Open Up! A.B. Editors' Favorite Baby Food
Chobani Champions
Baby benefits: 8 g protein; 20% RDA vitamin D per serving
Love at first bite: "Addy really liked this, which was surprising to me because she has refused to eat yogurt for the past few months," says Jolene Edgar O'Byrne, of Barrington, Rhode Island, about her 19-month-old. "I noticed that it has twice the protein of other yogurts I've tried. She's a very fussy eater and passes on most meats and fish, so she really needs the protein!"
Ella's 1 Baby Food; Spinach, Apples + Rutabaga
Baby benefits: 100% organic fruit and vegetables; 50% RDA vitamin C per serving
Love at first bite: "The second time I pulled one of these out, my 13-month-old, Emmett, was reaching for it before I could get it open," says Sarah Brower, of Los Angeles. "This is great when I don't have fresh produce on hand and need to get some fruits and veggies into my son."
Gerber Graduates Fruit & Veggie Melts
Baby benefits: Made with real fruit and vegetable purees and juices; 10% RDA vitamin A and 10% RDA vitamin E per serving
Love at first bite: "My daughter gobbled these up by the fistful!" says Liz Krieger, of New York City, about her 16-month-old. "They're a convenient way to add fruit to her snacktime rather than another salty cracker."
Stonyfield YoBaby 3 in 1 Meals; Apple & Sweet Potato, Pear & Green Beans
Baby benefits: 20% RDA vitamin D and 25% RDA calcium per serving
Love at first bite: "My son, Jacob, finishes these every time!" says Deborah Toole, of Winter Park, Florida, about her 12-month-old. "I think it's ingenious that they've figured out how to sneak veggies into yogurt."
Earth's Best Banana Oatmeal
Baby benefits: Made with whole grains; 45% RDA vitamin E and 30% RDA iron per serving
Love at first bite: "Luke grabbed my hand to shove another spoonful in," says Kelly Tomko, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, about her 13-month-old. "After he'd finished his usual bowl of cereal, he started crying for more."
Plum Organics Super Puffs; Blueberry & Purple Sweet Potato
Baby benefits: 10% RDA calcium and iron, and 15% RDA vitamin E per serving
Love at first bite: "These sparked a brawl among otherwise well-mannered babies at the park," says Alison Mattocks, of New Bern, North Carolina. "They couldn't eat the puffs quickly enough!"
Sprout Organic Baby Food; Beef & Vegetable Lasagna
Baby benefits: 21% RDA protein; 40% RDA vitamin B6 and 120% RDA vitamin A per serving
Love at first bite: "I swore Julia didn't like tomato sauce," says Elizabeth Passarella, of New York City, about her 14-month-old. "She happily ate this, but she won't touch my lasagna."
Originally published in the August 2011 issue of American Baby magazine.
