Kids & Company Blog

Cookbooks with Recipes for Families with Young Children

Feeding babies and toddlers can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're introducing first foods or navigating picky eaters, having go-to recipes on hand can make mealtimes easier and more fun. Our very own Kidco Kitchen rounded up a few beloved resources that offer nutritious, age-appropriate recipes tailored to young children. These cookbooks balance expert guidance with practical tips and child-friendly flavours. 

 

 1. Better Baby Food by Joaane Saab & Diana Kalnins (The Hospital for Sick Children)  

A great nutritional guidebook from birth to 24 months. Created by two registered dietitians from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, this comprehensive guide offers over 200 recipes for babies and toddlers. It includes clear advice on introducing solids, managing allergies, and ensuring balanced nutrition, all based on current pediatric guidelines. A go-to for Canadian families, it’s both informative and reassuring. Includes information on developing your child’s food palate and nutrition-packed recipes  

 

2. The Wholesome Baby Food Guide by Maggie Meade   

Classic, fun, fuss-free foods for every occasion! From a hearty pot roast to a light garden salad. Based on the popular WholesomeBabyFood.com website, this guide supports parents in making fresh, homemade baby food with ease. Meade breaks down everything from starting solids to transitioning to finger foods, with over 150 simple recipes made from real, whole ingredients. It’s great for parents who want to ditch the jars and go DIY. 

3. Better Food for Kids by Joanne Saab & Diana Kalnins 

The companion to Better Baby Food, this cookbook focuses on children aged 2-10. It features over 200 nutritious recipes the whole family can enjoy, along with practical nutrition advice, lunchbox ideas, and tips for picky eaters. Backed by pediatric dietitian expertise, it’s perfect for parents looking to foster healthy habits early on. 

 4. The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet by Karin Knight & Tina Ruggerio  

This vibrant, photo-filled guide includes over 200 recipes for every stage of babyhood and toddlerhood. The authors emphasize fresh, organic ingredients and offer nutritional breakdowns for each meal. With creative ideas like avocado-banana puree and quinoa veggie mash, it’s ideal for parents who want to keep meals both nutritious and interesting. 

5. The Baby & Toddler Cookbook by Karen Ansel & Charity Ferreira  

Part of the Williams-Sonoma cookbook line, this beautifully designed book covers meals for children aged 6 months to 3 years. With a focus on whole foods and simple prep, it includes everything from beginner purees to toddler-friendly family meals. Bonus: It also has sections for batch cooking and storing meals efficiently. 

 

These cookbooks were hand-picked by our Kidco Kitchen team for their focus on nutrition, creativity, and practicality. Whether you're just starting solids or expanding your toddler’s palate, these resources are sure to support happy, healthy eating at every stage. 

Posted on: Friday February 27th, 2026

Posted by: Kids & Company