7 Nutrient Boosters to Mix in Bub's Veggie Puree

Mixing nutrient dense ingredients into your baby’s veggie purees is a simple yet effective way to boost the nutrition in their diet and support their growth and development. The best part? There’s no cooking involved with these additions, making them an easy and convenient option for busy and worn out parents. By incorporating these ingredients, you can effortlessly increase your baby’s intake of essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and iron, creating a more balanced and nourishing meal. Each ingredient offers specific health benefits, helping to ensure your little one gets the vital nutrients they need to thrive. Here are seven awesome additions that will take your baby's purees from basic to beautifully balanced.

1. Chia Seeds

Nutrients and Benefits of Chia Seeds for Babies

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s are crucial for brain development and cognitive function. They help build and maintain healthy brain cells, which is essential for your baby’s growing mind.
Complete Protein: Chia seeds provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete source of protein. Proteins are vital for your baby’s growth, as they help build and repair tissues, support immune function, and ensure healthy muscle development.
Antioxidants: These tiny seeds are packed with antioxidants, which protect your baby’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This protection supports overall health and can help keep your baby’s immune system strong.
Fibre: Chia seeds are high in fibre, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy digestion. Adequate fibre helps prevent constipation and promotes a healthy gut, which is important for nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.

Meal Ideas:

Chia Seed-Packed Porridge: Stir chia seeds into a warm porridge made with oats, banana, and milk.
Chia Seed Veggie Puree: Mix chia seeds into a vegetable puree to add a boost of nutrition.
Chia Seed and Apple Puree: Incorporate chia seeds into a warm apple puree.

2. Hemp Seeds

Nutrients and Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Babies

Complete Protein: Hemp seeds are another excellent source of complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your baby needs for healthy growth. Protein supports muscle development, tissue repair, and a strong immune system.
Iron: Iron is critical for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron intake helps prevent anemia and supports your baby’s energy levels and overall health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Like chia seeds, hemp seeds are rich in omega-3s, which support brain development and cognitive function. These healthy fats also contribute to heart health and help regulate inflammation.
Magnesium: Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy production. Ensuring your baby gets enough magnesium supports their overall growth and development.
Fibre: The fibre in hemp seeds aids in digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. It also supports a healthy gut, which is crucial for absorbing nutrients and maintaining overall health.

Meal Ideas:

Hemp Seed Avocado Rolls: Roll slices of avocado in hemp seeds for a simple, nutrient-dense snack that’s easier for bub to grip on to.
Hemp Seed-Powered Porridge: Mix hemp seeds into porridge made with oats, banana, and milk.
Hemp Seed-Infused Veggie Puree: Stir hemp seeds into a veggie puree to enhance its nutritional profile.

3. Nut Butters / Nut Meals

Nutrients and Benefits of Nuts for Babies:

Protein: Nuts are rich in protein, which is essential for your baby’s growth and development. Protein supports the development of muscles and tissues, helps build a strong immune system, and provides energy for daily activities.
Healthy Fats: The healthy fats in nut butters, such as unsaturated fats, support brain development and overall health. These fats provide a source of energy and contribute to healthy skin and cell function.
Iron: Nuts are good sources of iron, which is crucial for red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. Adequate iron helps prevent anaemia and supports your baby’s energy levels.
Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in muscle function, bone health, and energy production. It supports your baby’s overall growth and helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
Vitamins: Nuts are rich in vitamins such as vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, and B vitamins, which support energy metabolism and brain function.

Meal Ideas:

Nut Butter Spread: Spread a thin layer of nut butter on wholegrain toast or rice cakes.
Nut Butter or Nut Meal Mixed into Puree: Stir nut butter into a vegetable or fruit puree to add a creamy texture and a nutritional boost. Try our Tree Nut Maintenance Mix for a convenient way to add all 9 tree nuts into meals.
Nut Butter or Meal and Yogurt: Mix nut meal or butter into Greek yoghurt for a creamy and nutritious snack.

Note: Nuts are allergens, introduce them individually.

4. Tahini

Nutrients and Benefits of Tahini for Babies: :

Protein: Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall growth. Protein helps build and repair tissues and supports a healthy immune system.
Calcium: Tahini is rich in calcium, which is vital for developing strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake supports healthy skeletal development and overall growth.
Iron: The iron in tahini helps in the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron is essential for preventing anaemia and ensuring your baby has sufficient energy.
Healthy Fats: Tahini contains healthy fats that support brain development and energy levels. These fats are important for maintaining healthy skin and overall cell function.

Note: Tahini is made from sesame seeds which is an allergen

Meal Ideas:

Tahini Veggie Puree: Mix tahini into a vegetable puree to add a creamy texture.
Tahini Dressing: Use tahini to create a simple dressing to drizzle over cooked veggies.
Soup: Add tahini into a pumpkin soup.

Note: Tahini is made from ground seeds, which are allergens.

5. Greek Yoghurt

Nutrients and Benefits of Greek Yoghurt for Babies:

Calcium: Greek yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, crucial for developing strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake supports your baby’s skeletal development and overall growth.
Protein: Greek yoghurt provides a significant amount of protein, which is important for muscle development and repair. Protein also supports a strong immune system and provides energy.
Healthy Gut Bacteria: Greek yoghurt contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. These probiotics support healthy digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Meal Ideas:

Greek Yoghurt and Fruit Puree: Mix Greek yoghurt with fruit purees to create a nutrient-rich snack that offers calcium, protein, and probiotics.
Yoghurt Topping: Use Greek yoghurt as a topping for oatmeal or mix it into a veggie puree for added creaminess and nutrition.
Yoghurt and Veggie Dip: Combine Greek yoghurt with finely chopped herbs to make a creamy dip for steamed vegetables.

Note: Dairy is an allergen. Choose sugar-free Greek yoghurt.

6. Avocado

Nutrients and Benefits of Avocado for Babies:

Healthy Fats: Avocado is rich in healthy fats, which are important for brain development and overall energy. These fats support healthy cell function and contribute to skin health.
Fibre: The fibre in avocado helps promote healthy digestion and prevents constipation. A healthy digestive system is crucial for proper nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.
Potassium: Avocado is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and supports healthy muscle function. Adequate potassium intake is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall health.
Vitamins: Avocado provides a range of vitamins, including vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, and B vitamins that support energy metabolism and brain function.

Meal Ideas:

Avocado Mash: Mash avocado and mix it into a vegetable puree for added creaminess and nutrition.
Avocado Slices: Serve thin slices of avocado as a snack or mix them into a veggie puree.
Avocado and Egg: Combine mashed avocado with a bit of scrambled egg for a nutrient-packed meal that offers healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. Note egg is an allergen.

7. Canned Lentils, Chickpeas, and Beans

Nutrients and Benefits of Legumes for Babies:

Protein: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall development.
Iron: These legumes are rich in iron, which is important for producing haemoglobin and preventing anaemia. Adequate iron intake supports energy levels and overall health.
Fibre: The fibre in legumes supports healthy digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. A healthy digestive system is key for nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.
Vitamins and Minerals: Legumes provide various vitamins and minerals, including folate, which supports healthy cell division and growth, and magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.

Meal Ideas:

Legume Puree: Mash or puree canned lentils, chickpeas, or beans and mix them into your baby’s veggie puree.
Legume and Veggie Mash: Combine mashed legumes with cooked vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Legume Soup: Make a simple, smooth soup with pureed legumes and vegetables.

Adding these nutrient boosters to your baby’s veggie purees is a simple way to make their meals even better. Just toss in a little of each ingredient to boost protein, healthy fats, and iron, and you’re all set! These foods bring unique benefits that help support your baby’s growth and development, making it super easy to give them a nutritious and balanced meal.

Everything you Need for Starting Solids

Is your bub about to start solids? We have everything you need, to make life so much more convenient:

✅Veggie Puree Starter Pack (10 individual veggies)

✅Fruit Puree Packs

✅Salmon Puree

✅Beef Puree

✅Chicken Puree

✅Allergen Intro Packs (14 individual allergens)

✅Tree Nut Maintenance Meal Packs (all 9 tree nuts)

Order now!

Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. Ensure your bub is over 4 months old and is showing signs of readiness before starting solids. If you have any concerns about your bubs development or starting solids consult your GP or other health professional.*