We’re all doing it…it may even be how you found this article. Scouring the Internet to find the best foods for our babies, hunting for the quality nutrition we know is critical for this early age. We really are what we eat, and in the first 1000 days,  we’re actually creating all the parts that make up us – our brain, immune system, muscle and bone strength – you get it.

During these first couple of years, about 80% of your baby’s brain is formed, and 65% of the nutrients they consume go straight to that development. What we eat provides fundamental building blocks for a lifetime of health, so quality nutrition is mission critical.

But did you know that what goes ON your baby’s body is just as important as what goes IN it?

According to Dr. Joyce Teng, Head of Stanford Pediatric Dermatology & Chief Scientific Officer for Evereden, because children’s skin is so thin, it dries out easily, which diminishes its protective barrier and makes them more vulnerable to irritation, allergies and the effects of harsh chemicals. That means babies absorb chemicals easily, and they’re more likely to have adverse reactions to harsh preservatives and fragrances. So clean, non-toxic, non-irritating baby products aren’t trendy or indulgent— they’re important.

So we partnered with Evereden, a skincare company that creates natural and safe products, to break down the top fruits & veggies that are the most nutritious, delicious and powerful superfoods for your baby – both inside and out.

Avocado

In your body: At Little Spoon, we love avocado as a healthy source of fat that helps the development of the central nervous system and brain while providing creamy, mild deliciousness for your mini. Bonus points: it’s rich in protein, fiber and a whole list of vitamins and minerals like zinc and vitamins A, C and E (aka powerful immune system defense).

On your body: This superfruit naturally prevents water loss on skin, moisturizes the skin barrier (thanks to Vitamin E, lecithin and potassium) and soothes irritated skin.

Apple

In your body: Apples are your friend when it comes to bowel regularity – and believe us there’s nothing more upsetting than seeing your #1 struggling to go #2. Soluble and insoluble fiber in apples help keep things moving.

On your body: The fruit extract from this perennial favorite is rich in antioxidants and contains essential fatty acids that hydrate and plump skin.

Coconut

In your body: We use coconut in two ways at Little Spoon: in coconut milk and oil forms. Coconut milk contains healthy fats essential for brain development and offer a creamy richness your mini will love. Coconut oil also aids in brain development while providing an abundance of lauric acid, a fatty acid in breast milk that can aid in fighting many types of infection.

On your body: Coconut oil conditions the skin’s deepest dermal layers and is high in fatty acids as well as in Vitamin E and essential amino acids. It repairs skin’s natural barrier and maintains moisture on skin.

Cranberry

In your body: Cranberries are a favorite seasonal ingredient addition here at Little Spoon as the fruit offers a tart, sweet flavor that is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C that help boost immunity. As a winter treat, it’s a perfect ingredient to help fend off cold & flu season.

On your body: Cranberry seed oil has a natural balance of omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids not found elsewhere in natural oils. It’s also high in Vitamins A, C, E, K – which conditions baby’s skin. High in antioxidants, it protects skin against environmental stressors and fatty acids, deeply nourishing skin.

Mango

In your body: Mango is packed with Beta-carotene to help boost immunity, plus Vitamin A for vision development. As one of the healthiest fruits out there, it’s a nutritious, flavorful option to feed your growing mini!

On your body: Mango Butter contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that make it a wonderful choice for mature skin as well. The rich, nourishing nature of this butter can even help benefit those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

About Evereden

Evereden is a family skincare company dedicated to empowering families to live their healthiest lives. We are reimagining a new skincare line for families with a team of dermatologists from Stanford and Harvard to build products that are naturally-sourced and scientifically-backed, free of toxins and harmful ingredients. The result: beautifully formulated skincare products that are as luxurious as they are effective and safe for sensitive skin.

Shop Evereden here and learn more about the Never-Ever List here.