Baby Foodie: Adding Herbs and Spices to Baby Food

For those of you who are just getting to know me, you’ll learn quickly that I’m all for raising a generation of baby foodies! Let’s give our babies something other than tasteless mush to eat! I’m a firm believer that babies deserve the tasty goodness we feed ourselves. Why not start em’ young?! Now don’t get crazy with the curry powder or pumpkin pie spice. Instead, take it slow just like you did when you started to add new foods to your baby’s diet.

Most healthcare professionals agree that between 7-8 months of age, you can start adding spices to baby food. This timeframe has to do with the complexity of their growing taste buds during the first few months of life and the fact that their digestive tracts are still maturing.* Make sure to add no more than a teaspoon of spice to their foods. Oh and stay clear of the saltshaker! Babies (and adults) do not need added salt to their food.

Here’s how I’ve experimented with Joey’s diet thus far:

Winter Squash:                   Peas:                                    Banana:

Nutmeg                             Lemon Juice                 Cinnamon

Cinnamon                          Lemon Zest                   Ginger

Allspice

Sweet Potato:                       Carrots:

Nutmeg                           Basil

Cinnamon                        Rosemary

If you’ve added herbs or spices to your baby food, what’s your little one’s favorite combinations?!

*If your baby doesn’t have any digestive problems, gradually add a new herb or spice to their food, applying the same general rule you did when introducing solid foods: wait three to four days after each new herb or spice before trying another one so you can tell if they’re reacting to it.* If your baby has a sensitive stomach, or conditions such as reflux or other digestive problems, talk to your healthcare professional before introducing herbs or spices.