Introduction
Weaning your baby onto foods at about six months of age is a delightful milestone, and choosing the right snacks can set the stage for healthy eating habits. Snacks not only keep babies satisfied between meals but also introduce them to new tastes, textures, and essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking for store-bought options or easy homemade ideas, there are plenty of nutritious and baby-friendly snacks available in the UK.
Just as parents prepare carefully during antenatal care for their baby’s arrival, selecting snacks requires thoughtful planning. This guide covers the 15 best baby foods and snacks, focusing on nutritious, safe, and delicious options. Plus, we’ve included shoppable links to help you find these products easily!
1. Ella’s Kitchen Melty Puffs
A staple for many UK parents, Ella’s Kitchen Melty Puffs are an ideal first snack for babies learning to self-feed. These light, dissolvable snacks come in a variety of flavours, including carrot and parsnip, making them perfect for little hands and mouths.
Why They’re Great:
- Organic and free from artificial additives.
- Melt easily in the mouth, minimising choking risks.
- Available in fun shapes to encourage play.
Where to Buy:
Buy Ella’s Kitchen Melty Puffs on Amazon UK
2. Organix Rice Cakes
Organix rice cakes are a versatile and healthy snack made from organic wholegrain rice. Flavours like apple or blueberry add natural sweetness without added sugars.
Benefits:
- Gluten-free and gentle on sensitive tummies.
- Perfectly sized for tiny hands.
- Free from artificial ingredients.
Where to Buy:
Shop Organix Rice Cakes at Boots
3. Mamia Organic Mini Rice Cakes
Available at Aldi, Mamia’s organic mini rice cakes are an affordable yet high-quality option. Flavours like apple and raspberry offer variety while being easy to chew.
Why UK Parents Love Them:
- Budget-friendly without compromising quality.
- Ideal for travel or playdates.
- Low in salt and sugar.
Where to Buy:
4. Little Freddie Coconut and Banana Fingers
These soft oat bars are perfect for older babies exploring new textures. Made with organic ingredients, Little Freddie’s Coconut and Banana Fingers are a delicious way to keep your baby satisfied.
Nutritional Highlights:
- Packed with fibre from oats and bananas.
- No added sugar or salt.
- Great for teething babies.
Where to Buy:
Buy Little Freddie Snacks on Ocado
5. Fresh Fruit Slices
Fresh fruit is one of the most accessible and nutritious snacks you can offer your baby. In the UK, popular choices like banana, pear, and soft mango are readily available in supermarkets and farmer’s markets.
Tips for Serving:
- Cut into thin slices or small cubes for safety.
- Use a mesh feeder for fruits like berries.
- Pair with a dollop of full-fat yogurt for added creaminess.
Shoppable Idea:
Explore Fresh Organic Fruit Boxes at Abel & Cole
6. Kiddylicious Smoothie Melts
These freeze-dried smoothie melts are a mess-free way to give your baby the goodness of fruits. They come in fun shapes and dissolve quickly in the mouth.
Benefits:
- 100% natural fruit with no added sugar.
- Lightweight and portable for outings.
- Great for introducing new flavours.
Where to Buy:
7. Yeo Valley Little Yeos Yogurts
Yogurts are a great source of calcium, and Yeo Valley’s Little Yeos are made with organic whole milk. Available in fruity flavours like strawberry and peach, they’re a hit with babies and toddlers alike.
Nutritional Perks:
- Packed with calcium and live cultures.
- Made without artificial sweeteners or colours.
- Small pots perfect for baby-sized portions.
Where to Buy:
Shop Yeo Valley Little Yeos at Sainsbury’s
8. Homemade Veggie Sticks
Steamed veggie sticks are a quick and easy homemade snack. Carrots, courgettes, and sweet potatoes make excellent choices for baby-led weaning.
Tips:
- Steam until soft enough to mash with fingers.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or paprika for added flavour.
- Pair with hummus for dipping fun.
Equipment:
Buy a Baby Food Steamer on Amazon UK
9. Ella’s Kitchen Fruit Pouches
Fruit pouches are an easy way to offer fruit on the go. Ella’s Kitchen pouches are 100% organic and come in flavours like strawberry and banana or apple and mango.
Why They’re Handy:
- Resealable for no-mess storage.
- Perfect for travel or picnics.
- Wide range of flavours to suit every palate.
Where to Buy:
Buy Ella’s Kitchen Fruit Pouches at Waitrose
10. Plum Organics Super Puffs
Plum Organics’ Super Puffs are nutrient-rich snacks fortified with iron and zinc. These melt-in-the-mouth puffs are a safe and delicious option for teething babies.
Why They’re Great:
- Packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Small, lightweight puffs easy for little fingers to grab.
- Available in exciting flavours like kale and apple.
Where to Buy:
Shop Plum Organics at Amazon UK
11. Homemade Baby Oat Bars
For a cost-effective and nutritious option, make your own oat bars using ingredients like banana, oats, and unsweetened coconut.
Recipe:
- Mash one banana and mix with half a cup of oats and a tablespoon of unsweetened coconut.
- Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.
- Slice into baby-sized portions once cooled.
Equipment:
Shop Silicone Baking Moulds on Lakeland
12. Heinz Farley’s Rusks
A UK classic, Heinz Farley’s Rusks have been a favourite for generations. They can be served as is or softened with milk.
Benefits:
- A good source of iron.
- Gentle texture for teething relief.
- Available in reduced-sugar options.
Where to Buy:
13. Cow & Gate Baby Biscuits
Cow & Gate Baby Biscuits are designed specifically for little mouths and are easy to dissolve. They’re great for a mid-morning snack or paired with a cup of milk.
Why UK Parents Recommend Them:
- Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Individually wrapped for freshness.
- No artificial preservatives.
Where to Buy:
Shop Cow & Gate Biscuits at Boots
14. Homemade Apple and Pear Puree
For a simple homemade treat, make apple and pear puree. It’s a cost-effective way to introduce natural sweetness without additives.
Recipe:
- Peel and chop one apple and one pear.
- Simmer with a splash of water until soft.
- Blend to a smooth or chunky consistency.
Storage Tip:
Buy Baby Food Freezer Trays at Nuby UK
15. Piccolo Organic Snack Bars
Piccolo’s organic snack bars are packed with fruit, oats, and seeds. They’re ideal for older babies who are ready for a more substantial snack.
Highlights:
- No added sugar or salt.
- Convenient individually wrapped portions.
- Certified organic and designed with sustainability in mind.
Where to Buy:
Shop Piccolo Snack Bars at Ocado
Conclusion
Choosing the best snacks for your baby involves balancing nutrition, convenience, and taste. With a mix of store-bought favourites and homemade options, you can provide your baby with healthy, delicious snacks that support their growth and development. Much like the preparation you undertake during antenatal care, selecting the right foods is about thoughtful planning and informed choices.
From organic fruit pouches to homemade oat bars, these snack ideas ensure your baby is well-fed and happy. And with shoppable links, you can easily find and stock up on these UK-based products.
References
- The Ultimate Antenatal Classes
Prepare for labour, birth, and baby care with nine experts, including senior NHS midwives and an award-winning obstetrician!
https://unii.com/en/journey/ultimate-antenatal-classes
