At Poppylist, we’re all about cutting through the clutter and spotlighting the people truly making life better for new parents. That’s why we’re launching a series highlighting innovators who are rethinking what families really need.

One of those founders is Serenity Carr, who set out to solve a problem she felt deeply as both a parent and a person: the lack of truly nourishing, convenient baby food on store shelves. After growing up on a diet of sugar and processed foods, Serenity didn’t understand what real nourishment felt like until adulthood—and when she became a mom, she was determined to give her child a healthier start. But when she searched for baby food that met her standards, she came up short. So she started from scratch in her own kitchen, crafting recipes made with purpose and premium ingredients.

We’re proud to feature her story and her mission-driven company, Serenity Kids, in the Poppylist shop—because parents deserve baby food that supports their values without sacrificing convenience. We caught up with Serenity to learn more about the moment that changed everything, the family inspiration behind her products, and what’s next for the brand that’s redefining baby nutrition.

Why It Matters—To Every Parent

Serenity’s passion for baby nutrition started with her own family—but it didn’t take long for her to realize the impact reached far beyond her home.

In the early days, she and her team received glowing reviews from parents who finally felt confident about what they were feeding their babies. But one moment made it all feel incredibly real. “Last year, my baby sister called me up crying—ugly crying—out of gratitude,” Serenity recalls. Her sister had an 8-month-old who had been eating Serenity Kids pouches, puffs, and formula for a few months. Through tears, she said, “I worry so much and have to learn so much as a new mom. But I don’t ever have to worry or spend time researching anything about her food, because you’ve already done all the work for me. Thank you, big sister.”

It was a moment of clarity—not just about the impact of the products, but about the emotional relief and trust they were offering to parents everywhere.

Non-Negotiables: Putting Babies First

From the start, Serenity Kids was guided by one clear principle: what’s best for babies. In 2016, baby food aisles were mostly carbohydrates from fruit and grains, but studying mother’s milk showed Serenity the importance of healthy fats and protein for infant development. This inspired her to source top-quality organic vegetables—grown to higher standards—and regeneratively raised meat for protein pouches.

When faced with tough choices, like whether to certify toddler formula as organic, the team prioritized nutrition over labels. Including wild algal oil, rich in brain-building DHA, meant sacrificing organic certification since it can’t be certified organic. Still, they chose the nutrient-dense option, proving that for Serenity Kids, babies’ health always comes first.

Navigating Food Labels: What Every Parent Should Know

With so many processed options and marketing buzzwords, early feeding choices can quickly feel overwhelming. Serenity advises parents to ask themselves a simple question: Would I eat this myself on a good day?

She suggests flipping the pouch over to check the ingredients—look for whole foods you recognize and would want on your own plate. For example, their Beef, Sweet Potato, and Kale pouch is something she’d happily eat at a nice dinner. Then, take a look at the nutrition facts: prioritize higher protein and fat content, and lower sugar. Since babies have much smaller bodies, a helpful rule of thumb is to multiply their nutrient intake by about ten to compare to an adult’s needs. So, if a 15-pound baby gets 5 grams of protein in a pouch, that’s like a 150-pound adult eating 50 grams—a solid, nourishing meal.

Reimagining the Baby Food Aisle: A Vision for Real Nourishment

If Serenity could rewrite the baby food aisle from the ground up, it would be a space where true nutrition reigns. While progress has been made—carbohydrates now make up about 85% of the aisle, down from 98% in 2019—there’s still a clear opportunity to transform the landscape. According to USDA guidelines, half of baby foods should deliver protein and healthy fats, yet the aisle remains overwhelmingly fruit-focused.

Serenity envisions a future where retailers and regulators champion transparency and quality, making it effortless for parents to find wholesome, balanced options. She believes the aisle should be free from added sugars—no compromises, no exceptions—because babies deserve food that fuels their growth, not empty calories. This is more than a hope; it’s a call to action for an aisle that truly nurtures the next generation.

Learning from the Community: Inspiring Adventurous Eaters

One of the most valuable lessons Serenity Kids has learned from its community is how much parents want their children to enjoy mealtime—and grow up to be adventurous eaters. Whether parents themselves were picky eaters or simply hope to introduce a wide variety of flavors, this desire inspired the creation of the World Explorers line.

Designed to bring exciting, diverse options like Chicken Mexican Stew and Beef Chimichurri to little ones, these recipes help parents introduce new ingredients, herbs, and spices early on. It’s all about making mealtime fun and broadening babies’ palates from the very start.

Looking Ahead: Doubling Down on Quality and Innovation

As Serenity Kids grows, the commitment to making every bite count remains stronger than ever. Beyond launching exciting new products—many of which are already in development—the brand is intensifying its focus on ingredient sourcing.

With competition heating up, including legacy baby food brands releasing their own versions of Serenity’s top-selling Chicken, Pea, and Carrot pouch, the difference lies in quality. Serenity Kids continues to prioritize higher protein content and responsibly sourced, pasture-raised meats. Educating parents about the benefits of thoughtfully sourced, nutrient-dense ingredients will continue to be a priority, helping families make informed choices that support their children’s health from the very beginning.

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Evolving

We’ve loved sharing the story behind Serenity Kids and introducing Serenity Carr to our Poppylist community. Her commitment to reimagining baby food—one pouch, puff, and formula at a time—is reshaping the way families feed their little ones. With every product, she’s proving that convenience and nutrition don’t have to be at odds. From fighting for better sourcing to creating bold, flavorful options that grow with your baby, Serenity is helping parents raise adventurous, well-nourished eaters—without the guesswork. Follow Serenity Kids for updates, new product launches, and practical tips for feeding your family with confidence. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Pinterest