Introducing your little bundle of joy to solids is a major milestone. First impressions last, so with the best baby food, you can ensure that the very first bite is delicious and nutritious. Baby foods are the first step in your little one's solid food journey until they are ready for table foods. They are either soft or pureed for easy consumption. They are also a huge help for on-the-go parents as they save time and effort in preparing.
Additionally, since they come in portable containers, you can bring them during your travels. As parents, the learning process never ends, so for this article, we asked Dr. Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, a board-certified pediatrician, for some of her comments and tips. Plus, we've provided a buying guide and a list of yummy and healthy baby foods you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Baby Foods
Cerelac
Made With Real Vegetables for a Nutritious yet Flavorful Meal
Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, MD, MBA, DPPS, is a board-certified pediatrician, particularly interested in nutrition, especially guiding first-time parents on how to start solid food for their babies. She posts health information content in her Instagram and Facebook account @millennialpedia. Most of her followers are millennial parents and first-time parents. Since almost everyone is using social media already, why not make health information accessible to parents, right? She's a practicing pediatrician in Metro Manila doing home vaccinations and teleconsultation during this pandemic.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
With tons of options in the market, it can be daunting to choose which baby food is the best for your little one. Fret not, as we prepared a list of things to consider when choosing baby food. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Baby food stages can help parents determine the right type to give their little ones. Also, these indicate which type of food the child is ready to eat or consume at their age.
Stage 1 foods are for babies that are 4 to 6 months old. These foods have a thin and drippy consistency which allows the baby to eat without the need for chewing. Also, the texture isn't too thick and similar to breast milk or baby formula as they're slowly switching from it.
This type of baby food is made from a finely pureed single ingredient, usually vegetable or fruit. It is recommended for babies who are in the process of learning to open their mouths for spoon-feeding and those who are learning to swallow without choking.
You can start solid food for your baby at around 4-6 months old. Starting too early and too late may cause potential harm to your child. Although age is a good predictor of when to start solid food, you should also check their developmental milestones if they're showing food readiness cues.
By doing this, you're focusing on the need and readiness of each child, particularly if they're born prematurely. Check for the following:
Stage 2 foods are ideal for babies that are 7 to 8 months old. If your baby has been eating Stage 1 foods without spitting them out, you can take this as a sign to move up to Stage 2 foods.
These have a slightly thicker texture than Stage 1 foods and contain a combination of two to three ingredients to create a whole new flavor. Some flavors include banana and bean, carrot, apple, sweet potato, and more.
Does baby food have to be bland? Of course not! You can try different flavors, so your child is exposed to different tastes. You can use herbs and spices in your baby's food! You can put crushed nuts and seeds rolled on fruit for easy grasp. Just avoid foods that are too salty or sweet.
Stage 3 foods are soft chunks or a larger portion of finger foods for 9 to 12-month-old babies. This is the stage where parents prepare babies to eat table foods that the rest of the family is eating by teaching them to chew with their gums or baby teeth.
To determine if your baby is ready for Stage 3, place a portion of finger food on the table then observe if they can pick it up and bring it to their mouth using their fingers and thumb. If they can bite it without struggling, then you can start giving them Stage 3 foods, but always watch and guide them while eating to ensure safety.
Whether you started introducing solid food via the traditional way (purée feeding) or baby-led weaning, the more important thing is the progression of textures as they get older. By 8-10 months old, babies begin to refine their fine motor skills by eating independently. Therefore, their food should be lumpier and in bite-size portions that they can pick up with their fingers.
Even with the absence of teeth, they can already munch and start to chew food. If by 10 months old, they haven't progressed with more textures, it might increase the chances of them becoming picky eaters.
To make sure that your baby is going to eat safe and healthy food, opt for those that are organically made and have all-natural ingredients. Organic baby foods are those that contain organic crops and are grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Meanwhile, all-natural baby foods do not contain preservatives and thickeners that could affect your baby's health. Plus, most baby foods do not contain allergens such as peanuts, eggs, and shellfish. Still, make sure that they do not contain any ingredients that your baby is allergic to.
Also, avoid sugary foods as these can develop your baby's sweet tooth and later on and lead to obesity and other health issues. In addition to that, avoid foods that are high in sodium since your baby's kidneys are not yet strong enough to process a high amount of salt.
Your child is responsible for how much and whether or not to eat while parents/caregivers are responsible for what, when, and where the baby can eat. That means you are responsible for what food to give your child—it must be safe to eat and contain healthy ingredients.
Since your baby's immune system is not that robust yet and they're prone to food poisoning, avoid food or drinks that are unpasteurized and also raw or partially cooked food. Do not give honey to children less than one year old because it can cause botulism, which is dangerous for babies.
The real challenge in buying baby food is figuring out what will match your little one's taste or preference, so giving them a variety of flavors will make feeding time easier. Also, this will be a huge help in preventing your baby from becoming a picky eater since they will become familiar with a wide variety of tastes at an early age.
Most of the baby foods in the market are fruit and vegetable-flavored. The most common fruit flavors are apple and banana. Both contain potassium, vitamin B6, and C which are good for your baby's heart and digestive system.
For vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes are the most common ones. They are both rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and iron which support your baby's immune system and eye health.
With baby food, balance is the key. This is because your child needs all the nutrients from different food groups. Whole foods are ideal and preferred over packaged baby food, but of course, practicality-wise, you can sometimes include these in your little one's diet. Just make sure they're made from healthy ingredients.
There are also a few meat purees offered in the market such as chicken and beef purees. They are a good source of protein to strengthen your baby's bones and muscles.
It might take a bit of trial and error to satisfy your little one's taste buds, so getting more flavor options would be practical. Fortunately, some brands offer three to five flavors of baby food in bulk which is a great choice when exploring different flavors.
Exploring new food and flavors will require patience on your end. They will not like everything you give them right away. It takes 15 to 20 times of trying food at different times and with different preparations for babies to establish their food preferences.
Making an appointment with your baby's pediatrician is not required before introducing them to solids. A basic gesture like leaning forward when food is offered or showing interest when seeing someone eat indicates that your little one is ready.
However, since each baby is different, consulting with your child's pediatrician is important to ensure that they are getting the right nutrition from their food, especially when they are lacking in some nutrients. Also, your little one's pediatrician can suggest the best baby food that will fit their needs.
It's important to have a conversation with your pediatrician before you start complementary food for your baby. If you have concerns about what, when, and how to start solid food, your pediatrician can guide you and correct any misconception you might have.
Your baby's growth pattern and developmental milestones should also be assessed in your well-baby visits. This information will help guide parents if their child is already ready for solid food. Also, if you have a family history of allergies, it's best to talk to your pediatrician about introducing allergenic food.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
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Recommended Age | Flavor | Notable Ingredients | Nutrients | Notable Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Cerelac Wheat Banana & Milk Infant Cereal | ![]() | A Yummy Cereal-Based Meal Packed With Lots of Nutrients | 6 Months and Up | Wheat Banana & Milk, Mixed Vegetables & Soya, Rice & Soya, Mixed Fruits & Soya | Wheat Flour, Skimmed Milk Powder, Banana, Fish Oil (DHA), Probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis) | Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, Zinc, Iron, Iodine, Omega-3 | Preservative- and Artificial Flavors-Free, Made of Real Fruits and Vegetables | 250g | |
2 | Cerelac Homestyle Meals Rice and Veggies Porridge | ![]() | Made With Real Vegetables for a Nutritious yet Flavorful Meal | 8 Months and Up | Rice & Veggies, Rice & Chicken | Rice, Soya Flour, Skimmed Milk Powder, Rice Crispy, Tomato Crunchies, Carrot Crunchies, Vegetable Blend Flakes, Onion Flakes | Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, Zinc, Iron, Iodine, Omega-3 | Preservative- and Artificial Flavors-Free, Made With Carefully Selected Rice and Vegetables | 200g | |
3 | Gerber Banana Puree | ![]() | The Classic Banana-Flavored Baby Food | 6 Months and Up | Banana, Carrots, Squash, Applesauce | Banana | Vitamin C | No Artificial Colors, Flavors, Sugars, Salt, or Allergens, Non-GMO, Made With Real Fruits and Vegetables | 80g | |
4 | Milna Baby Biscuit Mixed Fruit | ![]() | Nourishing Biscuits to Introduce Solid Foods to Your Baby | 6 -24 Months | Mixed Fruits, Banana, Original | Wheat Flour, Orange Juice Concentrate, Apple Juice Concentrate | Vitamins C and E, DHA, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Probiotics | Brain & Body Care Defense Formula | 130g | |
5 | Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 2 Pouch|Apples, Kale & Avocados | ![]() | Combines Fruits and Greens for a Delicious and Nutritious Meal | 6 Months and Up | Apples, Kale & Avocados, Apples, Blueberries & Oats, Bananas, Raspberries & Oats, Bananas, Plums & Granola, Squash, Pears & Apricots, and More | Organic Apple Puree, Organic Kale Puree, Organic Avocado Puree, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate | Vitamins A and C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, No Artificial Flavors | 113g | |
6 | Only Organic Cauliflower, Broccoli & Cheddar | ![]() | A Delicious Way to Introduce Veggies Into Your Baby’s Diet | 6 Months and Up | Cauliflower, Broccoli & Cheddar, Apple, Banana & Mango, Mango, Spinach & Kale, Wild Rice Risotto & Spring Lamb, Carrots, Red Lentils & Cheddar, and More | Cauliflower, Broccoli, Ground Rice, Onion, Cheese, Milk Powder | Not Specified | Nutritionist-Approved, No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Non-BPA Packaging | 120g | |
7 | Only Organic Banana Berries & Yoghurt Brekkie | ![]() | Promotes Healthy Digestion for Your Growing Child | 8 Months and Up | Banana, Berries & Yoghurt, Mango & Yoghurt, Banana, Vanilla & Greek Yoghurt, Mango, Goji Berries & Greek Yoghurt | Banana, Apple, Berries (Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry), Yogurt, Ground Rice, Whole Milk Powder | Not Specified | Certified Organic, Nutritionist-Approved, No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Non-BPA Packaging | 120g | |
8 | Woolworths Smiling Tums 6+ Months Baby Food|Apple, Pear & Cinnamon | ![]() | On-the-Go Baby Snack With a Delightful Combination of Spices and Fruits | 6 Months and Up | Apple, Pear & Cinnamon, Apple & Banana With Oats, Pear, Banana & Mango | Apple Puree, Pear Puree, Cinnamon Extract | Not Specified | No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Naturally Sweetened With Fruits | 120g | |
9 | Happy Baby Superfood Puffs|Strawberry & Beet | ![]() | Has Many Unique Flavors to Avoid Picky Eating Habits | 6 Months and Up | Strawberry & Beet, Sweet Potato & Carrot, Banana & Pumpkin, Kale & Spinach, Purple Carrot & Blueberry | Organic White Rice Flour, Organic Apple Juice Concentrate, Organic Brown Rice Flour | Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, and E, Zinc, Iron, Choline | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-, Soy-, Dairy-, and Cane Syrup-Free, Low Sodium, No Toxic Persistent Pesticides, Packaging Made Without BPA, BPS, or Phthalates | 60g | |
10 | Organix Baby Rice | ![]() | An Organic Baby Rice Meal That’s Perfect for Vegans and Vegetarians | 6 Months and Up | Rice | Rice Flour | Vitamin B1 | Organic, No Added Salt and Sugar, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly | 100g |
When it comes to baby food, Cerelac is one of the most trusted and widely known brands for Filipino parents. Instead of plain rice porridge, why not give your baby a yummy cereal-based meal, like this one from Cerelac? Your little one might be able to finish an entire bowl since it comes in a tasty wheat, banana, and milk flavor.
This can be a good partner for your baby's health and growth as it is packed with lots of nutrients such as zinc, iron, iodine, vitamins A, B1, and C, and omega-3. It is made with carefully selected fruits, grains, and vegetables, which undergo over a hundred quality and safety checks. Also, it does not contain artificial flavors and preservatives for your little one's delicate tummy. No wonder parents frequently purchase this product!
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Wheat Banana & Milk, Mixed Vegetables & Soya, Rice & Soya, Mixed Fruits & Soya |
Notable Ingredients | Wheat Flour, Skimmed Milk Powder, Banana, Fish Oil (DHA), Probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis) |
Nutrients | Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, Zinc, Iron, Iodine, Omega-3 |
Notable Features | Preservative- and Artificial Flavors-Free, Made of Real Fruits and Vegetables |
Net Weight | 250g |
Recommended Age | 8 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Rice & Veggies, Rice & Chicken |
Notable Ingredients | Rice, Soya Flour, Skimmed Milk Powder, Rice Crispy, Tomato Crunchies, Carrot Crunchies, Vegetable Blend Flakes, Onion Flakes |
Nutrients | Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, Zinc, Iron, Iodine, Omega-3 |
Notable Features | Preservative- and Artificial Flavors-Free, Made With Carefully Selected Rice and Vegetables |
Net Weight | 200g |
Gerber is one of the most recognizable brands for baby foods as they provide high-quality and nutritious products. Their classic banana puree is made with non-GMO ingredients that are produced using their Clean Field Farming practices to ensure that it is safe and nutritious to consume. Its texture is finely pureed, perfect for babies who are trying solids for the first time.
Plus, it does not have salt, sugars, artificial colors and flavors, or preservatives, so you can feed this to your little one without any worries. Even better, it is free from allergens, too! Most reviews say that it smells, tastes, and looks like real bananas, which is the reason why many babies love it. It comes in a resealable jar to maintain its freshness for the next eating session.
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Banana, Carrots, Squash, Applesauce |
Notable Ingredients | Banana |
Nutrients | Vitamin C |
Notable Features | No Artificial Colors, Flavors, Sugars, Salt, or Allergens, Non-GMO, Made With Real Fruits and Vegetables |
Net Weight | 80g |
Recommended Age | 6 -24 Months |
---|---|
Flavor | Mixed Fruits, Banana, Original |
Notable Ingredients | Wheat Flour, Orange Juice Concentrate, Apple Juice Concentrate |
Nutrients | Vitamins C and E, DHA, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Probiotics |
Notable Features | Brain & Body Care Defense Formula |
Net Weight | 130g |
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Apples, Kale & Avocados, Apples, Blueberries & Oats, Bananas, Raspberries & Oats, Bananas, Plums & Granola, Squash, Pears & Apricots, and More |
Notable Ingredients | Organic Apple Puree, Organic Kale Puree, Organic Avocado Puree, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate |
Nutrients | Vitamins A and C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron |
Notable Features | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, No Artificial Flavors |
Net Weight | 113g |
Let your little one develop the habit of eating vegetables by introducing them at an early age. This product from Only Organic contains a blend of cauliflower, broccoli, and cheddar, which has a creamy texture your baby would love! It is suitable for babies 6 months and up when they're learning how to chew.
What’s great about this is that it is basically an entire meal in itself, as it contains brown rice, too. That way, your baby could have a little bit of everything. It is also very convenient as it requires no preparation. Simply squeeze the contents of the pouch onto a spoon or clean bowl and serve! Reviewers say it has a thick and slightly rough texture, but it provides essential nutrition for their children.
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Cauliflower, Broccoli & Cheddar, Apple, Banana & Mango, Mango, Spinach & Kale, Wild Rice Risotto & Spring Lamb, Carrots, Red Lentils & Cheddar, and More |
Notable Ingredients | Cauliflower, Broccoli, Ground Rice, Onion, Cheese, Milk Powder |
Nutrients | Not Specified |
Notable Features | Nutritionist-Approved, No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Non-BPA Packaging |
Net Weight | 120g |
Recommended Age | 8 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Banana, Berries & Yoghurt, Mango & Yoghurt, Banana, Vanilla & Greek Yoghurt, Mango, Goji Berries & Greek Yoghurt |
Notable Ingredients | Banana, Apple, Berries (Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry), Yogurt, Ground Rice, Whole Milk Powder |
Nutrients | Not Specified |
Notable Features | Certified Organic, Nutritionist-Approved, No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Non-BPA Packaging |
Net Weight | 120g |
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Apple, Pear & Cinnamon, Apple & Banana With Oats, Pear, Banana & Mango |
Notable Ingredients | Apple Puree, Pear Puree, Cinnamon Extract |
Nutrients | Not Specified |
Notable Features | No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives, Naturally Sweetened With Fruits |
Net Weight | 120g |
Happy Baby's Superfood Puffs are a great organic baby food option for your little one. They dissolve quickly in the mouth, releasing a burst of flavor with every bite. Offered in many unique flavors, they help your baby appreciate and accept different tastes, which can prevent them from developing picky eating habits.
This snack is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals to support your child's overall development. For instance, it contains choline to increase brain cell function and support eye health. It also has vitamins C and E to strengthen the immune system. Moreover, it is gluten, soy, dairy, and cane syrup-free, perfect for babies with dietary restrictions.
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Strawberry & Beet, Sweet Potato & Carrot, Banana & Pumpkin, Kale & Spinach, Purple Carrot & Blueberry |
Notable Ingredients | Organic White Rice Flour, Organic Apple Juice Concentrate, Organic Brown Rice Flour |
Nutrients | Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, and E, Zinc, Iron, Choline |
Notable Features | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-, Soy-, Dairy-, and Cane Syrup-Free, Low Sodium, No Toxic Persistent Pesticides, Packaging Made Without BPA, BPS, or Phthalates |
Net Weight | 60g |
If you're looking for a simple rice meal for your little one, Organix's Baby Rice is the best option! Its texture is very similar to porridge: light, fluffy, and creamy. It is free from gluten, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and additional salt and sugar. Plus, it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it does not contain any animal-based ingredients.
The good thing about this baby food is that you can explore, experiment, and be creative with it by adding your little one's preferred fruit or vegetable purees. You can even add your baby's milk to make it tastier! Parents shared that it is easy to prepare and their babies liked its delicious taste!
Recommended Age | 6 Months and Up |
---|---|
Flavor | Rice |
Notable Ingredients | Rice Flour |
Nutrients | Vitamin B1 |
Notable Features | Organic, No Added Salt and Sugar, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly |
Net Weight | 100g |
If you've spent hours preparing and cooking your baby's food, you expect them to eat it, right? Nope! Not all the time, and don't take it personally. They're still exploring new tastes and textures and haven't established their food preferences during the first few months.
How do you make them eat well? Make mealtimes enjoyable! No force-feeding, no gadget distractions. Talk to them, narrate what they're eating, and engage with them. Observe and respond to their hunger and fullness cues.
Allow age-appropriate messy eating! This will help with food exploration. Let them use all their senses because before they taste and swallow the food, they must first see, touch, and smell it.
The wait is over! In this section, Dr. Cristal Laquindanum-Tan answers some of the web's most-asked questions, so be sure to take notes!
When used properly, a microwave is an amazing tool that can help cut down heating and cooking time. There are just some safety precautions we need to take note of when using it to reheat baby food.
Don't microwave baby foods in the jar. Instead, transfer the food to a dish before microwaving it. This is to prevent uneven heating, which could cause scald burn. Also, do the heat-stir-taste technique. Microwave small portions at a time for about 15 seconds, stir the food, and taste test first before serving it to your baby.
Single-ingredient food should be introduced first and given a few days at a time. However, there's no specific order of giving veggies first over fruits. The most important thing is to eventually offer a variety of foods from different food groups.
This ensures that you are giving food with different vitamins and minerals. Allergenic foods like eggs, fish, and nuts can also be given right away, but it's best to talk with your pediatrician about how and when to introduce these.
The best time to introduce solid food to your little one is when they're showing interest in food already. Are they grabbing the food from your hands? Are they playing with it? If they're interested, you can make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Knowing your child's hunger and fullness cues will teach them to listen to their body, and these will teach us to trust that they will eat. This will create a positive feeding experience and lessen the chances of having a picky eater child. No need to pressure them to eat, and no food battles at the table. Win-win for all!
To make mealtimes fun and easy for you and your little one, you might need to purchase some essential items like snacks, bibs, plates, and a high chair. Check out our recommendations below!
10 Best Snacks for Babies in the Philippines 2024 | Cerelac, Gerber, and More
10 Best Silicone Bibs in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
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10 Best Baby High Chairs in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
Author: Erika Nollora Ceguerra
Re-editor: JAusa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Cerelac|Wheat Banana & Milk Infant Cereal
No. 2: Cerelac|Homestyle Meals Rice and Veggies Porridge
No. 3: Gerber|Banana Puree
No. 4: Milna|Baby Biscuit Mixed Fruit
No. 5: Happy Baby|Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 2 Pouch|Apples, Kale & Avocados
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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