Baby nutrition is one of the most important factors to consider as there is more to it than just buying baby food or formula. From being a newborn to becoming a year old, babies slowly develop their digestion and taste for different types of food. Parents must pay close attention to what food works (liquid or solid) between the four crucial stages of feeding. Here is a brief overview.

Age: Birth to 4 months
Mothers should only give breast milk to newborns. In this age group, babies cannot process solid foods. Breast milk is rich in iron and other nutrients that are essential for growth.

Age: 4 to 6 months
Between 4 and 6 months, you can also add formula with breast milk. Holle baby formula is one of the suggested options for newborns and very young toddlers. Additionally, pureed vegetables and fruits like apples, bananas, peach, squash, and peas are acceptable choices.

Age: 6 to 8 months
Babies are continually fed breast milk and formula in an effort to prepare their digestive tract for solid foods as they grow old. Well-cooked beans, lentils, mashed avocados, and sweet potatoes can now be included in daily foods. You can even consider pureed meats but only in strict moderation.

Age: 8 to 12 months
Even at this age, a majority of the daily calorie requirement of 750 to 900 should be covered with breast milk and formula. However, it is at this stage you can include more fruits, vegetables, meats, and even some dairy products. Consider adding oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, and even avocados with the rest of the greens.

Top 3 natural and organic baby food formulas

Holle Baby Formula
Holle brings you a variety of infant formulas made with different types of milk. The formula can be given using a standard feeding bottle or can be used to make whole grain porridges. Holle baby formula is gluten-free, contains no sugar, and is made with Demeter or organic goat’s milk. Formulas are suitable for very young toddlers and can be given from birth till they switch to solid foods.

Happy Baby® Organics Infant Formula
This baby food is one of the best choices for infant formula loaded with essential prebiotics, DHA, ARA, and vitamin D. Its consistency is more or less that of breast milk, and the formula has a very mild odor. Parents looking for a formula that helps 6- to 7-month-old infants wean off breast milk can consider this brand.

Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle Organic Formula
If your infant is unable to digest foods properly or has a really sensitive tummy, this formula can help reduce gas and irritation. It packs easy-to-digest proteins and essential minerals and doesn’t contain any preservatives, additives, antibiotics, or GMOs.

Any baby food formula that is milk-based (mostly made with cow’s milk), is partially hydrolyzed, or contains soy proteins in place of milk proteins, is suitable for daily use. You can consult with a pediatrician to understand the best brand of organic formula based on your baby’s eating needs.