Navigating Dairy-Free, Egg-Free Baby Food: My Go-To Products & Tips (from a Naturopathic Doctor!)
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As a Naturopathic Doctor and a mom, I understand the challenges of feeding a little one with dietary restrictions. When my son needed to avoid dairy and eggs, I embarked on a quest to find wholesome, nutritious, and delicious foods that would support his growth and development. Through trial and error (and a lot of taste-testing!), I discovered a few favorite products and staples that made our journey a whole lot easier.
Three Wishes Cereal
Finding a healthy, sugar-free cereal for babies can be tough, especially one that also avoids rice. Three Wishes Cereal is a lifesaver! It's packed with protein, free of sugar and rice, and the small, crunchy O's are perfect for developing those all-important pincer grip skills.
Purchase here: Three Wishes Cereal
Cocoyo Coconut Yogurt
I love Cocoyo for its simple ingredients and eco-friendly glass jar. We enjoy it plain, mixed with wheat germ, hemp seeds, and fruit, or even swirled into leftover quinoa or amaranth. It's a versatile and delicious way to get probiotics and healthy fats into my little guy's diet.
Baby Fats! Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds, Nut Butters
Healthy fats are essential for brain development and overall growth. I add hemp seeds and chia seeds to oatmeal, smoothies, and even fruit purees. Almond butter and peanut butter (if no allergies are present!) are great on toast or mixed with mashed fruit. A surprising favorite combo? Almond butter and broccoli!
Purchase my favorite brands here:
Unsweetened Ripple Milk Kids
Ripple Milk is a dairy-free milk alternative that's high in protein, calcium, and healthy fats - all without any added sugar. It's been a staple in our fridge since my son was a baby, and it's perfect for smoothies, cereal, or just a refreshing drink.
Purchase it here: Ripple Milk
Wild Planet Sardines
Sardines may seem like an unusual choice for a toddler, but they're a nutritional powerhouse! The Wild Planet Sardines are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in mercury and PCBs. My son loves them straight from the can, but you can also mash them into avocado or sweet potato for a less adventurous eater.
Purchase them here: Wild Planet Sardines
Qunoa, Millet, Buckwheat, and Amaranth
While my son doesn't have a gluten sensitivity, I'm very mindful of his arsenic exposure. Rice, unfortunately, is known to accumulate arsenic, so I've made a conscious choice to keep it off his plate for now.
Instead, I turn to these fantastic gluten-free and rice-free grains: quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and amaranth. They're packed with nutrients and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
However, these grains aren't as naturally sticky as rice, which can make them a bit trickier for little ones to eat. My solution? I mix them with mashed or pureed fruits and vegetables to create a more cohesive and appealing texture. Think creamy avocado and quinoa, sweet potato and millet mash, or berry-licious amaranth porridge. The possibilities are endless!
Purchase my favorite brands here:
Navigating the Food Journey with Your Little One
Navigating food allergies and introducing new flavors can be a journey, but remember to take it one step at a time. Introduce new foods slowly, giving your little one's tummy a chance to adjust. Patience is key – it might take a few tries (or even ten!) before your child embraces a new food, so don't give up! Above all, keep mealtime fun and stress-free. It's a chance to connect, explore, and nourish your little one's growing body.
Feeding a baby with dietary restrictions can definitely have its challenges, but I hope these tips and product recommendations help make it a little bit easier. And remember, you're doing an amazing job!
FAQS
My baby has multiple food allergies. How can I adapt these recommendations?
Every child is unique, and allergies can vary widely. If your baby has multiple allergies, it's crucial to work closely with your allergist or pediatrician or a registered dietitian to ensure they're getting all the nutrients they need. They can provide tailored advice and help you create a safe and balanced meal plan.
Are there any specific brands you recommend for these products?
The brands I've mentioned are ones that I personally use and trust, but there are other great options out there! Always read labels carefully to check for allergens and added sugars.
My toddler is a picky eater. Any tips for getting them to try new foods?
Picky eating is a common phase for toddlers. Try offering new foods alongside familiar favorites, involve them in meal prep, and be patient! It can take multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. If you hate wasting food, the freezer can be your friend. Put the unwanted food in the freezer using metal ice cube trays. Then try again in a few weeks or months and your baby might surprise you!
Can I make my own baby food instead of buying pre-made products?
Absolutely! Making your own baby food gives you full control over the ingredients and can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just be sure to follow safe food handling practices and avoid adding salt, sugar, or honey to your baby's food.
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