Baby food

Baby food refers to food that is specially prepared and formulated for infant feeding during the early stages of life, generally from 4 to 24 months. This food is characterized by its soft texture, ease of digestion, and balanced composition, adapted to the nutritional needs of babies.

The origin of baby food emerged in the mid-20th century, when commercial formulas and preparations were developed to facilitate the safe and nutritious introduction of solid foods, complementing breastfeeding.

Regarding its properties, baby food is usually rich in vitamins, essential minerals such as iron and calcium, and low in added salt and sugars to promote healthy development. Depending on the type, it may include fruit purées, vegetables, fortified cereals, and soft proteins. It is essential that the ingredients are natural, without preservatives or harmful additives.

In different Spanish-speaking countries, baby food may also be known as infant food, papillas, baby papillas, or infant purées. These terms are used interchangeably in recipes to refer to soft preparations suitable for feeding babies.