Baby-Led Weaning Travel Food Ideas
This blog contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to purchase a product through a link, I will receive a small commission - this in no way impacts the amount you pay. Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*).
Embarking on travel adventures with your baby is a cherished experience, but when it comes to nourishing your little one while on the move, it can often feel like a daunting task. Whether you are taking a baby-led weaning approach or starting with the traditional spoon-feeding of purees, ensuring that your baby receives timely and nutritious meals during travel is key to a positive experience for all involved.
Whether you're planning a road trip, boarding a flight, or just running errands around town, having the best baby-led weaning travel foods and/or purees on hand can make all the difference.
In this post, we'll explore a variety of baby-led weaning travel food ideas designed to keep your little explorer happy, healthy, and well-fed on the go. From homemade snacks to baby finger food ideas, get ready to discover a plethora of delicious options that are perfect for your journey ahead.
Best Baby Food for Traveling
When selecting baby foods to travel with, there are several factors to consider to ensure that your little one stays nourished and satisfied throughout your journey. Here are some things to think about as you choose the best baby foods for traveling:
Nutritional Value: Opt for baby foods that are rich in essential nutrients such as iron, Vitamin C, and calcium. Look for options that offer a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep your baby energized and satisfied during travel. As best you can, plan ahead so that you can avoid having to rely on fast foods, which tend to be high in added sugars and salt.
Convenience: Choose baby foods that are convenient to pack, store, and serve while on the go. Single-serve pouches, pre-portioned containers*, and individually wrapped snacks are ideal for travel as they require minimal preparation. It is best if they can be easily transported in your diaper bag or carry-on luggage and easily eaten without the need for utensils.
Portability: Check the expiration dates and opt for options that have a longer shelf life or can be easily stored in a cooler or insulated bag* if refrigeration is required. Lightweight and non-perishable options are ideal for long journeys or trips where refrigeration may not be readily available. Avoid glass jars or bulky packaging that can be difficult to transport and may increase the risk of breakage during travel.
Minimal Mess: Opt for baby foods that make for minimal mess and clean up, especially when traveling in confined spaces such as airplanes or trains. Finger foods, snacks with resealable packaging, and spill-proof containers can help minimize messes and make feeding time more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Variety: Offer your baby a variety of food options to keep mealtime interesting and exciting while traveling.
Safety: Prioritize safety when choosing baby foods for travel. Avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes and other round, hard fresh fruits, popcorn, nuts, and hard cheeses. Opt for soft, easy-to-swallow options instead. Always supervise your baby in the seated position during mealtime and avoid feeding them in a vehicle that is in motion to prevent accidents.
**Side note – if you are looking for the best baby high chair for traveling, check out the Inglesina Fast Table Chair* that attaches to the side of most tables or counters and can be easily modified to help your baby get in the best position for feeding (they also have a tray that is sold separately and is a game changer for clean up).
And don’t forget a good travel cup, a bib (ideally with a pocket* for catching food), and baby wipes or other clean-up supplies for on-the-go messes!
Healthy Baby Food for Traveling
As a pediatric registered dietitian specializing in infant feeding, I can attest that maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for your baby's development, but it’s not always easy to achieve while traveling.
With that in mind, I’ve made a list of some of my favorite nutrient-dense food ideas for babies that are perfect for on-the-go feeding to help you out with the planning ahead part:
Steamed Veggie Sticks: Steam sticks of vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and carrots until tender to make nutritious finger foods that are easy for your baby to grasp and munch on; make them even tastier by steaming using broth*
Fresh Cut Fruit: Cucumbers, strawberries, mangoes, and bananas are a few great options for those who follow BLW; store in reusable silicone bags* that are easy to wipe out when finished
Eggs: Hard Boiled Eggs are one of my favorite nutrient-dense travel snacks for babies; the soft texture of eggs is ideal for babies, who can pick up wedges of a hard-boiled egg as a finger food and easily mash hard-boiled eggs in the mouth before swallowing, which greatly reduces the risk of choking
Smashed beans: Cooked beans such as black beans* or white beans* can be great options for traveling, just make sure to gently smash the bean to make it easier to pick up and prevent choking
Cooked meats: Slow-cooked* and other soft meats like chicken or beef are a great source of protein and iron for babies of all ages
Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seeds* are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making them an excellent choice for baby's on-the-go meals; check out these prepackaged Mamma Chia Pouches* or make your own by mixing chia seeds with formula or breast milk (these are also super helpful for preventing constipation!)
Pureed Fruits and Vegetables: Even if using a BLW approach, you can whip up batches of pureed fruits and vegetable foods, including sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas, or applesauce and store them in small, airtight containers for easy transport; serve with baby travel utensils* for self-feeding
**TOP TIP**: Invest in reusable baby food pouches* for reduced waste from single-use pouches
Be sure to consider how you size baby-led weaning foods, especially when traveling. Closer to 6 months of age, when babies are using a palmar grasp to palm larger objects up to the mouth, offer strips of foods about the length and width of an adult finger.
Once babies have improved their fine motor skills and start using a pincer grasp to pick up finger foods between the thumb and forefinger (i.e., which usually emerges at around 9 months), cut foods into bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea.
Homemade Baby Food for Traveling
When traveling, bringing homemade baby food can be a game-changer. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and ensure your baby gets nutritious meals. Here are some of my favorite homemade baby-led weaning recipes that are perfect for traveling:
Pumpkin Cookies and Muffins: Both of these tasty pumpkin treats are nutrient-dense, brimming with beta-carotene, soft in texture, and perfect for baby-led weaning.
Breakfast Egg Muffins: Protein-packed and nutrient-rich, these soft, fluffy egg muffins are a great option for breakfast on the go and can be easily customized by adding different chopped vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes.
Baby Pancakes or Waffles: These recipes offer the opportunity to give baby minimally-processed, whole, fresh foods, are infant-safe textures that are easy for babies to grip and self-feed, and also expose them to a few top allergens (which is important for the prevention of the development of food allergies).
Peanut Apple Fritters: Soft in texture and juicy with no added sugar or salt, these peanut apple fritters offer an easy and nutrient-dense way to serve peanuts to babies.
Bean burgers: Bursting with flavor, fiber, and plant-based nutrition, this cannellini bean burger recipe works great for travel or eating on the go.
Travel Food for 1-Year-Old
Here are some convenient and nutritious travel food ideas for your 1-year-old, who is likely a master with finger foods at this point.
Cooked Pasta: Cooked, plain pasta* can be an easy lunch or dinner to pack for an on-the-go meal; you can also mix in some other toddler-friendly foods like cooked beans and bite-sized pieces of tomatoes and cucumbers to make a tasty “pasta salad”
Toast Strips or Small Sandwiches: Prepare small sandwiches with soft fillings like mashed avocado or hummus and cut them into bite-sized pieces for your little one to enjoy
Dry Cereal: Cheerios* and Barbara’s Puffins* are two of my favorite dried cereals for your child to munch on while on the go
Cheese and Crackers: Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium for your growing baby; try pairing it with whole-grain crackers* for a satisfying and wholesome snack on the road
Freeze-Dried Fruit and Veggies: Stock up on freeze-dried fruit and veggies, like strawberries*, that are free from added sugars and preservatives; these snacks are lightweight, non-perishable, and provide a good source of vitamins and minerals
Nut Butter: Nut butter packets or small containers filled with nut butter* are a convenient source of protein and healthy fats for your little one; try spreading them on whole grain crackers or fruit slices for a nutritious snack
Baby Food for Traveling by Air
Traveling by air with babies and toddlers requires careful planning, especially when it comes to food.
Pre-packaged snacks and pouches are generally best as they are easy to pack in your carry-on bag, don’t require a refrigerated or cooler bag, and can help keep your baby occupied during the flight. Some of my favorites are Love Child Organics, Cerebelly* and Serenity Kids* pouches, Amara smoothie melts*, and Mission Mighty Me Puffs*.
Traveling with a baby doesn't have to mean sacrificing nutritious meals. With a little planning and creativity, you can provide your little one with a variety of healthy and convenient food options while on the go.
If you have more questions about BLW and how to serve other foods for babies, you can almost always find answers on my blog. For further information on baby-led feeding, starting solids, and preventing food allergies, check out my new baby-led feeding cookbook which comes with a 9-day allergen-introduction plan, 8 weeks of baby-led feeding meals plans, and 80 family-friendly recipes that baby can enjoy with the rest of the family.
And if you need guidance around a specific nutrition-related concern, I am currently accepting new clients in my virtual private practice. Thanks for reading, and safe travels!