When to Start First Foods
Most babies are ready for their first solid foods around 6 months of age. Look for signs like sitting up with minimal support, good head control, showing interest in your food, and the ability to move food to the back of their mouth. Always check with your pediatrician before starting solids, especially if your baby was premature or has any health concerns. Offer solids once a day at first, after a milk feed, and keep portions small — think a teaspoon or two.
Best First Purees: Single Ingredients
Start with single-ingredient purees that are easy to digest. Good options include:
– Avocado: Mash or puree to a smooth consistency. Rich in healthy fats.
– Sweet potato: Steam or bake, then puree with a little water or breast milk. Naturally sweet and smooth.
– Banana: Mash very well. A no-cook option for quick prep.
– Apple or pear: Steam or cook until soft, then puree. Avoid raw apple pieces due to choking risk.
– Carrot or butternut squash: Cook until tender, then puree. These are often well-liked.
Introduce one new food every 3 to 5 days to watch for any allergic reactions. Signs of allergy include rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you see any concerning symptoms, stop that food and call your pediatrician.
Baby-Led Weaning: First Finger Foods
If you prefer a baby-led weaning approach (skipping purees), offer soft, easy-to-grasp finger foods around 6 months. Good first options:
– Steamed broccoli or carrot sticks: Cook until very soft, such that they can be mashed with gums.
– Avocado spears: Cut into thick strips that baby can hold.
– Banana with skin on one side: Leave a bit of peel for grip.
– Roasted sweet potato wedges: Soft and easy to hold.
– Egg strips: Omelet or hard-boiled egg cut into strips. Eggs are a common allergen, so start with a small amount and watch for reactions.
Always supervise your baby while eating, and avoid round, hard foods like whole grapes or nuts. Never leave your baby alone with food. Consult your pediatrician if you have questions about choking risks.
Texture Progression and Common Concerns
Start with smooth, runny purees and gradually thicken them over a few weeks. By 7-8 months, offer mashed or lumpy foods to encourage chewing. By 9-12 months, your baby can handle soft, chopped foods. If your baby pushes food out with their tongue, it may be a sign they are not ready yet — try again in a week or two. Refusing new foods is normal; keep offering without pressure. For constipation, common when starting solids, offer foods like prunes, pears, or peaches. If constipation persists, talk to your pediatrician. Never add salt, sugar, or honey (honey can cause infant botulism in babies under 1 year).
Safety and Allergen Introduction
New guidelines recommend introducing common allergens early (around 6 months, once your baby is regularly eating other first foods). Top allergens include peanuts, eggs, cow’s milk (as yogurt or cheese, not as a drink until 12 months), sesame, soy, fish, and shellfish. Start with a tiny amount (like a smear of peanut butter thinned with water) and offer it at home, not at daycare. If there is a family history of allergies, talk to your pediatrician first. For most babies, introducing peanut and egg early can reduce the risk of developing allergies. Always have your pediatrician’s number handy and know the signs of a severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or hives. If you suspect an allergic reaction, call emergency services immediately.
Key Takeaway
Start with single-ingredient purees around 6 months, watch for allergies, and always consult your pediatrician before introducing solids.