The Dos and Don’ts of Feeding your Baby Snacks
Feeding your baby snacks can be a great way to introduce them to new flavors and textures, while also helping them stay full between meals. However, it’s important to keep in mind some dos and don’ts to ensure your baby is getting the right nutrition and avoiding potential hazards.
Read about the best foods to feed a toddler when introducing them to food.
Do Introduce different types of snacks
DO introduce a variety of foods: Babies are naturally curious and open to trying new foods, so it’s a good idea to introduce a variety of healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help prevent them from becoming picky eaters later on and ensure they’re getting all the necessary nutrients.
DON’T give foods that are choking hazards: Certain foods, like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies, can be choking hazards for young children. Make sure to cut foods into small pieces and avoid giving them anything that’s too hard or difficult to chew.
Offer Finger Foods
DO offer finger foods: As your baby grows and becomes more independent, they may enjoy being able to feed themselves. Finger foods like soft fruits and steamed vegetables can be a great way to encourage self-feeding and improve hand-eye coordination.
DON’T offer sugary snacks: While it may be tempting to give your baby sweet treats like cookies or candy, these can be high in sugar and low in nutrients. Instead, opt for healthier snacks like fresh fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers.
Watch for Allergies
DO watch for signs of allergies: Some babies may be allergic to certain foods, so it’s important to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your baby has a food allergy, talk to your pediatrician and avoid giving them that food in the future.
DON’T give too much salt or seasoning: While some seasoning can make food more appealing to adults, babies don’t need a lot of salt or spices in their diet. Too much salt can be harmful to their kidneys, and strong flavors may be overwhelming for their still-developing taste buds.
Always Hydrate
DO offer water with snacks: If your baby is eating solid foods, they may also need water to stay hydrated. Offer a small cup of water with snacks to help them stay hydrated and promote healthy digestion.
DON’T give too much at once: While it’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat, it’s also possible to give them too much. Start with small portions and let them decide when they’re full, and avoid forcing them to finish everything on their plate.
Have Patience
DO be patient: Introducing new foods can be a slow process, and it may take several tries before your baby is willing to try something new. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t like something at first, and keep offering a variety of options.
DON’T use snacks as a reward or punishment: Using food as a reward or punishment can create unhealthy habits and associations with food. Instead, offer snacks as a regular part of their diet and focus on teaching them healthy eating habits.
Best Healthy Snacks for Babies
Plum Organics Super Puffs Variety Pack
These organic and non-GMO puffs are made with whole grains and real fruits and vegetables. This makes them a healthy and tasty snack for babies. They come in four different flavors and are available on Amazon.
Happy Baby Organic Yogis
These yogurt drops are a great way to introduce your baby to the taste of yogurt. They’re made with organic fruit and yogurt and are available in several flavors, including strawberry and mixed berry.
Gerber Organic Lil’ Crunchies
These baked corn snacks are made with organic whole grains and real vegetables. They come in several flavors, including mild cheddar and veggie dip, and are available on Amazon.
Earth’s Best Organic Fruit Yogurt Smoothie
This organic smoothie is made with real fruit and yogurt. It is a great way to provide your baby with a healthy dose of probiotics. It comes in several flavors, including blueberry and peach, and is available on Amazon.
Ella’s Kitchen Organic Baby Food Pouches
These organic baby food pouches are made with real fruits and vegetables and come in a variety of flavors. They’re a convenient and healthy snack option for babies and can be easily transported on the go. They’re available on Amazon in a variety of flavors, including banana and peach.
Best Containers for Baby Snacks
Munchkin Snack Catcher
This snack container is designed to prevent spills and messes, making it a popular choice among parents. It has a soft, flexible top that allows babies to reach in and grab snacks, but keeps them from spilling out.
Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed
This snack container is designed to allow parents to mash up fruits and vegetables for their baby on the go. It has a built-in masher and comes with a lid to keep the container sealed when not in use.
Skip Hop Zoo Snack Cup
This cute and colorful snack container is a hit with both parents and kids. It has a flip-top lid that keeps snacks fresh and prevents spills, and comes in a variety of fun animal designs.
OXO Tot Flip-Top Snack Cup
This snack container has a flip-top lid that makes it easy for babies to access their snacks, but keeps them from spilling out. It has a non-slip grip and is made from BPA-free materials.
NUK Simply Natural Learner Cup with Lid
While not strictly a snack container, this cup is designed to help babies transition from bottles to cups. It has a soft spout that mimics the feel of a bottle nipple, and comes with a lid to keep drinks from spilling out. It’s a popular choice among parents who want to encourage their babies to drink water with their snacks.
In conclusion, feeding your baby snacks can be a great way to introduce them to new flavors and textures while also helping them stay full between meals. However, it’s important to keep in mind some dos and don’ts to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition and avoiding potential hazards. By offering a variety of healthy options, avoiding choking hazards, watching for signs of allergies, and being patient, you can help your baby develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
