The perfect time to introduce top food to your babies is when they start eating solids, usually at 6 months old. A range of homemade food – a long but worthy process involves chopping, washing, steaming then blending. Exposing your baby's taste buds to a healthier option, you might even be surprised to learn that babies do in fact enjoy a variation of fruits and vegetables!
Carrots – A wonderful source of vitamin A loaded with beta-carotene, which is non-toxic even in large doses (within reason). Tip: pick the long and thin carrots for better sweetness.
Squash – An excellent source of vitamins A and C, which has a natural sweetness and creamy texture that babies love.
Lentils – Its good nutritional value consists of protein and fiber.
Peas – Its very heart-healthy and a good source of iron.
Papaya – Sweet, versatile, tasty and very nutritious, which contains high amounts of vitamin A, C and E. Probably one of the first foods to feed your baby.
Dark Green Vegetables – Boasting with high amounts of iron and folate, you may include spinach or even moringa leaves into your list. You can't get any healthier than that!
Potatoes – An excellent carbohydrate content. It also makes a wonderful puree - mashed potatoes (but best to avoid salt, pepper or butter added to it)
Broccoli – Known for its cancer fighting properties, broccoli has a unique flavour that helps develop your baby's taste buds, which should be a regular food option in your baby's daily diet.
Asparagus – Has a wonderful source of folic acid, fiber and calcium. It also helps clean the digestive track.
Bananas – Its texture and natural sweetness come packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Avocados – Its fat composition is similar to breast milk, making it a rich source of unsaturated fats. It makes one super green veg!
Meat – A great source of zinc and iron, who would even think that meat would be a top food choice for babies? Try chicken or turkey breast, this also makes a wonderful food option. (Note that a diet excluding meat is still considered healthy for your baby.)
Chayote – A veggie high in amino acid and vitamins. It also has a mild, but interesting taste.
Oranges – Babies love the taste of this fruit high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Best to give it in small amounts several times a day.
Sweet Potatoes – Its high in beta-carotene and potassium, possibly one of the healthiest foods you can find around.
(Note: The food options listed above have been tried and tested but every baby is different so before you begin feeding your baby solids of any kind, always seek advice from your pediatrician.)