Processed baby foods are disclosed which are formulated with oils and/or nucleotides. Oils are added to yield an acceptable ratio of the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and .alpha.-linolenic acid (ALA). A blend of 3 6 nucleotides may be added to yield a level of 3 6 mg/100 Kcal, which are associated with a number of biological processes, the most common being the potential to optimize the health of the immune and gastrointestinal systems of breast-fed infants and some infants and young children fed commercial infant formula with added nucleotides.