11 Foundation Foods

February 08, 2021

Eleven Foundation Foods to feed your baby: eggs, prunes, avocados, fish, yogurt/cheese/milk, nuts and nut butters, chicken &/or beans/lentils, summer berries & winter citrus, green vegetables, whole grains, and water.

• Eggs: healthy source of protein, fat, biotin, iron. Can be introduced at 6 months of age. This will be a top source of protein for children.
• Prunes: fun fiber fruits containing natural sorbitol that will help sooth and prevent tummy issues in infants and toddlers naturally. Introducing at an early age will reduce the need for medication to treat constipation.
• Avocados: high in potassium, fiber, and healthy monounsaturated fat. 
• Fish: natural source of protein, omega-3, and vitamin-D for building bones and preventing disease. (recommended after 6 months of age)
• Yogurt/Cheese/Milk: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin-A, vitamin-D, vitamin B-12, riboflavin, and niacin. (babies at 6 months can have  yogurt and cheese, but hold off on cow's milk until 1 year of age)
• Nuts and Nut Butters: vegetarian protein, vitamin-E, healthy monounsaturated fats, (recommended to introduce at an early age to decrease possible future allergies)
• Chicken/Beans/Lentils: healthy protein, iron, zinc, and fiber from legumes
• Summer Berries/Winter Citrus: low calories, high in fiber, vitamin-C, folate, antioxidants, phytonutrients
• Green Vegetables: packed with vitamins and minerals. Kale, Swiss chard, and spinach are highly nutritional
• Whole Grains: "100% whole grain" should be the first ingredient. good source of energy and fiber for a healthy digestive system.
• Water: offer small sips around 6 months of age to become a healthy habit over sweet juices.

 

~ From: What to Feed Your Baby, T. Altmann

---

Also in Baby Blog