Homemade soups for toddlers and babies can be the perfect nourishing meal for little bellies. As parents, we’re always on the lookout for wholesome meals that not only satisfy their growing appetites but also provide essential nutrients. That’s where homemade soups stand out, offering so many benefits, especially when compared to their canned counterparts.
I love soup, especially in cool weather! It’s the ultimate comfort food. Like adults, children can find comfort in warm, soothing foods like soup. This is especially true when they’re feeling unwell or need a comforting meal!
Not sure how to serve soup to babies and toddlers? Read on for tips to make this mealtime experience easy 😊. Plus, check out my favourite soup recipes for babies and toddlers!
Why make soup for toddlers and babies
➡️Nutrition packed: Homemade soups allow you to quality control the ingredients. Plus, they can be packed with vegetables, proteins and grains. This ensures that your little one gets a wholesome dose of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, without any added preservatives or artificial flavours found in canned soup. Canned soup can also be high in sodium, so it’s best to make your own. Need to ‘hide’ some more veggies in your child’s food? Easily done in a lot of soup recipes! 😁
➡️Freshness guaranteed: Using fresh ingredients in homemade soups ensures maximum flavour and nutritional value. Fresh vegetables and lean proteins contribute to a well-rounded meal that supports your toddler’s development.
➡️Customisable for fussy eaters: Homemade soups are easily customised. You can tailor a recipe to suit your children’s tastes and dietary preferences, making it more likely that they’ll enjoy and eat nutritious ingredients. Whether it’s adjusting the spice level or incorporating their favourite veggies, customisation is key to a happy mealtime experience.
How to serve soup to toddlers and babies
There are a few things to consider when making and serving soup to toddlers and babies:
➡️Texture: Soups can introduce children to a variety of textures, helping them develop their palate and making it easier to incorporate different foods into their diet. For younger toddlers or babies who are still learning to chew, pureed or finely chopped soups are ideal. As they grow older and more confident in their eating abilities, gradually introduce chunkier soups with tender pieces of vegetables and proteins.
➡️Temperature: Always make sure the soup is served at a child-friendly temperature to prevent any risk of burns or discomfort. Allow it to cool down sufficiently before offering it to your little one.
➡️Tool: Eating soup can be a little tricky for toddlers/babies, but great for their development! There are lots of different baby spoons available both in stores and online. Go with your preferred one. I personally had little sets from Ikea that worked a treat before my children fairly quickly graduated to family cutlery.
➡️Accompaniments (dippers!): Dippers are a great tool for eating soups too! Serve soups with wholegrain breadsticks, crackers or a side of wholegrain toast for added texture and nutrition. These make great dipping options and encourage self-feeding.
➡️Presentation: Toddlers/babies are often drawn to colourful and visually appealing foods. Consider using fun-shaped bowls or adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to make the soup more enticing.
➡️Supervision: While toddlers/babies may be eager to feed themselves, it’s important to supervise mealtime. This ensures they’re eating safely and getting the nutrition they need.
The best soup recipes for toddlers and babies
Ready to cook up some delicious soupy adventures for your little one? Here are my 6 favourite recipes, to cover a wide variety of ingredients and flavours. They’re all packed with nutritious ingredients, and easily adapted to be low in sodium.
