What is the best stage 1 baby food
Jars, Pouches, Organic, and More
Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
After months of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it can be surprising to realize that your still-tiny baby is actually ready for “real” food. This exciting (albeit messy!) transition may be a little bittersweet and can feel overwhelming, especially considering the numerous baby food options available in 2022.
We’ve rounded up some of this year’s best baby foods to help you get started on the right foot — er, spoon.
Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first 6 months of life. Formula-fed infants are ready to start solid foods when they start showing signs that they’re ready.
In some cases, you may start solids around 4 or 5 months, but it’s best to discuss this with your pediatrician. If your doctor doesn’t have a different recommendation, most babies are ready to start soft or pureed foods by the time they’re about 6 months old.
If you’re picking commercially prepared baby food (versus making your own), it’s wise to start with simple, one-ingredient baby food. Most commercial baby food is labeled stage 1, 2, or 3 based on the texture and number of ingredients.
For instance, stage 1 baby food has the smoothest texture and typically has one ingredient, such as pureed pears. So, for your 4- to 6-month-old, you’ll want to start with stage 1 baby food.
Starting with one food at a time helps you monitor for any adverse reactions or food allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends monitoring each food for 3 to 5 days.
There isn’t really a perfect first food — the choice is yours! Some good foods to start: infant cereal (preferably oat or whole grain), meat purees such as chicken or turkey, or single-ingredient purees of fruits or veggies.
If you’re debating whether to start with fruits or veggies first, the AAP suggests that an infant’s preferences for sweets won’t budge even if veggies are introduced first. Mashed peas just don’t taste as good once you’ve had applesauce.
We chatted with pediatricians, read the research, polled real-life parents, read reviews, and used our own babies as taste testers (although we can’t say their opinions on nutritional value are very authoritative) to bring you some of the top baby food brands available. In addition:
- We looked for foods that are certified USDA organic and have non-GMO verified ingredients.
- We focused on baby food that’s free of added sugar (but have called out one or two products that contain it).
- The baby foods on our list are free of harmful preservatives.
- We called out the brands that market their products as gluten-free and allergen-free.
All products are also vetted by our medical standards team, which evaluates brand integrity and product safety.
Reducing Exposure to Toxic Elements in Baby Foods
Three brands in this article — Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Happy Baby — were mentioned in a February 2021 Congressional Report for products containing significantly high levels of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. The FDA has since launched the Closer to Zero: Action Plan for Baby Foods to address exposure to toxic elements from eating baby foods.
- Best overall baby food: Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
- Best organic baby food pouches: Plum Organics Stage 1
- Best budget-friendly baby food: Gerber Organic 1st Foods
- Best baby food for constipation: Gerber Natural 1st Foods (Pear)
- Best organic jarred baby food: Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 1
- Best personalized subscription service: Cerebelly
- Best fresh baby food: Once Upon a Farm Cold-Pressed Organic Baby Food
- Best first baby cereal: Gerber Organic 1st Foods Single Grain Cereal
- Best, most interesting baby food blends: Little Spoon Complex Solids
- Best all-around clean baby food: Baby Gourmet
Best overall baby food
Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
This affordable baby food is an all-around fan favorite.
Beech-Nut baby foods come in recyclable glass jars and are available in both natural and organic varieties. Blends are available in every stage, from single-ingredient foods for brand-new eaters (like butternut squash and plum) to multi-food blends with chunkier textures for older babies.
The ingredients in Beech-Nut baby foods are simple, with no artificial additives. Plus, these little glass jars are available at most grocery stores, so they’re easy to find. However, while it’s great for recycling purposes, glass can be dangerous — always supervise your little one around glass.
Beech-Nut Naturals are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) but not certified organic (unless you shop their organics line). They contain no added sugar.
Shop now at Walmart
Best organic baby food pouches
Plum Organics Stage 1
If sustainability, organic foods, and non-GMO ingredients are important to you, Plum Organics has a great line of baby food options to try.
Their BPA-free pouches are super convenient and available in a variety of fruits, veggies, and grains for each stage of eating. These foods have no added salts or sugars, so they’re nutritious and simple for baby’s maturing digestive system. They’re also widely available and can be purchased in bulk for greater savings.
And while feeding experts definitely discourage using pouches exclusively, there’s no denying that pouches are very convenient for occasional on-the-go feedings. To make sure your baby is still progressing in their journey through solid foods, try squeezing the pouch contents into a spoon. And be sure to watch out for the small plastic caps, as they’re a choking hazard.
Plum Organics is certified organic and non-GMO, and their baby food doesn’t contain added sugar.
Shop now at Amazon
Best budget-friendly baby food
Gerber Organic 1st Foods
Gerber is the classic baby food brand, and they’ve made changes over the last few years to make their food more health-conscious (e.
g., starting an organic line). Yet they have maintained their status as one of the most affordable prepared baby food brands on the market.
They offer benefits like glass jars, organic ingredients, and a wide variety of food choices at a lower cost than some other brands on our list.
Gerber Organic is USDA organic, non-GMO, and free of added sugar.
Shop now at Walmart
Best baby food for constipation
Gerber Natural 1st Foods (Pear)
Sometimes babies get a little constipated when they’re beginning their solid food journey, especially if they’re eating a lot of dairy or iron-fortified cereal. In addition to continuing breast milk, some foods may help relieve your little one’s digestive discomfort, including all the “P” fruits.
So prunes, pears, plums, and peaches are some options to help keep tiny bowels on the move. You can find great fruit purees in any brand on our list, but one of the more cost-effective is the Gerber brand. The good news is that many babies love fruit, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get your little one to down some prunes or pears.
This product is made with non-GMO ingredients and pears grown with Clean Field Farming practices. It doesn’t contain added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best organic jarred baby food
Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 1
Another great organic baby food option, the Happy Baby company offers their organic baby food jars at most stores — although not quite as widely as Beech-Nut and Plum Organics.
Happy Baby jars offer a wide variety of foods, from kale and mango to spinach and peaches and chia seeds. You can start with their single-ingredient jars (this is important for ruling out allergies, as well as to help baby learn to like spinach even when it’s not disguised by pears). Then, you can move on to their fruit and veggie blends as your little one grows.
High quality ingredients, creative flavors, and no artificial ingredients all make Happy Baby a solid (no pun intended) choice.
Happy Baby is USDA organic and doesn’t contain added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best personalized subscription service
Cerebelly
Cerebelly allows you to personalize your subscription of baby food pouches based on your child’s age, leaning on science to determine what foods will benefit them at their stage of development.
You’ll take a quiz that asks about the current development and language cues your baby is showing (responding to their name, grasping toys, using noises to show emotion, etc.). It also asks about motor, social, and visual skills.
The results will clue you in on key nutrients that may benefit your little one and customize your baby food pouches based on this.
To boot, the brand has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award (which evaluates products for toxins and contaminants), is certified USDA organic, and contains no added sugars.
Shop now at Cerebelly
Best fresh baby food
Once Upon a Farm Cold-Pressed Organic Baby Food
These organic, cold-pressed baby food pouches and cups are found in the refrigerated section at your grocery store (and yes, they have to be refrigerated at home).
The company also has a subscription delivery option to make baby food even more convenient for your busy schedule.
Creative names like Wild Rumpus Avocado and Magic Velvet Mango will have you smiling, and the variety of flavors will (hopefully!) appeal to your little one. Once Upon a Farm offers a variety of food stages, so you can start with their purees and move on up to their finger and toddler foods as your baby grows.
Once Upon a Farm is certified organic and non-GMO. Their products contain no added sugars and are Clean Label Project certified.
Shop now at Target
Best first baby cereal
Gerber Organic 1st Foods Single Grain Cereal
This simple cereal is a great first food for baby. You can mix this one-ingredient whole grain cereal with breast milk, formula, or water to provide your little one with some crucial nutrients (such as iron) and experience with spoons and textures.
The AAP recommends oatmeal or multigrain cereals over rice cereals, as they have a lower risk of exposure to chemicals such as arsenic (which is sometimes a concern with rice products).
As your baby gets used to other foods, you can also mix this cereal with fruit or yogurt to provide a heartier meal.
Gerber Organic is certified USDA organic and non-GMO, but this product does contain some added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best, most interesting baby food blends
Little Spoon Complex Solids
Once your baby is ready for more advanced blends, Little Spoon has a unique line of complex blends that contain multiple purees as well as other seeds and grains for texture.
For example, one blend contains quinoa, butternut squash, and apple. Another contains kale, white bean, pear, basil, quinoa, and avocado oil.
Little Spoon purees use certified organic and non-GMO ingredients. They’re free of added sugar.
Shop now at Little Spoon
Best all-around clean baby food
Baby Gourmet
Baby Gourmet is another Clean Label Project Purity Award winner, which means they go above and beyond to ensure their baby food is free of harmful toxins that naturally occur in the environment.
This Canadian company is also set to donate 1 million meals to vulnerable populations by 2025. It’s founded and run by moms, which can be reassuring.
Baby Gourmet is certified organic and non-GMO by both U.S. and Canadian standards. All packaging is BPA-free. Products contain no added sugar.
Shop now at Baby Gourmet
As a general guideline, it’s a good idea to start with iron-fortified baby cereals or pureed meats if your infant is breastfed. Breastfed babies are more likely to need extra iron than formula-fed babies.
It’s also advisable to start with simple, single-ingredient purees of meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Choosing brands that are certified organic, use BPA-free materials, and are conscious of using whole food ingredients (e.g., they don’t add “extras” like salt, sugar, or corn syrup) helps ensure a healthy start for your little one.
According to the AAP, you shouldn’t give babies under age 1 cow’s milk, honey, unpasteurized dairy, or undercooked meat, as these can be an infection risk for a baby’s developing immune system.
You’ll also want to avoid foods that are hard or sharp or present a choking risk (for instance, chips, nuts, popcorn, raisins, raw apples, raw carrots, whole grapes, hot dogs). For a more comprehensive guide to which foods to give and what to avoid, check out our article on infant nutrition and starting solids.
While experts used to advise waiting to introduce highly allergenic foods (such as dairy, wheat, nuts, and eggs) until after the first year, the experts now say that delayed introduction of these foods may increase a child’s risk of food allergies. So, with the guidance of your pediatrician, go ahead and introduce those foods within the first year.
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you notice swelling of the tongue and mouth, wheezing, or trouble breathing after your child eats certain foods
Some babies are raring to go when it comes to trying food, while others may take a little more convincing. Either way, definitely get your camera on video mode, as there are bound to be some hilarious faces and some impressive food spillage along the way.
Here are some pro tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:
- Wait until your baby shows signs of readiness for solid food.
- Keep trying. It can take 5 to 10 exposures for a baby to accept a new food.
- Make it fun and silly.
- Cook and eat as a family as much as possible.
- Let your baby play with the spoon and even the food! While incredibly messy, this helps them get comfortable with the textures, smells, and tastes of new foods.
- Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns. They’re a great resource and want to help you grow a happy, healthy baby.
What’s the best baby food for growth and weight gain?
If your baby is under 6 months and breastfeeding, it’s recommended that you stick to that exclusively for 6 months. When you’re ready to introduce solids after 6 months, it should be in addition to breastfeeding and formula, not as a replacement.
If your baby is formula-fed, they may begin eating solids sooner than 6 months.
While no one specific food is recommended, a variety of foods and colors is best, including meats, vegetables, and fruits. One of the key foods that can help with growth and weight gain is avocados (high in healthy fats and fiber but low in sugar).
Always discuss your baby’s dietary changes with your pediatrician and attend regular checkups to monitor growth.
What’s the easiest food for babies to digest?
Just like adults, babies do best with regular bowel movements. If they’re having a hard time with this, oatmeal is one food known to be easy to digest and promote regularity, as it contains higher amounts of dietary fiber.
It may also help to focus on quantity. Try feeding your baby smaller meals more often, rather than fewer larger meals. This may be easier on their system and allow them to digest foods more easily.
What’s the best baby food to start with?
Mashed banana and avocado are some of the most popular solids to start with. Soft, ground oatmeal is also great.
When it comes to fruit and vegetable purees, focus on variety, but don’t overdo it with those that are naturally high in sugar (such as berry purees).
Most importantly, at 6 months old, all foods should still be pureed and cooked. Once your baby is 9 months old and older, you can start to introduce vegetables cut into pieces. The only other no-no is honey, which they shouldn’t have until they’re over a year old.
It can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the best nutrition for your child, especially when trying to capitalize on the years before they start demanding chicken nuggets and ice cream. But there are a lot of great, healthy options available in 2022.
Whether you choose to make your own baby food, buy jars or pouches, or use a baby food subscription service, there are a number of resources to help you feed your baby.
Jars, Pouches, Organic, and More
Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Here’s our process.
After months of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it can be surprising to realize that your still-tiny baby is actually ready for “real” food. This exciting (albeit messy!) transition may be a little bittersweet and can feel overwhelming, especially considering the numerous baby food options available in 2022.
We’ve rounded up some of this year’s best baby foods to help you get started on the right foot — er, spoon.
Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first 6 months of life. Formula-fed infants are ready to start solid foods when they start showing signs that they’re ready.
In some cases, you may start solids around 4 or 5 months, but it’s best to discuss this with your pediatrician. If your doctor doesn’t have a different recommendation, most babies are ready to start soft or pureed foods by the time they’re about 6 months old.
If you’re picking commercially prepared baby food (versus making your own), it’s wise to start with simple, one-ingredient baby food.
Most commercial baby food is labeled stage 1, 2, or 3 based on the texture and number of ingredients.
For instance, stage 1 baby food has the smoothest texture and typically has one ingredient, such as pureed pears. So, for your 4- to 6-month-old, you’ll want to start with stage 1 baby food.
Starting with one food at a time helps you monitor for any adverse reactions or food allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends monitoring each food for 3 to 5 days.
There isn’t really a perfect first food — the choice is yours! Some good foods to start: infant cereal (preferably oat or whole grain), meat purees such as chicken or turkey, or single-ingredient purees of fruits or veggies.
If you’re debating whether to start with fruits or veggies first, the AAP suggests that an infant’s preferences for sweets won’t budge even if veggies are introduced first. Mashed peas just don’t taste as good once you’ve had applesauce.
We chatted with pediatricians, read the research, polled real-life parents, read reviews, and used our own babies as taste testers (although we can’t say their opinions on nutritional value are very authoritative) to bring you some of the top baby food brands available.
In addition:
- We looked for foods that are certified USDA organic and have non-GMO verified ingredients.
- We focused on baby food that’s free of added sugar (but have called out one or two products that contain it).
- The baby foods on our list are free of harmful preservatives.
- We called out the brands that market their products as gluten-free and allergen-free.
All products are also vetted by our medical standards team, which evaluates brand integrity and product safety.
Reducing Exposure to Toxic Elements in Baby Foods
Three brands in this article — Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Happy Baby — were mentioned in a February 2021 Congressional Report for products containing significantly high levels of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. The FDA has since launched the Closer to Zero: Action Plan for Baby Foods to address exposure to toxic elements from eating baby foods.
- Best overall baby food: Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
- Best organic baby food pouches: Plum Organics Stage 1
- Best budget-friendly baby food: Gerber Organic 1st Foods
- Best baby food for constipation: Gerber Natural 1st Foods (Pear)
- Best organic jarred baby food: Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 1
- Best personalized subscription service: Cerebelly
- Best fresh baby food: Once Upon a Farm Cold-Pressed Organic Baby Food
- Best first baby cereal: Gerber Organic 1st Foods Single Grain Cereal
- Best, most interesting baby food blends: Little Spoon Complex Solids
- Best all-around clean baby food: Baby Gourmet
Best overall baby food
Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
This affordable baby food is an all-around fan favorite.
Beech-Nut baby foods come in recyclable glass jars and are available in both natural and organic varieties. Blends are available in every stage, from single-ingredient foods for brand-new eaters (like butternut squash and plum) to multi-food blends with chunkier textures for older babies.
The ingredients in Beech-Nut baby foods are simple, with no artificial additives. Plus, these little glass jars are available at most grocery stores, so they’re easy to find. However, while it’s great for recycling purposes, glass can be dangerous — always supervise your little one around glass.
Beech-Nut Naturals are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) but not certified organic (unless you shop their organics line). They contain no added sugar.
Shop now at Walmart
Best organic baby food pouches
Plum Organics Stage 1
If sustainability, organic foods, and non-GMO ingredients are important to you, Plum Organics has a great line of baby food options to try.
Their BPA-free pouches are super convenient and available in a variety of fruits, veggies, and grains for each stage of eating. These foods have no added salts or sugars, so they’re nutritious and simple for baby’s maturing digestive system. They’re also widely available and can be purchased in bulk for greater savings.
And while feeding experts definitely discourage using pouches exclusively, there’s no denying that pouches are very convenient for occasional on-the-go feedings. To make sure your baby is still progressing in their journey through solid foods, try squeezing the pouch contents into a spoon. And be sure to watch out for the small plastic caps, as they’re a choking hazard.
Plum Organics is certified organic and non-GMO, and their baby food doesn’t contain added sugar.
Shop now at Amazon
Best budget-friendly baby food
Gerber Organic 1st Foods
Gerber is the classic baby food brand, and they’ve made changes over the last few years to make their food more health-conscious (e.
g., starting an organic line). Yet they have maintained their status as one of the most affordable prepared baby food brands on the market.
They offer benefits like glass jars, organic ingredients, and a wide variety of food choices at a lower cost than some other brands on our list.
Gerber Organic is USDA organic, non-GMO, and free of added sugar.
Shop now at Walmart
Best baby food for constipation
Gerber Natural 1st Foods (Pear)
Sometimes babies get a little constipated when they’re beginning their solid food journey, especially if they’re eating a lot of dairy or iron-fortified cereal. In addition to continuing breast milk, some foods may help relieve your little one’s digestive discomfort, including all the “P” fruits.
So prunes, pears, plums, and peaches are some options to help keep tiny bowels on the move. You can find great fruit purees in any brand on our list, but one of the more cost-effective is the Gerber brand. The good news is that many babies love fruit, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get your little one to down some prunes or pears.
This product is made with non-GMO ingredients and pears grown with Clean Field Farming practices. It doesn’t contain added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best organic jarred baby food
Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 1
Another great organic baby food option, the Happy Baby company offers their organic baby food jars at most stores — although not quite as widely as Beech-Nut and Plum Organics.
Happy Baby jars offer a wide variety of foods, from kale and mango to spinach and peaches and chia seeds. You can start with their single-ingredient jars (this is important for ruling out allergies, as well as to help baby learn to like spinach even when it’s not disguised by pears). Then, you can move on to their fruit and veggie blends as your little one grows.
High quality ingredients, creative flavors, and no artificial ingredients all make Happy Baby a solid (no pun intended) choice.
Happy Baby is USDA organic and doesn’t contain added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best personalized subscription service
Cerebelly
Cerebelly allows you to personalize your subscription of baby food pouches based on your child’s age, leaning on science to determine what foods will benefit them at their stage of development.
You’ll take a quiz that asks about the current development and language cues your baby is showing (responding to their name, grasping toys, using noises to show emotion, etc.). It also asks about motor, social, and visual skills.
The results will clue you in on key nutrients that may benefit your little one and customize your baby food pouches based on this.
To boot, the brand has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award (which evaluates products for toxins and contaminants), is certified USDA organic, and contains no added sugars.
Shop now at Cerebelly
Best fresh baby food
Once Upon a Farm Cold-Pressed Organic Baby Food
These organic, cold-pressed baby food pouches and cups are found in the refrigerated section at your grocery store (and yes, they have to be refrigerated at home).
The company also has a subscription delivery option to make baby food even more convenient for your busy schedule.
Creative names like Wild Rumpus Avocado and Magic Velvet Mango will have you smiling, and the variety of flavors will (hopefully!) appeal to your little one. Once Upon a Farm offers a variety of food stages, so you can start with their purees and move on up to their finger and toddler foods as your baby grows.
Once Upon a Farm is certified organic and non-GMO. Their products contain no added sugars and are Clean Label Project certified.
Shop now at Target
Best first baby cereal
Gerber Organic 1st Foods Single Grain Cereal
This simple cereal is a great first food for baby. You can mix this one-ingredient whole grain cereal with breast milk, formula, or water to provide your little one with some crucial nutrients (such as iron) and experience with spoons and textures.
The AAP recommends oatmeal or multigrain cereals over rice cereals, as they have a lower risk of exposure to chemicals such as arsenic (which is sometimes a concern with rice products).
As your baby gets used to other foods, you can also mix this cereal with fruit or yogurt to provide a heartier meal.
Gerber Organic is certified USDA organic and non-GMO, but this product does contain some added sugars.
Shop now at Walmart
Best, most interesting baby food blends
Little Spoon Complex Solids
Once your baby is ready for more advanced blends, Little Spoon has a unique line of complex blends that contain multiple purees as well as other seeds and grains for texture.
For example, one blend contains quinoa, butternut squash, and apple. Another contains kale, white bean, pear, basil, quinoa, and avocado oil.
Little Spoon purees use certified organic and non-GMO ingredients. They’re free of added sugar.
Shop now at Little Spoon
Best all-around clean baby food
Baby Gourmet
Baby Gourmet is another Clean Label Project Purity Award winner, which means they go above and beyond to ensure their baby food is free of harmful toxins that naturally occur in the environment.
This Canadian company is also set to donate 1 million meals to vulnerable populations by 2025. It’s founded and run by moms, which can be reassuring.
Baby Gourmet is certified organic and non-GMO by both U.S. and Canadian standards. All packaging is BPA-free. Products contain no added sugar.
Shop now at Baby Gourmet
As a general guideline, it’s a good idea to start with iron-fortified baby cereals or pureed meats if your infant is breastfed. Breastfed babies are more likely to need extra iron than formula-fed babies.
It’s also advisable to start with simple, single-ingredient purees of meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Choosing brands that are certified organic, use BPA-free materials, and are conscious of using whole food ingredients (e.g., they don’t add “extras” like salt, sugar, or corn syrup) helps ensure a healthy start for your little one.
According to the AAP, you shouldn’t give babies under age 1 cow’s milk, honey, unpasteurized dairy, or undercooked meat, as these can be an infection risk for a baby’s developing immune system.
You’ll also want to avoid foods that are hard or sharp or present a choking risk (for instance, chips, nuts, popcorn, raisins, raw apples, raw carrots, whole grapes, hot dogs). For a more comprehensive guide to which foods to give and what to avoid, check out our article on infant nutrition and starting solids.
While experts used to advise waiting to introduce highly allergenic foods (such as dairy, wheat, nuts, and eggs) until after the first year, the experts now say that delayed introduction of these foods may increase a child’s risk of food allergies. So, with the guidance of your pediatrician, go ahead and introduce those foods within the first year.
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you notice swelling of the tongue and mouth, wheezing, or trouble breathing after your child eats certain foods
Some babies are raring to go when it comes to trying food, while others may take a little more convincing. Either way, definitely get your camera on video mode, as there are bound to be some hilarious faces and some impressive food spillage along the way.
Here are some pro tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:
- Wait until your baby shows signs of readiness for solid food.
- Keep trying. It can take 5 to 10 exposures for a baby to accept a new food.
- Make it fun and silly.
- Cook and eat as a family as much as possible.
- Let your baby play with the spoon and even the food! While incredibly messy, this helps them get comfortable with the textures, smells, and tastes of new foods.
- Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns. They’re a great resource and want to help you grow a happy, healthy baby.
What’s the best baby food for growth and weight gain?
If your baby is under 6 months and breastfeeding, it’s recommended that you stick to that exclusively for 6 months. When you’re ready to introduce solids after 6 months, it should be in addition to breastfeeding and formula, not as a replacement.
If your baby is formula-fed, they may begin eating solids sooner than 6 months.
While no one specific food is recommended, a variety of foods and colors is best, including meats, vegetables, and fruits. One of the key foods that can help with growth and weight gain is avocados (high in healthy fats and fiber but low in sugar).
Always discuss your baby’s dietary changes with your pediatrician and attend regular checkups to monitor growth.
What’s the easiest food for babies to digest?
Just like adults, babies do best with regular bowel movements. If they’re having a hard time with this, oatmeal is one food known to be easy to digest and promote regularity, as it contains higher amounts of dietary fiber.
It may also help to focus on quantity. Try feeding your baby smaller meals more often, rather than fewer larger meals. This may be easier on their system and allow them to digest foods more easily.
What’s the best baby food to start with?
Mashed banana and avocado are some of the most popular solids to start with. Soft, ground oatmeal is also great.
When it comes to fruit and vegetable purees, focus on variety, but don’t overdo it with those that are naturally high in sugar (such as berry purees).
Most importantly, at 6 months old, all foods should still be pureed and cooked. Once your baby is 9 months old and older, you can start to introduce vegetables cut into pieces. The only other no-no is honey, which they shouldn’t have until they’re over a year old.
It can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the best nutrition for your child, especially when trying to capitalize on the years before they start demanding chicken nuggets and ice cream. But there are a lot of great, healthy options available in 2022.
Whether you choose to make your own baby food, buy jars or pouches, or use a baby food subscription service, there are a number of resources to help you feed your baby.
The best formulas for newborns, top-9 rating of milk formulas
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It's no secret that the best food for a newborn baby is breast milk.
Unfortunately, not every woman has the physical or moral ability to provide them with her child. This may be due to certain diseases, medications taken and a number of other important factors. In this case, you have to resort to things like infant formula.
Today, grocery stores and pharmacies carry a wide variety of these products. They can differ greatly in composition, nutrient content, and a number of other factors. So that you are not mistaken in such an important issue, we decided to rank the best baby formulas. However, before proceeding with the analysis of these products, we would like to give you some useful tips on making the right choice. Let's start with this, and in the future we will move on to the review itself.
Rating summary: (hide/show)
How to choose infant formula in 2022?
As we said a little higher, it is very easy to get confused in the variety presented on store shelves. First you need to figure out what kind of food is.
According to its consistency, it can be of two types - dry and liquid. Dry products represent about 90% of all available on the market. It is usually packaged in a cardboard box or tin, made in the form of a powder, which must be diluted with boiled water at room temperature before use. Liquid mixtures are usually ready to use - they just need to be warmed up a little. They are sold in special tetrapack packages, divided into portions of 200 ml each - for one full meal. It is not so easy to find such a mixture in ordinary stores.
Almost all of these products are made on the basis of cow's milk, but the protein is present here in an altered form. Here, too, there is a classification - adapted, partially adapted and non-adapted. The former are produced on the basis of demineralized milk whey, therefore, in terms of their composition and nutritional properties, they are as close as possible to breast milk. They are well absorbed, designed specifically for newborns. Due to the complex manufacturing technology, such products are quite expensive.
Partially adapted mixtures contain lactose and sucrose, and also do not have a stabilized mineral fat composition. The latter type is made on the basis of casein, an unchanged protein found in cow's milk.
When choosing milk formula, be sure to take into account the age indicator. For newborns or premature babies, a product labeled 0 would be suitable, a product with the number 1 is designed for children under the age of six months, 2 - from six months to a year, 3 - for older children.
Finding the right mixture the first time is not always easy. It is advisable to carefully monitor the condition of the child after feeding and the reaction to the mixture. If the slightest signs of an allergy suddenly appear, then you should immediately abandon the selected product and switch to another one. The same is done if the child has loose stools, he shows anxiety after feeding, weakly gains weight. The mixture should be prepared in strict accordance with the instructions on the package.
When we selected the foods to include in our 2022 Best Blends list, we had all of these factors in mind in the first place. However, some other factors were taken into account - this is the ratio of price and quality of products (it should be borne in mind that baby food is always quite expensive), as well as user reviews.
Top 9 infant formulas in 2022
9. Similac (Abbott) Gold
This is the latest development in the company's infant formula line. It is characterized by an innovative composition, which is now even closer to natural breast milk. The original ingredient is added here - oligosaccharide, which until then was found only in human milk. You will not find similar products on the market today. With the help of this component, beneficial bacteria begin to actively develop in the intestines of a child. Due to the fact that up to 70% of the cells of the immune system are located in this organ, when using such milk, it is possible to strengthen and largely maintain the natural defenses of a developing and growing organism.
The substance reduces colic in the baby's tummy, makes it more calm.
Literally in a week the child starts crying much less, and in a month the immune system becomes twice as strong and better resists various infections. The product also contains bifidobacteria B.lactis, a very effective and thoroughly researched probiotic. It contributes to the development of the natural intestinal microflora of the baby, and also maintains the digestive system in perfect order. There are FOS prebiotics, which are food for beneficial intestinal microflora, contribute to gentle emptying. The composition does not contain palm oil, so the likelihood of constipation is minimal, and calcium will be absorbed very well.
Benefits:
- Instantly dissolves in water without forming lumps;
- Prevents colic and constipation;
- No palm oil;
- Has all the nutrients you need, many of which are not found in other formulas.
Drawbacks:
- Expensive;
- Not found in all stores.
Similac (Abbott) Gold
8. Friso VOM
A special anti-reflux mixture, the main purpose of which is to eliminate various negative effects of feeding a child, such as colic or spitting up. The composition contains a special thickener, which is absolutely harmless to the health of the child. Its function is as follows: when it enters the baby's stomach, it does not allow the mixture to come out back, as happens when spitting up. Here, locust bean gum acts as an anti-reflux substance - a special component that also positively affects the functioning of the children's intestines and prevents constipation. It contains skimmed milk powder, as well as whey. Lactose acts as a source of carbohydrates here. Galactooligosaccharides act as a prebiotic - they help to establish proper bowel function.
Another useful substance is the polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3, -6. Such compounds are useful for the child's vision to develop well and in accordance with age.
Nucleotides are indispensable for the development of brain connections and the digestive tract. For additional thickening of the mixture, maltodextrin is used. It does not harm the baby's esophagus and stomach, and decomposes into glucose in the intestines. It contains a whole complex of vegetable oils - sunflower, palm, rapeseed and special unicellular oil. All of them are aimed at creating the elasticity of the skin.
Benefits:
- Provides a restful sleep for the baby after the evening feeding;
- Stabilizes the chair;
- Improves the functioning of all systems of the baby's body;
- Prevents regurgitation;
- The complex of nutrients is perfectly balanced.
Drawbacks:
- Quite expensive;
- Very thick - difficult to pass through the nipple;
- It is necessary to dilute with rather hot water - its temperature should not be lower than 50 degrees, it is also hard to stir.
Friso VOM
7.
Valio Baby Another dry adapted product, and it has the appropriate label, depending on which the mixture is intended for children of a certain age. It is optimal for babies largely due to the perfectly balanced composition, and it is close to natural breast milk. It does not contain palm oil, but there is a complex of GOS prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides). These substances are found in large quantities in women's milk, they contribute well to the growth of intestinal microflora, restore digestion. In addition, such substances gently affect the stool and contribute to the active development of the baby's immune system. The complex of vitamins and minerals is ideally balanced so that the development of the body occurs harmoniously in strict accordance with the age of the child. These include iron, zinc, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, with the latter two also for proper skeletal development.
There is no palm oil here, so the child will have little colic, regurgitation and constipation.
There is natural milk fat, which is completely identical to the complex of maternal milk fats. Dietary cholesterol is also at the required level. There are no artificial flavors or colors, as well as preservatives or genetically modified products.
Benefits:
- Perfectly balanced composition;
- Presence of a complex of vitamins and minerals;
- Pleasant smell and taste - most babies eat this mixture with undisguised pleasure;
- Dissolves perfectly in water without forming lumps or other inclusions.
Disadvantages:
- Some babies may have an allergic reaction to this mixture.
Valio Baby
6. Semper Baby Nutradefense
The mixture contains an original combination of MFGM & Milk fat components, which includes membranes of milk fat globules and a certain percentage of natural milk fat. All these compounds are found in breast milk and are very important for the proper formation and development of the child.
Clinical studies have shown that the use of milk formula with a similar complex reduces the likelihood of infectious diseases and increases the cognitive development of babies compared to children who ate formulas without such components. The packaging is hermetically sealed, preventing water vapor from the air from entering the mixture. Directly on the jar there is a detailed instruction on the preparation and use of the mixture, as well as on the amount of volume, depending on the age of the baby.
The mixture dissolves perfectly even in cold water, and it diverges very well: no lumps are formed either at the bottom or on the surface, although the manufacturer recommends diluting the product at a temperature of 40 degrees. Suitable for most babies, copes well with colic and constipation. Due to the presence of all the necessary substances and minerals, the baby, when using such a mixture, gains weight according to the plan.
Advantages:
- The original composition of the mixture with the addition of all the necessary nutrients;
- Colic, regurgitation disappear in children, allergic reactions do not occur;
- Mixes well even in cold water;
- Babies enjoy eating these products.
Disadvantages:
- The measuring spoon that comes with the composition is often located at the very bottom of the jar;
- Relatively high cost.
Semper Baby Nutradefense
5. Nutrilon Superpremium
This company has been in the baby food business for over 40 years, and the experts have done well in this matter. Researchers studied mother's milk, tried to find out the optimal ratio of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. As a result, they have an optimal mixture that can be used as a main or additional food. In addition, the products are so similar to mother's milk that they are recommended for a smooth transition from breastfeeding to formula-feeding, if necessary. The composition lays a solid foundation for the health of the baby. The developers have added a significant amount of DHA / ARA fatty acids to it, which contribute to the rapid development of the baby's intelligence. There are also milk lipids in the mixture, due to which the entire necessary spectrum of minerals is provided, and this complex is perfectly balanced.
All prebiotics present in the composition are aimed at the active development of immunity. The mixture is produced in containers weighing 400 or 800 grams. The packaging is made of materials that allow you to hold it with one hand, without fear that it will slip out of your palm. Preparation of the mixture takes only a few seconds, and you can use ordinary boiled water at room temperature, you do not need to heat it. This allows you to quickly make food for the child, for example, at night, when there is not much time for cooking, and the baby screams a lot and can wake up the household.
Benefits:
- The composition contains biologically active components that ensure the growth and development of the child;
- The composition is aimed at the prevention of most pathological processes;
- The product has the same ratio of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and lactose as in human milk;
- There is an improvement in the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract in the baby;
- Produced on the basis of original European technology;
- Found in almost every major grocery store;
- Acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- Minor amounts of coconut and palm oil present;
- Some parents find that the product does not taste very good.
Nutrilon Superpremium
4. Nestogen
Carefully balanced nutrition ensures the normalization of the child's digestive system and, consequently, the proper development of the entire child's body. The mixture is absolutely safe, absorbed almost instantly. The contained prebiotics not only make the digestive process stable and relieve constipation, but also contribute to the beneficial development of the intestinal microflora and prevent regurgitation. Depending on the numerical marking, the mixture can be given to children from birth until the age of two. It is produced in cardboard packages, but the powder of the mixture itself is in sealed foil packaging.
The composition contains all the micro and macro elements that are necessary for a growing child's body. There are also fats and amino acids that can make up for the lack of nutrients.
Benefits:
- Dissolves almost immediately in water;
- The composition is balanced, it is aimed at ensuring that absolutely all components of the mixture are fully absorbed by the baby's body;
- There are fatty acids that are aimed not only at improving immunity, but also at improving brain function and developing vision;
- Well adapted for children with any health condition;
- Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, including the normalization of the stool.
Faults:
- Parents often say that the mixture is too sweet;
- Foil bag does not have a snap closure;
- Contains no probiotics.
Nestogen
3. Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1
Finally, we can present you the products that open the top four of the best infant formulas. This composition is made on the basis of whey protein of the highest quality. It also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which positively affect the state of the child's cardiovascular system, ensure the development of the brain and vision.
In addition, the mixture provides a well-balanced complex of vitamins necessary for the child, which was developed by the company's researchers, taking into account the age characteristics of the baby. It is well thought out, contributes to the harmonious growth and development of the body.
The mixture also includes vitamin D and calcium, which, together with other beneficial substances, are well absorbed by the child's intestines, and act on bones and teeth, strengthening them. The iron and zinc contained are designed to prevent anemia. The complex of antioxidants and biologically important nutrients are designed to protect the baby from most adverse environmental factors.
Advantages:
- Very reasonable cost of the mixture - it is one of the cheapest among all on the market today;
- No palm and rapeseed oil in the composition - many parents have a negative attitude towards these substances;
- Dissolves almost instantly;
- Every baby eats this mixture with pleasure.
Disadvantages:
- Not very convenient packaging, including measuring spoon.
Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1
2. BIBIKOL Nanny Classic
Depending on the label, it is used from birth until the child reaches the age of two. The composition is a dry, fully adapted milk formula, which is produced on the basis of goat milk, which is obtained in New Zealand farms. The natural conditions in this country make it possible to fully provide animals with fresh grass throughout the year. Product developers were able to fully preserve all the beneficial qualities of goat milk, largely due to the original production technology of its composition. It contains less alpha-S1-casein and beta-lactoglobulin when compared to standard baby food formulas made from cow's milk. In addition, the composition contains natural milk fat and oils of vegetable origin of the highest quality.
Goat milk contains nucleotides, membrane components of fat globules (for example, phospholipids), oligosaccharides in sufficient amount for a child's organism.
The optimal amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been added to the mixture, there is a carefully balanced vitamin-mineral complex designed exclusively for the child.
Benefits:
- Goat's milk causes fewer allergic reactions than cow's;
- Great for lactose intolerant children;
- Quite tasty product;
- Easily digested in children's intestines;
- Minimum risk of allergic reactions.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly more expensive than products made with cow's milk.
BIBIKOL Nanny Classic
1. NAN Optipro
In the first place of the rating was the product of the Swiss brand, which is preferred by many parents largely due to its good qualities and pleasant taste. The main distinguishing point of this mixture compared to all other products that we considered as part of our review is the presence of beneficial bifidobacteria here. Otherwise, this is also an adapted dry milk mixture that can be fed to a child from the very moment of birth.
The composition is carefully balanced, so the manufacturer guarantees with confidence that the baby will receive all the necessary nutritional compounds, vitamins and minerals that are required for his physical, psychological and mental development in the first months and years of life.
There is a unique Optipro complex here, which provides the baby with the required amount of protein, and bifidobacteria help to form and improve immunity. The mixture contains the right amount of trace elements, minerals and vitamins. Products are manufactured using the highest quality raw materials. It will not be possible to detect flavorings, genetically modified foods, preservatives and dyes. The mixture is very pleasant in taste, it contains a variety of vegetable oils, as well as fish oil, instead of standard table salt, magnesium chloride is used here. It is diluted with water of any temperature - better than room temperature, so that later it does not have to be heated.
Benefits:
- Excellent product quality;
- Widely available in all grocery stores;
- Does not cause colic or loose stools;
- Convenient packaging;
- Easily dissolves in water.
Flaws:
- Except for the relatively high price was not found.
NAN Optipro
In conclusion, useful video
Our review of the most popular infant formulas on the Russian market has come to an end. If you still have some questions or want to share your impressions of the use of a particular product - welcome to the comments on this article. It will be very interesting for us and our readers to know your opinion.
what kind of food to choose for a child and what to consider when feeding?
The benefits of mother's milk for a child cannot be overestimated.
It has been scientifically proven that this unique food created by nature itself fully meets the needs of the baby's body in the first year of life, provides him with the necessary substances and strengthens the immune system [1] . But what if the mother does not have enough milk or not at all? Then pediatricians recommend mixtures for children. They differ in composition and properties, we will help you understand their diversity.
If, for one reason or another, a mother cannot breastfeed her baby for a long time, the pediatrician prescribes infant formula [2] .
At the same time, mixtures for feeding children are diverse in purpose. In addition to basic products for healthy babies, there are therapeutic and preventive infant formulas recommended for babies with certain disorders (or a predisposition to them). Which mixture to choose for the child, the pediatrician should decide, based on the state of health of the baby. But mom should understand how different products differ from each other, so we will talk about the most commonly prescribed types of infant formula.
Base mixes . They are intended for healthy full-term babies who do not have allergies and hereditary predisposition to it, digestive disorders and other disorders. Mixtures are usually made on the basis of cow's milk (sometimes goat's is used). And they are called adapted because they are as close as possible to breast milk in terms of the amount and ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to meet the needs of the child [3] .
Note
In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the mixture is similar to human milk in terms of vitamin and mineral composition. They reduce the content of mineral salts that can adversely affect the functioning of the digestive system and kidneys, and also add the missing trace elements and vitamins [4] .
Hypoallergenic Prophylactic Formulas are indicated for healthy children with a predisposition to allergies. One of the main risk factors is heredity: if one of the parents has allergic diseases, the probability of developing them in a child is approximately 30%, but if both have them, the risk doubles [5] .
The main food component that causes allergies in early childhood is cow's milk protein. Therefore, a formula based on cow's milk is usually not prescribed for such babies. Doctors recommend using a hypoallergenic mixture, the main difference of which is partially hydrolyzed, that is, split, protein. In this form, it is much better absorbed, and its allergenicity is reduced [6] .
Formulas for children with allergies . If the baby already has an allergy to milk protein, preventive nutrition will not help - you need a therapeutic mixture. Formulas for children with allergies are made from fully digested protein or amino acids. Due to this, they are much less allergenic. But in terms of taste, such a product is inferior to basic and prophylactic mixtures, and some babies have to get used to clinical nutrition for a long time [7] .
Formulas for children with constipation and colic . In the first months of life, many babies suffer from colic, constipation, flatulence.
With natural feeding, digestive disorders are less common: breast milk contains components that promote the growth of “good” bacteria in the intestines. Similar properties of the mixture are achieved by adding probiotics and prebiotics to its composition. The former include beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while the latter include substances that help their growth (oligosaccharides, lactulose, inulin) [8] .
Anti-reflux mixtures . The reasons for frequent regurgitation are varied: disorders of the nervous system, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, improper feeding technique. As a symptomatic remedy, pediatricians recommend anti-reflux mixtures that contain gum or starch (rice, potato, corn) as a thickener. Due to the presence of a thickener in the composition, this mixture prevents regurgitation [9] .
Lactase deficiency formulas . Their main difference is the low lactose content or its complete absence. The use of a therapeutic mixture can reduce the manifestations of lactase deficiency - diarrhea and colic [10] .
Preterm formulas . Babies born prematurely weigh very little and need an increased amount of nutrients. Premature infant formula should contain more protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals than term infant formula. At the same time, it is important that they have the ability to form normal intestinal microflora [11] .
In addition to the functional purpose, mixtures differ in age of application. Most base mixes are presented in four stages. The first stage, often indicated by the number 1 on the package, is for feeding babies up to six months of age. After six months and up to a year, a subsequent mixture is applied (stage 2), from 12 months the baby is transferred to stage 3 and after 18 months to stage 4 [12] .
How to choose a formula for your baby: in search of the best options
Breast milk substitute is prescribed by a pediatrician, taking into account the health and individual characteristics of the baby. But the mother must understand why the doctor recommends this or that product.
Therefore, it is useful for her to know everything about the mixture for the child: which is better in this case and why. Here are the main factors that are taken into account when choosing.
Physician's recommendation . This is the most important and mandatory selection criterion. The pediatrician will study the characteristics of the baby's body, the history of childbirth, family history and, based on these data, will tell which mixture is best to feed the child.
Product type . It is necessary to choose a mixture suitable for age (up to six months - the initial mixture, then the subsequent one). If the child is prone to constipation or colic, there are allergic diseases in the family, or there are some other features, they should be reported to the doctor: he will help you choose the right type of product.
Composition . Formulas for artificial feeding are not only adapted in terms of protein, fat and carbohydrate components, but also enriched with substances necessary for the health and normal development of the child.
When examining the composition, pay attention to the following ingredients (their presence is highly desirable):
- probiotics and prebiotics - help to populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria and maintain them in the right amount and ratio. This serves to prevent digestive disorders, protects against allergies and immune problems [13];
- breast milk oligosaccharides. These substances perform several functions at once: they protect the children's body from infections (preventing harmful microbes from attaching to the gastrointestinal mucosa), support the immune system, and also work as a prebiotic [14] . This component is not found in all mixtures, but its importance is obvious. The most common type of human milk oligosaccharides are 2'-FL oligosaccharides. It is they that can be found in the “nutrition value” or “composition” block on the packaging of the mixture;
- omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids — they ensure normal metabolism and are involved in many biochemical processes [15] ;
- vitamins and minerals.
Pay attention to the content of lutein in the mixture - this component, which is part of breast milk, is important for eye health. It is not produced in the body, so a baby on artificial or mixed feeding can only get it with food. Of the minerals, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese are especially important for the child's body [16]; - nucleotides. They help to normalize the balance of intestinal microflora and strengthen immunity [17];
- taurine is an amino acid that is important for the proper development of the brain and retina. In the first months of life, it is not produced in the body, so it must be supplied with food [18] .
This is important
Breast milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are unique components that are of great benefit to the child's body. In terms of content in breast milk, they are in third place after lactose and fat - this fact alone makes it possible to see how important these substances are.
Until recently, manufacturers could only add HMO analogues to mixtures - galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides, which are not a full replacement for them, do not have the same range of biological effects [19] . But in recent years, a way has been found to obtain HMO, and now this valuable component is in some mixtures.
The presence of some ingredients should be given special attention, as they may not be suitable for all babies. It is primarily palm oil (otherwise known as palm olein). The peculiarity of this component is that it forms insoluble compounds with calcium and therefore interferes with its absorption, and can also cause constipation in the baby [20] .
Reviews . This factor should not be decisive: what is successfully used in feeding other children is not necessarily suitable for your baby. But if a certain product gets only negative ratings, it should alert.
The main requirement for milk formula is maximum adaptation to breast milk.
