No pouch, no problem!
Recent headlines about baby food pouches have got many parents wondering what’s really in the food we give our little ones. New investigations delve into the nutritional quality of baby food pouches—those bright packages you’ll find in every supermarket. They're marketed as healthy, full of fruits and veggies, and convenient for on-the-go. But this surge in popularity prompted experts to ask: Are they delivering what babies need?
In short: not really.
Many pouches were found to be low in key nutrients like vitamin C and iron—both crucial for babies’ development. And while these products may not contain added sugars, the pureed fruit releases free sugars during processing, which still impact dental health and taste preferences. Additionally, the packaging and labeling can be misleading, giving the impression that they’re more balanced than they really are.
It's not just about nutrition...
When babies rely heavily on pouches, they miss out on important sensory experiences. Seeing, touching, and tasting different textures and colours helps babies build a positive relationship with food, setting them up for long-term eating habits. Pouches, which are often smooth and uniform in texture, don’t offer those valuable learning opportunities.
So, are pouches all bad?
Absolutely not. It’s all about balance.
There’s nothing wrong with using a pouch every now and then—think emergencies, travel days, or those moments when life just doesn’t go to plan. It’s the everyday reliance we want to avoid.
So… what can I do instead?
1. Get friendly with food storage.
Invest in a variety of food containers—small, stackable boxes you can pop in the fridge or take out with you. Whether it’s bamboo, stainless steel, or your favorite pastel colors, having a stash of pre-prepared meals or snacks makes life so much easier.
There is lots of variety out there, but some of our favourites are TumTum flasks (you can use code OLIVIAWALL at checkout for 10% off) and Moov.
2. Feed them what you eat (ish).
From 6 months, start introducing real family foods like spaghetti bolognese, fish and mash, soups, and soft veggies. You’ll need to skip the salt and soften some textures at first, but the goal is to move toward one meal for the whole family.
3. Aim for progress, not perfection.
Whether you're starting fresh at 6 months or navigating picky preferences, remember this: one new texture, one new flavor, or one less pouch at a time is progress. Mealtimes don’t have to be neat or picture-perfect. It’s about building variety and confidence over time.
If you’re feeling unsure about weaning, or have questions about your baby’s eating, I’m here to help. You’ll find free tips on my Instagram and website, and I also offer 1:1 and group consultations.
Together, we can raise happy little eaters.
