10 Great Superfoods for Babies and Toddlers

You read about it all the time – kale is the new quinoa and acai is the elixir for eternal youth. From spinach to salmon to seaweed, it seems like every season brings about a new assortment of life-altering superfoods in the health and wellness world. While today’s touted amazing edible might be quickly replaced by tomorrow’s trendy food find, no one can argue that all of the natural nutrients referred to as “superfoods” offer ample health benefits.

As an individual keen on keeping healthy, you probably aim to incorporate a wide variety of the nutritional powerhouses into your diet daily. Flaxseeds in your oatmeal, quinoa and kale at lunch, and a ginger-ginseng nightcap to nod you off to sleep on a good day. Sure, not every day is the ideal picture of perfect health, but a single superfood supplement can boast big benefits – both for you and your baby.

You might be surprised to hear that babies, too, can reap extreme benefits from the additions of certain superfoods to their diets. After all, the tiny tummies of today’s tots and toddlers don’t require a lot of food, so the quality of what they do consume is that much more important.

Here are ten great superfoods to add to your youngster’s diet that offer huge health advantages.

1. Avocado

High in Omega 3’s, the avocado is one of the best superfoods both you and your baby can enjoy. It’s soft texture and mild taste make it more than palatable for your little one.  Avocados offer those essential fatty acids that aid in the development of everything from brain cells to bone strength. Simple slice up some avocado and serve, or mash up a bit of this green great with some organic infant formula like Hipp Formula for a smoother consistency.

2. Blueberries

Everyone knows blueberries pack one powerfully nutritious punch.  Did you also know that they offer the highest level of antioxidants out of all the fresh fruits? In addition, blueberries are high in fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Adding these little blue blessings to your tot’s diet will help foster the growth of your baby’s brain, heart, eyes, nervous system, and urinary system.

3. Chia Seeds

One of the more trendy superfoods on the health food circuit today, chia seeds are a great supplement to your diet as well as the diet of your baby. With high levels of Omega-3s, magnesium, iron, potassium, and protein, they’re easy to incorporate into your little one’s menu.  Simply mix them with organic baby formula for a pudding-like treat.

Chia seeds also offer extremely high levels of antioxidants (more per serving than blueberries) and calcium (more than a glass of whole milk).  They also provide necessary fiber to help prevent constipation.

4. Eggs

Nothing beats a breakfast of eggs, one of the more traditional superfoods on the list. Packed with protein and healthy fats, organic, free-range eggs also offer quality sources of Vitamin D, folate, lutein and minerals that include zinc, iron, and selenium. Eggs also contain the B Vitamin choline that aids in brain development.

5. Quinoa

The only complete plant-based protein on the list, quinoa is an ancient grain that’s perfect for vegetarian babies. High levels of the amino acid lysine aids your child’s tissue growth and repair. Quinoa also offers a great source of iron, magnesium, and manganese.  Because it’s naturally gluten free, it’s a great addition for little ones on restricted diets.

6. Sweet Potato

High in phytonutrients as well as Vitamin A and Vitamin C, sweet potatoes are arguably the most nutritious vegetable you can feed your baby. They’re also incredibly easy to mash up and serve due to their soft consistency and slightly sweet taste.

7. Oats

Everyone knows oatmeal is an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fiber, helping to prevent constipation and aid in heart health for those of all ages.  This breakfast staple is also very rich in phytochemicals, Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc as well.

8. Coconut

Both the milk and flesh of this tropical fruit offer necessary medium-chain fatty acids that mimic the nutrients in breast milk. In addition, adding coconuts to your baby’s food will improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels, and give your wee one’s immune system a good boost.

9. Kale

Kale has been the most popular superfood on the health scene lately, and for good reason. Rich in folate and iron as well as calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin K, kale helps build strong bones during the critical years of a baby’s growth.

10. Beans

High in protein and fiber, beans are an easy addition to any baby’s diet. They mash easily once cooked and offer a mild flavor that most toddlers and tots enjoy. In addition, they are a great source of iron and Vitamin B and contain ten times the amount of antioxidants found in a single orange.

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