Baby Food: Calories & Nutrition Facts

The term “baby food” applies to any soft, easily consumed food besides formula and natural breast milk. You are probably familiar with some of the staples of baby food such as pureed carrots, rice cereal, and applesauce. Baby food is designed to provide growing infants with balanced nutrition, so the nutritional value of the foods in this category is high. Baby food varies, however, in its calories and nutrition facts based on the individual item, so take advantage of the calorie chart and nutrition label provided for each item in this category.

During the first year of life, breast milk or formula provides for the majority of an infant’s nutritional needs. Baby food items such as cereal, fruit and vegetables can be used, however, to supplement the diet and to provide additional fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. In this section you will receive insight into the nutritional value of baby food for infants.

When to Switch

Making the switch from breast milk or formula to solid baby food is a decision each mother must make for herself. The World Health Organization, however, recommends that infants be breastfed for at least six months for optimal growth and development. After this time you can begin incorporating baby food into your infant’s diet, making an effort to balance his intake of carbs, fats and protein.

Nutritional Needs of Infants

According to the World Health Organization, infants require about 40% of their daily food energy from carbohydrate – by two years of age, this need increases to 55%. To ensure that your baby gets the nutrients he needs, pay attention to the calorie calculator for each item in this category to determine its carb content as well as its content for vitamins and minerals.

When it comes to baby food you have the option of purchasing commercial foods or making your own at home. Balanced nutrition is incredibly important for infants, however, so consider this when making your decision. Commercial baby foods are made with specific carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin and mineral content which you will see in the calorie calculator provided.

Balanced Nutrition

Baby food comes in a variety of different forms, making it possible for mothers to provide their infants with healthy and balanced nutrition. Cereals are a good source of carbohydrates while fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals – meat is not a common baby food so protein comes from vegetables and certain grains.

Content Controversies

There have been a variety of controversies regarding the health and content of commercial baby foods over the past few decades. Currently the FDA monitors the production and content of all commercially produced foods, including baby food, to make sure that it is healthy and nutritious for infants. Refer to the calorie counter for each item in this category to determine its nutritional value.