Best organic baby food reviews


12 Best Organic Baby Food Brands to Buy 2022

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As a busy parent, time isn’t always on your side. Making baby food from scratch can be stressful and time consuming, especially when it comes to appeasing picky eaters. Luckily, there are several pre-made organic baby food options that take the guesswork out of feeding your child.

Since the National Organic Program of the USDA has developed strict rules and regulations that govern USDA certified organic foods, those carrying the USDA organic seal cannot contain GMOs or any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. And certain studies show that organic fruits and vegetables have significantly more antioxidant polyphenols than conventionally grown produce. Encouraging an abundance and variety of fruits and vegetables at all ages is key, but organically grown produce can provide some additional benefits without the GMOs or preservatives.

And speaking of ages, our nutrition experts point out that baby food stages aren’t standardized but there are general guidelines that many brands utilize. Keep in mind that every baby develops differently, and some babies are ready for stage 2 before they are 7 months old, while others may not be ready until they are closer to 10 months old. Talk to your pediatrician to help guide you throughout the process, and remember that it’s important for babies to advance through the stages on their own time.

As a general rule of thumb, Stage 1 foods generally consist of a single ingredient purees and are ideal for babies ages 4-6 months. Stage 2 foods are best for babies ages 6-9 months and start to incorporate more than one ingredient. Stage 3 foods are for babies 9-12 months, and they feature a lot of different textures and new flavors. Stage 4 foods are for babies at least one year of age and typically indicate that table food can be introduced.

A note on heavy metals in baby food: If you’ve heard about concerns regarding heavy metals in baby food, it’s important to know that they are naturally occurring and enter the food supply from natural sources like soil, water and air. It is nearly impossible to completely avoid these metals, but parents can minimize the risk by feeding their baby a variety of foods. Opt for grain-based cereals and snacks instead of rice-based options and be sure to limit fruit juices. Our experts say you can and should keep giving carrots and sweet potatoes because they contain important nutrients, but given that they grow in the ground, they may naturally contain higher levels of heavy metals so be sure to serve them along with other fruits and vegetables.

To make sure you're giving your child the very best, we put several brands to the test through a panel of kids, moms and editors to see which organic baby food products are the best for your baby. We’ve also included information on what measures each brand is taking regarding minimizing heavy metals in their products. Here are the best organic baby foods of 2022:

Once Upon a Farm

Organic Fruit & Veggie Blend Baby Sampler

Once Upon A Farm

SHOP AT AMAZON

Cerebelly

Organic Baby Puree Pouches

Cerebelly

SHOP AT AMAZON

Holle USA

Organic Fruit Puree

Holle USA

SHOP AT AMAZON

Happy Family Organics

Pouches & Jars

SHOP AT AMAZON

Plum

Organics Pouches

SHOP AT AMAZON

Serenity Kids

Organic Savory Veggies and Ethically Sourced Meats Variety Pack

Serenity Kids

$34 AT AMAZON

ALDI

Little Journey Pouches

SHOP AT ALDI

Amara

Organic Baby Food Pouches

Amara

SHOP AT AMAZON

Gerber

Organic Pouches & Freshful Start

SHOP AT AMAZON

Little Spoon

Little Spoon

This subscription-based baby food service brings a unique twist to the traditional baby food we see on the market. Our nutrition pros appreciate that the organic baby blends feature nutritious ingredient combinations including chia seeds, buckwheat, pumpkin seed and hemp seeds. Plus, they offer a line of small packs called boosters that act as nutritional supplements to mix into your baby’s food that our mommy testers loved. You can select from four different types of boosters that are carefully sourced with vitamins, minerals, probiotics and organic produce.

Their line of Babyblends purees are now Clean Label Project verified, which tests for over 400 industrial environmental contaminants including heavy metals and more.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Yumi

Blends

Yumi

SHOP AT HELLOYUMI.COM

Tiny Organics

Tiny Organics

These organic baby and toddler meals are conveniently delivered to your door and are packed with super nutrients. Our nutrition pros and testers both love that Tiny products are free from the big 8 allergens. Curated by a team of chef and neonatal nutritionists, the meals are made fresh and shipped frozen. Their new Tiny Beginnings product line has six different plant-based baby meal options to choose from and is created for 4-8-month-olds.

When sourcing ingredients, Tiny's team shared with GH that they require the farmers to provide heavy metal tests on the lots from the year prior and when they harvest the new lot. The team also does internal lab tests on specific ingredients to make sure it is within the brand's specifications. All ingredients are all sustainably sourced within the US from local farms to reduce carbon footprint and are USDA-certified organic.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

How we tested

Registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab evaluated dozens of baby food products, specifically analyzing ingredient lists and nutrition labels. Our nutrition experts prioritized USDA Certified Organic options made with wholesome ingredients and free of artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. We also investigated efforts that the brands are making to minimize heavy metal exposure in their products. In addition to expert analysis, we recruited a panel of parents and little ones to provide real-life feedback on quality, variety, portion sizes, convenience, packaging and more. We’re confident that our top picks are the best organic baby food options to provide exceptional nourishment and quality.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab for the past two years, Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT handles all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation. She stays up to date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition, and she also runs large-scale tests and analysis for products ranging from protein bars to supplements. She has a master's degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has been a registered dietitian for six years, working in the clinical setting prior to Good Housekeeping and obtaining advanced credentials and board certifications in the nutrition field. As a new mom to a 6-month-old baby girl, Stefani is personally invested in thoroughly vetting and testing baby food products for her family and yours.

Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT Nutrition Lab Deputy Director Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition- and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation.

The Best Organic Baby Foods of 2022

Feeding

written by JACLYN VORAN

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

    It’s time to start your baby on solid foods—congrats! You and your baby have reached a big milestone.

    If you’re anything like us, you may feel overwhelmed at where to start. It seems that everyone has an opinion on what’s best for babies when it comes to, well, just about everything—and starting solid foods is no exception.

    Whether you’re taking the puree approach, diving straight into baby-led weaning, or some combination of the two, the most important thing is starting your baby off with a healthy and balanced diet. This means a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products (that don’t include milk since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk or formula until 12 months before offering them whole milk).

    With so many baby food options out there today, it’s easy to get confused and to wonder what’s best or if there’s really any difference.

     

    Is Organic Baby Food Actually Better?

    Nutritionally, no. When it comes to chemicals and pesticides, yes.

    Research does not suggest that organic food provides major nutritional benefits over non-organic food, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, organic baby foods may have lower levels of certain pesticides and other chemicals, the AAP says.

    The one thing all experts agree on is that offering your baby a wide variety of healthy options, whether they’re organic or not, is what matters most.

     

    When Should I Start Giving My Baby Solids?

    Most experts recommend waiting until your baby is 6 months old to start solids.

    The AAP advises that you make sure your baby is physically ready for solids—they should be able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair or infant seat with good head control.

    Another sign of readiness? They open their mouth when food comes their way or when they watch you eating. They may even reach for your food.

     

    What Kind of Food Should I Give My Baby First?

    To prevent choking, it’s best to start babies on soft or pureed food. Initially, you may want to limit foods to a single ingredient at a time for a few days to watch for any reactions before introducing a new one. After a couple months, your baby’s diet should include lots of different types of food, including breastmilk and/or formula, fruits, vegetables, meat, cereal, eggs, and fish.

     

    Our Favorite Organic Baby Food Brands

     

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    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 my baby with one brand of food?

    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 strictly controlled in production, and you can be sure of the quality of homemade only 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 time of year, 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.

    Ask your question

    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
      • With goat milk
      • Natural composition
      • Hypoallergenic product
      • Suitable for children from birth
    • Flaws
      • Price
      • Assortment
      • No fermented milk products

    9.

    Gerber
    • Best snacks for kids (bars and snacks)
    • Country: USA
    • Ranking (2021): 8

    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, a Russian manufacturer that has been producing baby food for babies 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 product line
      • 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
    • Ranking (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 assortment
      • Price/quality ratio
      • 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
    • Ranking (2021): 10

    The German company, founded in 1899, first introduced the concept of "organic" in relation to baby food. Raw materials for production are grown on organic farms and plantations. Strict quality control starts with the soil and seeds. Among the ingredients that make up the products, white carrots, parsnips and tomatoes stand out. They are rarely seen from Russian manufacturers. The rich assortment of the company does not include fermented milk products. The finished menu is presented in the form of liquid cereals, soups, meat and fish dishes with the addition of vegetables and cereals or pasta.

    • Advantages
      • Quality organic ingredients
      • Ready meals
      • Assortment
      • Strict quality control
    • Flaws
      • Price
      • No fermented milk products
      • Not available everywhere

    8 best baby puree manufacturers in 2022

    The first feeding of a baby is an exciting event for parents, which causes a lot of controversy: what products are best to use, at what age to start, cook food for the baby yourself or buy store-bought options. Manufacturers have taken care of the proper nutrition of babies and have prepared different options for baby purees that are suitable from a very early age. Today we will discuss which of them will be useful and safe for the baby, and which purees are better to refuse.

    Content [Show]

    • What to pay attention to when buying children's puree
        9000 1. Best foreign baby food brand: Gerber
      • 2. Best Russian baby food brand: Frutonyanya
      • 3. HiPP
      • 4. Heinz
      • 5. Nutricia
      • 6. Semper
      • 7. Grandmother's basket
      • 8. Humana
    • TOP-5 questions of parents
      • What puree to choose for the first feeding?
      • How to give puree to a child?
      • Can I make my own puree?
      • What are the pros and cons of store-bought baby food options?
      • Can I be allergic to puree?
    • Final opinion

    What to look for when buying baby puree

    Composition

    There are 4 variants of baby purees:

    • vegetable purees - from carrots, zucchini, broccoli, pumpkin, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower;
    • fruits and berries - pear, apricot, banana, apple, plum, currant, blueberry;
    • meat - veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit;
    • fish - based on hake, pollock, cod, pink salmon.

    Prohibited ingredients include flavor enhancers, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The content of salt, sugar, soy proteins in baby puree is undesirable. The ideal version of the product should include only 2 components - natural fruits / vegetables / meat and water to create the right consistency.

    Age limit

    Most baby purees are for babies aged 6 months and older, which is the recommended age for breastfed babies. In this case, the label will be marked "6+". Multi-component puree options may be labeled “7+”, “8+”, etc. If you are choosing the first fruit and vegetable food for an artificial baby, then pay attention to products that are allowed from 4 months.

    Packaging type

    The best option is a glass jar with a hermetically sealed lid. This is the most environmentally friendly and reliable way to pack mashed potatoes, since glass does not react with food and does not affect their properties. It is better not to buy puree in plastic containers, as it may contain compounds that are toxic to the baby.

    Product size

    Available in a variety of sizes, from the smallest 80ml to large economy jars of 190-200ml. When buying, be guided by the age and nutritional needs of the baby, since an open jar with the product is stored for no more than 1-2 days, and during this time you need to use the entire volume. In order not to throw away the leftovers, for a baby up to 7-8 months old who are just starting to eat complementary foods, take a package of the minimum volume. Older children who like fruit and vegetable purees should take a large container - it's cheaper.

    Information on the label

    Reliable manufacturers of baby food indicate the most detailed information that may be of interest to parents:

    • date of manufacture and end date of consumption;
    • expiration date after opening the can;
    • requirements for storage conditions;
    • complete list of ingredients and their nutritional value;
    • cooking method (optional).

    If baby food is intended for babies with specific dietary requirements, the manufacturer must mark the front of the label.

    2022 Baby Puree Manufacturer Ranking

    1. Best Foreign Baby Food Brand: Gerber

    Compare Prices multicomponent purees. Products are distinguished by the highest level of quality and strict control at all stages of production.

    Editor's estimate:

    A 90-year-old premium brand of baby food from the USA and has earned the respect of parents around the world. Pediatricians and nutritionists are involved in the development of baby food in order to create the highest quality and healthy product that is suitable from the first months of life. By production seasonings, preservatives and flavorings are not used.

    For the first stage of weaning, the manufacturer offers one-component vegetable and fruit purees. There are also multi-component formulations with a combination of several vegetables, the addition of meat. Baby food is packaged in glass jars of 80 g.

    Gerber products have no flaws, but the cost of products is higher than other brands, so it is not available to all parents.

    Pros
    • many baby food options;
    • quality assurance;
    • optimum pack size;
    • safe composition.
    Cons
    • uneconomical option.

    2. The best Russian baby food brand: Frutonyanya

    Compare prices

    Why we liked it: various variants of baby purees for babies from 4 months from a domestic manufacturer, which are distinguished by an optimal price-quality ratio.

    Editor's estimate:

    The Frutonyanya brand is part of the PROGRESS concern, and has been developing and producing high-quality ready-made food for babies for about 30 years. In the brand's product line, you will find both carefully chopped vegetable purees for the first feeding, and more diverse multi-component formulations for babies from 7 months.

    The products contain natural healthy ingredients, the puree does not contain synthetic additives and potentially allergenic products. At the same time, the cost of such purees is lower than foreign analogues, and many parents choose them for their babies.

    Please note that some items are available in plastic packaging. They are convenient to take with you for a walk, but for permanent use it is better to choose glass containers, which are more environmentally friendly.

    Pros
    • is more economical than Gerber;
    • organic composition;
    • large selection of flavors;
    • hypoallergenic formulations.
    Cons
    • have plastic packaging.

    3. HiPP

    Compare Prices

    Why we like it: is a worthy competitor to the Gerber brand, which produces many options for baby food from 4 months of age. HiPP products are famous for German quality and pleasant tastes.

    Editor's estimate:

    The German company HiPP has a long history and high quality products for children. The range includes food options that are suitable for babies from 4 months. In the manufacture of puree, organic products are used that are grown on special plantations, so the products are as safe as possible for children.

    The composition of the food is good - only the main product and water. The food has a good uniform texture, pleasant taste and smell.

    HiPP baby purees have the same drawback as Gerber products - they are significantly more expensive than other options from our rating, so many parents cannot buy it on a regular basis.

    Pros
    • organic products;
    • large assortment;
    • pleasant taste;
    • no harmful ingredients.
    Cons
    • products are not available to all parents.

    4. Heinz

    Compare prices

    Why we liked it: baby purees with an original recipe that takes into account the basic needs of children of different ages. The products are of good composition and high quality.

    Editor's estimate:

    Like Gerber, Heinz products are made in the USA. The history of the company has more than 100 years of successful experience, and today the products of this brand are supplied to most countries of the world. The manufacturer produces baby purees without preservatives, GMOs, flavorings and other components harmful to children.

    Heinz offers a variety of single and multi-ingredient nutrition options designed to meet the needs of your baby at every stage of development. Purees have a rich taste, a pleasant texture, and are liked by most children.

    Please note that cornmeal is present as a thickener. This is a safe product, but sometimes it can provoke allergic reactions.

    Pros
    • large assortment;
    • composition without synthetic components;
    • full of beneficial nutrients;
    • pleasant organoleptic properties.
    Cons
    • there is a risk of allergy.

    5. Nutricia

    Compare Prices

    Why We Loved It: is a premium baby formula with a special 3-step system to help parents get the right complementary foods. Products have safe hypoallergenic compositions.

    Editor's score:

    Nutricia was founded in the Netherlands and is now part of the large Danone Corporation. Scientists, technologists and pediatricians are working on the development of baby food in order to create the most useful and safe formulations for babies of different ages. The composition does not contain harmful components, GMOs and potential allergens.

    Nutricia purees, including those produced under the Milupa brand, are intended for babies over 4 months old, in addition, the manufacturer offers three stages of introducing complementary foods - from one-component vegetable purees to more complex formulations.

    The main disadvantage of Nutricia products is that purees are too thin, because of which the baby does not train to chew food and in the future it is more difficult for him to switch to other complementary foods.

    Pros
    • three-stage feeding system;
    • formulations free from preservatives and flavor enhancers;
    • for babies from 4 months;
    • based on scientific research.
    Cons
    • too thin consistency.

    6. Semper

    Compare prices

    Why we love it: is a popular Swedish baby food brand that offers several lines of organic products for babies from 4 months old.

    Editor's estimate:

    Semper is Sweden's #1 brand with over 80 years of quality baby food options for babies 4 months to 3 years old. The company offers parents a wide range of purees: both single-component for the first feeding, and multi-component - for older children. All products undergo rigorous quality control, there are no flavorings, dyes, flavor enhancers and GMOs in the compositions. The manufacturer indicates that baby purees are environmentally friendly.

    Purees have a good uniform texture and a pleasant taste, so many babies eat Semper products with pleasure. The cost per puree is more affordable than other imported options, but due to the lack of small packages, parents often have to throw away some of the uneaten product.

    Pros
    • testing at all stages of production;
    • formulation free of artificial ingredients;
    • uniform consistency;
    • environmentally friendly products.
    Cons
    • only large packages.

    7. Grandmother's basket

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    Why we liked it: is a domestic manufacturer of baby purees according to original recipes, which is distinguished by recognized product quality and completely natural ingredients.

    Editor's estimate:

    The Russian brand has been on the market for more than 20 years, and during this time has received several prestigious domestic and international awards for its products. "Grandmother's basket" is not as well known as "Frutonyanya", but is in no way inferior to this brand. Baby purees are developed with input from pediatricians and nutritionists to provide a quality and healthy product.

    Products from ecologically clean regions are used for production, there are no artificial components in the composition. The product line is quite wide - there are single-component fruit and vegetable purees, multi-component formulations with fish, meat, and vegetables.

    Please note that parents note the unusual taste of baby food, which is associated with the author's compositions and recipes. Therefore, some children flatly refuse to eat the products of "Grandmother's Basket".

    Pros
    • has been awarded for quality;
    • large selection of goods;
    • natural formulations;
    • was developed by pediatricians and nutritionists.
    Cons
    • atypical tastes.

    8. Humana

    Compare prices

    Why we liked it: is a German brand offering varied and high-quality complementary foods for babies from 5 months old. Products are produced under the supervision of pediatricians.

    Editor's estimate:

    Humana is a well-known German company that has been on the market for over 65 years. Formulas for baby food are developed with the participation of leading experts in the field of pediatrics and nutrition. Thanks to this, the manufacturer manages to produce balanced and healthy complementary foods for babies from 5 months of age.

    Every batch is strictly quality controlled so parents can be sure they are giving their baby the best baby purees. The Humana assortment includes both single-component vegetable and fruit complementary foods, as well as multi-component options.

    An important point: the manufacturer produces mashed potatoes in jars of 125 ml or more, so parents often have to throw away half-eaten product. In addition, Humana contains corn flour, as in the nutrition of the Heinz brand.

    Pros
    • German premium brand;
    • food for children from 5 months;
    • strict quality control;
    • developed by pediatricians.
    Cons
    • no small pack;
    • contains cornmeal.

    TOP-5 questions of parents

    Which puree to choose for the first complementary foods?

    The best option to start complementary foods is vegetable purees. They are recommended by all pediatricians, since vegetables are the least likely to cause allergic reactions, are easily digested and are suitable for the functionally immature intestines of a baby. To begin with, it is worth stopping at squash, pumpkin or mashed broccoli, and options with the addition of potatoes are given after 1–1.5 months.

    If the baby is prone to allergic reactions, carrot and pumpkin puree is allowed only after 8 months!

    When the child is accustomed to vegetables, you can gradually introduce fruit, meat and fish purees. They are offered no earlier than 7 months, and you must follow the rule - each new product is added to the menu no more than 1 time per week.

    How to give puree to a child?

    The introduction of complementary foods is started on the condition that the baby feels well, nothing hurts, there are no acute respiratory infections and other problems, and the intestines work normally. To make the baby more willing to eat puree, offer it before the main meal (breast milk or formula).

    On the first day, it is enough to give about half a teaspoon of the new product and see the reaction. Since the child is accustomed to milk, the vegetable taste seems strange to him, and many refuse mashed potatoes. If the same happens to you, you should try again the next day or take a different flavor. Then gradually increase the portion during the week to completely replace one feeding. Other products are introduced in the same way.

    A well-known pediatrician, Dr. Komarovsky, tells about 10 basic rules for the introduction of complementary foods in a video.

    Can I make my own puree?

    If you have the time and desire, there is nothing complicated in cooking. Boil a piece of the selected vegetable until cooked, then crush it to a homogeneous consistency. To prevent the puree from becoming too dense, add water or vegetable broth, and it is more convenient to use a blender to grind. In the same way, you can make meat or fish puree. For children 7–8 months old, it is allowed to add a piece of yolk, vegetable or butter to the finished dish.

    Please note that baby food must be of good quality. Ideally, take farm vegetables and fruits that are grown in the most sustainable way.

    What are the pros and cons of store-bought baby food options?

    Although baby food can be prepared at home, today's parents are more likely to choose ready-made complementary foods. The main advantages of buying baby food:

    • Significant time savings in searching for quality products and preparing them;
    • handy package that you can take with you on a trip or for a walk;
    • multi-ingredient formulations developed by pediatricians that contain all the ingredients that are beneficial for the child;
    • environmental friendliness and naturalness of products from premium manufacturers.

    The main drawback is the price. Baby purees are produced in small jars and are expensive, so preparing complementary foods on your own will be several times cheaper.

    Can I be allergic to puree?

    Any puree, even the highest quality, can potentially cause an allergy, since the baby meets a new product for the first time. Due to the immaturity of the child's immune system and its tendency to hyperergic reactions, in the first year of life, parents often experience food allergies. The most "dangerous" foods are red and orange vegetables, all kinds of berries, exotic fruits (mangoes, citrus fruits).

    How to understand that a child has an allergy:

    • red rash, blisters appeared on the skin;
    • the child constantly scratches the body;
    • disturbed sleep pattern;
    • the child is naughty, whimpers, refuses to eat;
    • stool disorders are observed;
    • there is lacrimation, runny nose.

    If these symptoms occur, stop complementary foods, start breastfeeding or formula, and take the baby to the pediatrician as soon as possible.


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