Welcoming a new baby into the family brings a host of joyful milestones, and introducing your little one to solid foods is undoubtedly one of them. Around six months of age, babies are typically ready to experiment with different flavours and textures, marking the beginning of their weaning journey. When it comes to feeding your baby, nothing beats the wholesomeness and nourishment of homemade soups. Not only do they hydrate, but they also provide essential nutrients vital for your little one’s growth and development. As your baby transitions from milk to more solid foods, introducing a variety of soups can be an excellent way to expand their palate and ensure they receive a balance of vitamins and minerals. We will explore the top 10 soups perfect for babies under one year old, focusing on taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation.
Tips for Making Baby-Friendly Soups:
- Always ensure that the ingredients are cooked until very soft.
- Blend the soup to a consistency your baby can safely manage.
- Keep the soups simple; avoid adding salt, sugar, or strong spices.
- Always check the soup’s temperature to ensure it is not too hot before feeding.
- Introduce new food in a space of 3 days apart. It’s a good rule to follow when your family has a history of allergies.
- Consult your paediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby’s diet.
1. APPLE AND CARROT SOUP (6 MONTHS+):
This Vitamin C and vitamin A soup is the ideal combination of apples and carrots, which are rich in nutrients. The sweetness of the apple in this soup makes it super tasty and perfectly healthy food for the fussy child.
2.CARROT AND SWEET POTATO SOUP (6 MONTHS+):
This carrot sweet potato soup is delicious and creamy, blended with the goodness of almonds. It’s also a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The natural sweetness of carrots and sweet potatoes makes this soup even more tasty.
Pumpkin Soup is a healthy and tasty soup with pumpkin, garlic, and pepper powder for babies, toddlers, and kids. Pumpkin is a nutritious vegetable rich in minerals, fibre, and vitamins. This pumpkin soup is one of the easiest ways to include pumpkin in a baby’s diet.
4. CHICKEN SOUP (8 MONTHS+):
This straightforward chicken soup is the best way to introduce chicken to babies. It’s very nutritious, easily digestible, and helps treat colds and coughs. It’s effortless to make and tastes delicious, too. Add some vegetables or corn kernels to make the chicken soup tastier and filling.
5.BARLEY SOUP/ BARLEY WATER (6 MONTHS+):
Barley is loaded with iron, calcium, and protein. It is best consumed during fevers or summer as it is believed to cool the body. If your family has no history of allergy to gluten, be sure to feed your baby with barely in moderation.
6.MOONG DAL SOUP ( 6 MONTHS +):
Moong dal soup is a staple in many Indian households and is suitable for babies as it’s easily digestible. It’s also a good source of protein, vitamins, and Iron. However, some studies suggest that watery moong dal soup (or any very runny liquid) shouldn’t be given to babies as the baby should get used to different food textures. Hence, make this moong dal soup thicker and feed your baby wholesome!
7.CARROT AND BEETROOT SOUP (6 MONTHS+):
Carrot beetroot soup is vibrant in colour and mildly sweet, making it the best food for kids. A healthy combination of carrots and beetroots makes this soup more nutritious, as beetroot helps increase haemoglobin, and carrots are loaded with vitamins vital for growing babies and kids.
8.CAULIFLOWER SOUP : (8 MONTHS+)
Healthy, creamy cauliflower soup with nuts, pepper powder and onions for babies, toddlers and kids. Cauliflower tastes best when combined with nuts and is loved by kids because of its creamy texture.
9. AVOCADO SOUP (8 MONTHS+)
Avocado soup – easy, creamy and healthy soup with avocados
10. SWEET CORN SOUP (11 MONTHS+):
Creamy, tasty soup with sweet corn. One of the most favourite soups among kids, it is suitable for rainy and winter seasons!
FAQ
What types of soups are suitable for babies aged 6-12 months?
For babies in the 6-12 month age range, choosing soups that are smooth in texture and free from solid pieces is essential to avoid choking hazards. Ideal options include pureed vegetable soups like carrot and sweet potato, pea puree, pumpkin soup, and finely blended chicken and vegetable soup.
How do I ensure the soups are safe for my baby to consume?
Always cook the ingredients thoroughly until they are very soft, which ensures they can be pureed to a smooth consistency. Avoid adding any salt, sugar, or strong spices. Cool the soup to a suitable temperature before feeding your baby.
Can I introduce meat in soups for my baby?
Yes, meat like chicken or turkey can be introduced as finely ground or pureed into soups. These provide an excellent source of protein and other nutrients essential for your baby’s development. Ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before blending it into the soup.
What vegetables are best for baby soups?
Soft vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, peas, and butternut squash are great for baby soups due to their natural sweetness and smooth texture when cooked and pureed. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Are there any soups that can help my baby with digestion?
Yes, apple and pear soup can be very gentle on your baby’s digestive system, thanks to its high fibre content. Pumpkin and carrot soup are also good as they are easy to digest and help regulate bowel movements.
How often can I give soup to my baby?
Soups can be included in your baby’s diet 1-2 times daily as part of a balanced diet. Various other foods are essential to ensure your baby receives all necessary nutrients.
Can I freeze homemade baby soup?
Yes, homemade baby soups can be frozen in small portions. Use ice cube trays to freeze the soup, then transfer the frozen cubes into freezer bags. These can be stored for up to one month. Always thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do I introduce new flavours in my baby’s soup?
Introduce new ingredients one at a time and wait a few days before introducing another new ingredient to monitor for any allergic reactions. Start with mild vegetables and gradually add more variety.
Is it okay to use stock in baby soups?
Homemade vegetable stock can be used in making baby soups, but make sure it is low in sodium and free from any onions or garlic, which might be hard for your baby to digest at this stage.
What signs should I look for to know if my baby enjoys the soups?
Signs that your baby enjoys the soup include eagerness to eat, reaching for the spoon, and appearing happy during feeding. Conversely, turning away, crying, or refusing to open the mouth can indicate dislike or fullness.
