By now you’ve probably heard of “superfoods” – everyday foods that are super good for our health. In recent times, we’ve been told that acai and goji berries, kale and chia are powerhouses that can improve our scores in the nutrition stakes. But did you know there are superfoods for babies and toddlers, too? Simple, yummy ingredients you can buy at the supermarket (or maybe you already do!) and add to your young child’s diet soon after he start eating solids. Here are five you might like to try.
- Yoghurt. Rich in protein and high calcium, full-fat natural yoghurt is a brilliant food for babies and toddlers. There’s no need to buy sweetened varieties – instead, stir through your baby’s favourite fruit puree, if you like.
- Berries. Fruit is fantastic for little ones, and berries (especially blueberries) are high in antioxidants, which are good for little immune systems. Older babies and toddlers can nibble on whole berries, or you can reduce them to a puree to stir through rice cereal or porridge. For big kids and grown-ups, macerate berries is a little sugar to prepare as a coulis to drizzle over dessert.
- Avocado. Full of healthy fats, which are a great source of energy for little ones, avocado can be spread on toast or crispbread, eaten straight off the spoon, or mashed with banana for a favourite first puree.
- Lean red meat. Bubs need a good intake of iron, too, and while his rice cereal is probably iron-fortified, you can also offer red meat early in your baby’s solids journey. Blend to make puree, or as your baby gets older, serve tender strips to chew on at meal times.
- Sweet potato. Packed with vitamins and minerals your baby needs, sweet potato (and pumpkin) are an early winner thanks to their smooth silky texture and sweet flavour. As a complex carb, they’re also good for keeping your child fuller for longer. Stir puree or chunks through pasta sauces for a sweet and subtle vegetable boost.