Why is soup great for babies?
- Soups are an easy way to pack nutrients into your little one’s diet.
- Allows them to explore different textures, and flavors which may lead to better (less picky) eaters later on.
- Soups freeze very well, and are therefore an easy meal to to have on hand for nourishment on a moment’s notice.
- Helps babies with fine motor development. Although they can use their hands, this is also a great opportunity for babies to practice scooping with a spoon and getting the food into their mouths.
Types of soups for babies
1. Pureed
Smooth soups are great for babies who are teething. To make soups even smoother, you can run them through a fine mesh sieve.
2. Slightly Chunky
Soups that have not been fully blended, have small grains, or tiny pieces of veggies are a great bridge to very chunky soups.
3. Very Chunky
Soups with bigger pieces of chicken, pasta, and veggies are so fun for babies. They get to explore different textures, and can either use a spoon or pick up the big pieces with their fingers.
Things to keep in mind
- Use a suction bowl.
- Make sure the soup is not too hot for baby to touch.
- Be aware of sodium levels. We recommend making your soups (and broths) completely from scratch so you can control the amount of salt.
- Babies won’t initially eat soup with a spoon; you can offer it, but expect them to eat with their hands. Or offer a soft piece of bread to dip in and try that way.
- Make sure all big pieces of food in soups are very tender and soft so baby has an easy time with them, and to ensure it’s safe for baby to eat.
- Do not use honey as an ingredient for babies under the age of one.
- Make sure to cut all the veggies and proteins in small pieces, or long pieces, as opposed to big and round.
Storage and Freezing
You can store soups in the fridge for a few days covered with a tight fitted lid, or you can freeze in baby soup trays and defrost as needed.
When reheating soup, either use the stovetop or the microwave. Always make sure to stir very well so there are no hot spots, and allow to cool so it’s not too hot for baby to touch.
Recipes
- Apple, Carrot, and Sweet Potato Soup by Molly Hagler
- Cream of Any Veggie Soup by Rorie Weisberg
- Butternut Squash Soup by Rachel
- Out-of-this-World Minestrone Soup by Zeta Olive Oil
- Garden Vegetable Potato Soup from the Dining In Cookbook
- Creamless Cream of Potato Soup by Esti Waldman
- Zucchini Soup by Dina Strauss
