-free, vegetable, drinkable, multicomponent and for grown-up children. The latter are distinguished by a larger grinding that needs to be boiled, which helps the child move from baby food to the general table. The product line also includes meat and fish dishes.

  • Advantages
    • Budget brand
    • Assortment
    • Ready meals
    • Products for older babies
  • Flaws
    • No mixture
    • No fermented milk products
    • Sugar often found in the composition

6.

Nutricia
  • Best baby formula manufacturer
  • Country: Holland
  • Rating (2021): 8.5

Multi-brand manufacturer includes such brands as: Nutrilon, Malyutka, Malysh and Nutricia. The company specializes in the production of canned milk formulas of various price categories and a wide range of applications. For example, hypoallergenic, sour-milk, lactose-free, anti-reflux and many others. The company also produces cereals, vegetable and fruit purees.

  • Advantages
    • Variety
    • Assortment
    • Suitable for babies from birth
    • Hypoallergenic
  • Flaws
    • Small product line
    • No ready meals
    • No dairy products

5. Agusha

  • The widest range
  • Country: Russia
  • Rating (2021): 9

A Russian manufacturer that has been presenting its products on the market for almost 40 years. Under the Agusha brand, the widest range of baby food is produced, with the exception of powdered milk mixtures and ready meals. Not so long ago, mini breads and fruit bars appeared on the market, intended for a snack for children older than a year. There is also a new triangular packaging with a tube for fruit and berry purees. Among fermented milk products, fermented baked milk can be distinguished, which is not available from other manufacturers.

  • Advantages
    • Inexpensive
    • Assortment
    • Baby products
    • Packaging
  • Flaws
    • No mix
    • No ready meals
    • Ingredients not always perfect

4. Frutonyanya

  • The best Russian manufacturer, price/quality ratio
  • Country: Russia
  • Rating (2021): 9

The company is the leader of the domestic baby food market. A wide range of products includes more than 250 items, with the exception of milk formula. All taste components included in the nutrition are familiar to the Russian consumer. From ready meals, the manufacturer offers soups and liquid cereals, and from fermented milk products - baby milk, biolact, cocktails, yogurt and cottage cheese. Among the line of meat products stand out meat purees "Halal" that meet the standards of Islam. There is dry food, but not much, mostly porridge.

  • Advantages
    • Wide range
    • Value for money
    • Ready meals
    • Dairy products available
  • Flaws
    • No mix
    • Not always perfect composition
    • Not suitable for children from birth

3. Fleur Alpine

  • Producer of cereals based on goat and cow milk
  • Country: Germany
  • Rating (2021): 9.5

The company has been presenting its products on the market since 2008. The natural composition of products involves the preservation of the natural content of vitamins and trace elements in the product. The company's product selection, in addition to cereals and purees, includes cookies, bars, crackers, drinks, pasta and, notably, butter. I would also like to note that cereals are made on cow, goat and with no milk. Many products are suitable for children only from the age of three, for example, pomegranate juice and chocolate chip cookies.

  • Advantages
    • Natural composition
    • Assortment
    • Producer of cereals based on goat and cow milk
    • Baby oil
  • Flaws
    • Price
    • No dairy products
    • No formulas

2. Semper

  • "Adult" dishes for baby food
  • Country: Sweden
  • Rating (2021): 10

The Swedish premium manufacturer Semper has been present on the Russian market for 20 years. During this time, the brand has earned loyalty and trust from customers. The company is included in the list of the most popular manufacturers of baby food in the world. Products are presented for both newborns and older children. The manufacturer does not offer the most diverse menu that is familiar to the Russian consumer.

On the other hand, the assortment contains components and even individual dishes that you will not find in other companies. For example, among the individual components - orange, strawberry, mango, and among the dishes - spaghetti bolognese, Italian pasta with trout and all kinds of stews. Also presented is an exclusively Swedish product - walling.

  • Advantages
    • Ready Meals
    • Best Ingredients
    • Rare Ingredients
    • All Ages
  • Flaws
    • Price
    • There are no fermented milk products in the assortment
    • Not available everywhere

1. Hipp

  • Best foreign brand, strict quality control from soil to finished product
  • Country: Germany
  • Rating (2021): 10

The German company, founded in 1899, first introduced the concept of "organic" in relation to baby food.


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