This post is sponsored by Serenity Kids but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only partner with brands we genuinely love.
"Starting solids with your baby is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like stepping into an intimidating world of new decisions. You’re suddenly faced with questions like, “When do I start?” “What should I feed them first?” and “How do I make sure they’re getting enough nutrients?” Add to that the endless advice from well-meaning friends, family, and the internet, and it’s super easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. Feeding your baby can be a confusing process, and figuring out what works best for you and your little one takes time and patience.
First off, take a deep breath—you can do this. Step one is to write up your list of questions and consult your pediatrician about them first and foremost. That said, every baby is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for introducing solids. Understanding certain developmental stages, like the “flavor window,” can help guide your choices and give you a little peace of mind. Knowing when and how to introduce new flavors can have a big impact on your baby’s long-term relationship with food, so being in tune with those key turning points in their relationship with food is pivotal. We’re here to help you demystify your new journey with solids by breaking down what the flavor window is and sharing exactly which foods to introduce.
What is the flavor window?
The flavor window is a crucial period in your baby’s development, typically occurring between 6 to 18 months when their taste buds are at their most adaptable. During this time, babies are more open to trying new flavors and textures, making it the perfect opportunity to introduce a wide variety of foods—from savory to slightly bitter and everything in between.
Research shows that babies who are exposed to a range of flavors during this time are more likely to develop a taste for an array of foods as they grow. This can (hopefully) lead to them being more adventurous eaters and, potentially, a child who enjoys a healthy, balanced diet. In contrast, if babies are primarily exposed to sweet or bland foods, they may develop a preference for those flavors and be less inclined to try new, nutrient-rich options later on.
However, this openness doesn’t last forever. Once babies reach the toddler years, many become more selective, and you may suddenly find yourself dealing with picky eating habits. As every parent knows, mealtime with a toddler can quickly become a struggle, filled with “ew, no” and outright temper tantrums. Toddlers becoming picky eaters is normal during their development, but taking advantage of the flavor window during infancy can help set the stage for a more diverse palate long-term.
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
Source: Megan Kemp
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
Source: Megan Kemp
Best foods to introduce during the flavor window
When it comes to introducing foods during the flavor window, the goal is variety. This means offering not only different fruits and veggies but also a range of spices, herbs, and proteins. So, now is the time to go beyond plain, bland options and try foods like sweet potatoes, broccoli, or even mild spices like cinnamon and cumin. This is a tad overwhelming for new parents who are unsure of where to start or have a more limited diet themselves. Several moms on our team also felt this way while introducing solids and then found Serenity Kids, a baby food brand that creates meals made specifically for the flavor window.
Serenity Kids’ has an assortment of baby food products like purees, smoothies, and puffs—all made with unique flavor profiles, spices, and even protein. We’ve fed our kids almost everything from the Serenity Kids lineup, especially their organic Meat Pouches and Veggie Pouches, which were total hits in our homes. They’re easy-to-squeeze for little hands and travel-friendly for parents. We’ve even packed them in our kids’ daycare and preschool lunch boxes for extra convenience. But the ingredients are by far these pouches’ best quality.
Serenity Kids Pouches
Serenity Kids Veggie Pouches stand out because they’re savory in taste and low in sugar, which is a stark contrast from other overly sweet purees on the market. Littles can test nutrient-dense root veggies like parsnips and beets complemented by herbs and familiar veggies like sweet potatoes and squashes. Serenity Kids also adds high-quality USDA-certified olive oil to their veggie recipes, which provides 5 grams of healthy fats and aids in brain development and nutrient absorption. These veggie blends never lack in flavor, and our kids always finish every bite.
When it’s time to introduce proteins during the flavor window, Serenity Kids Meat Pouches are our tried-and-true purees. Each meat puree contains 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats and are made with grass-fed, free-range, pasture-raised, and wild-caught meats. You can choose from simple flavor combos like Beef and Ginger and Turkey and Rosemary to more culturally inspired blends like Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Mexican Stew. So move over dino nuggets—these blends provide an excellent way to introduce your baby to protein-rich foods, helping to build a well-rounded palate.
Our favorite Serenity Kids products
You can shop Serenity Kids pouches and other products online or in-store at major retailers like Target and Amazon. If you shop directly from Serenity Kids’ site, you can save 20% off your first purchase with code EVERYMOM20. You can’t go wrong with any of our picks below:
Serenity Kids
From beef and bison to chicken and turkey, your little one will love these savory pouches packed with key nutrients and protein.
Serenity Kids
Savory veggies are tough to squeeze into your little one’s diet, but these pouches make it easy and tasty!
Serenity Kids
If your baby is a big yogurt fan, these smoothies made with grass fed collagen will be a hit.
Serenity Kids
These puffs are packed with protein and other key nutrients, making them the perfect, crunchy snack.
Serenity Kids
This grass fed organic A2 whole milk formula has nutrient-rich fats and is free from industrial seed oil, making it a great option to optimize your baby’s development.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant
Ever since she was introduced to editorial work during her freshman year of college in 2019, McKenna’s passion for this field and drive to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible has only continued to grow day by day. Some of her favorite topics to write about are entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
Since becoming a young mama in 2020, Steph has found joy in creating beautiful yet relatable content surrounding the raw realities of motherhood. She believes showcasing both the wonders and struggles of being a parent helps other mothers understand that they are not alone in their journey.
This post is sponsored by Serenity Kids but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only partner with brands we genuinely love.