3 Simple and Nutritious Smoothies for Babies

When it comes to feeding the youngest member of your family nutrition is the key. A smoothie is a fun way to make sure your baby (6 months and older) is getting easy to digest nutrients. Stonyfield Plain Whole Milk yogurt is a great base for a variety of delicious smoothies for babies.

When feeding little ones there are some important factors to consider:

1. Avoid citrus.
2. Avoid honey.
3. Do not add sugar.
4. Balance protein, carbohydrates and fat.
5. Make the food easy to digest.
6. Add plenty of saturated fat for vitamin absorption and brain development.
7. Keep it simple.

Here are three delicious smoothies that meet all of these criteria and are perfect for babies. The yogurt provides both fat and protein (make sure you are using full fat yogurt). The fruit provides carbohydrates.

Each smoothie contains an easy to digest starch like apples, bananas and sweet potatoes, for a baby’s immature digestive system. You can also add a small amount of white rice flour if you want the smoothie thicker. White rice flour can be calming to a little tummy. Other grains should be avoided since babies lack the enzymes to digest them.

These smoothies are naturally sweet from the fruit. Using fruit that is in season will ensure plenty of sweetness. A baby does not have the same palate as you so there is no need to try to make their food sweeter. Let them learn early on just how delicious plain fruit is without any added sugar. If you want to serve these smoothies to an older child you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup depending on their tastes.

Providing nutritious food for your baby should not be complicated. These smoothies only use a few simple ingredients and only take a few minutes to make. One of them doesn’t even require a blender!

Depending on the age of your child you can serve the smoothie with a straw, in a sippy cup, by spoon or even in a syringe! You can also turn the smoothie into a popsicle for an instant teether. Serve the smoothies fresh or prepare them in advance and have them on hand in the refrigerator. The recipes are for a single serving for a baby, but they can easily be doubled or tripled for older children or to make a few at a time.

All three of these smoothies for babies have been kid tested and approved. Try each one and see what your little one likes best.

Apple Cinnamon Shake and Serve Smoothie

Serves 1

This smoothie is so easy all you need is a jar. Then just shake and serve.

1/3 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup Stonyfield Plain Whole Milk yogurt

1/8 tsp. unrefined sea salt (optional – adds minerals)

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Add the ingredients to a jar. Put a lid on and shake.

Banana Blueberry Smoothie

Serves 1

Banana adds starch and sweetness while the blueberries give this smoothie vitamins and a burst of flavor.

1/2 small banana

3 Tbsp. blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup Stonyfield Plain Whole Milk yogurt

1/8 tsp. unrefined sea salt (optional – adds minerals)

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Sweet Potato Pear Smoothie

Serves 1

Sweet potatoes provide starch, thickness and vitamins to this smoothie. Pears give a great sweet taste.

1 Tbsp. baked or steamed sweet potato

1/2 medium pear, peeled

1/2 cup Stonyfield Plain Whole Milk yogurt

1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt (optional – adds minerals)

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

 

No time to make a homemade smoothie for your baby? Check out Stonyfield’s full line of YoBaby products for easy, on-the-go feeding.

 

Disclaimer: The content provided, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any questions about health or nutrition, we always think it’s best to consult with your doctor or healthcare practitioner.