Baby's First Foods Guide
Wondering what to feed first? Here's your complete guide to introducing solids!
1. When to Start Solids
Around 6 months (180 days) is the recommended time to start solids. This is endorsed by WHO and most pediatric organizations.
Signs Baby is Ready
- Can hold head up and sit with support
- Shows interest in food (watching, reaching, opening mouth)
- Tongue thrust reflex has diminished
- Has doubled birth weight
2. Best First Foods
The most common first food is iron-fortified rice cereal or rice porridge!
- Low allergy risk
- Easy to digest
- Mild taste reduces rejection
- Iron-fortified cereal is also an excellent choice
3. Recommended Order of Foods
Stage 1: Grains (6 months+)
| Order | Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice | Start here, 1-2 weeks |
| 2 | Oatmeal | Rich in iron |
| 3 | Barley | After rice is tolerated |
Stage 2: Vegetables (6 months+)
| Order | Food | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zucchini/Squash | Mild and easy to digest |
| 2 | Sweet potato, Potato | Sweet taste, usually accepted |
| 3 | Carrots, Broccoli | Rich in vitamins |
| 4 | Spinach, Peas | Rich in iron |
Tip: Introduce vegetables before fruits! Once baby gets used to sweet fruits, they may reject vegetables.
Stage 3: Fruits (6 months+)
| Order | Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple, Pear | Cook first |
| 2 | Banana | Mash and serve raw |
| 3 | Avocado | Healthy fats |
| 4 | Prunes, Peaches | Helps with constipation |
Stage 4: Proteins (6-7 months+)
| Order | Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tofu | Soft and easy to digest |
| 2 | Chicken (breast) | Good iron source |
| 3 | Beef | Excellent iron source! |
| 4 | Egg yolk | Fully cooked |
| 5 | White fish | Cod, sole, flounder |
4. Rules for Introducing New Foods
- One at a time: Introduce only one new food
- Wait 3-5 days: Watch for allergic reactions
- Morning or midday: Easier to manage reactions
- Start small: Begin with 1-2 teaspoons
- Keep a log: Note foods and any reactions
5. Allergenic Foods Guide
Current research shows that introducing allergenic foods early, in small amounts may actually help prevent allergies!
Top 8 Allergens
- Eggs
- Milk/Dairy
- Wheat
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish (shrimp, crab)
When to Introduce Allergens
| Food | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Egg yolk | 6-7 months | Hard-boiled, small amounts |
| Egg white | 8-9 months | After yolk is tolerated |
| Peanut butter | 6 months+ | Thinned with milk/puree |
| Milk (cooking) | 6 months+ | Small amounts mixed in |
| Fish | 7-8 months | Start with white fish |
6. Signs of Allergic Reaction
- Skin: Hives, rash, itching
- Digestive: Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Respiratory: Coughing, wheezing, congestion
- Face: Swelling of lips or eyes
Emergency: Difficulty breathing, widespread hives, or loss of consciousness—call 911!
7. Foods to Avoid (Under 12 Months)
- Honey: Risk of botulism
- Cow's milk (as drink): Hard to digest, low in iron
- Salt & sugar: Don't add any
- Fruit juice: Too much sugar
- Choking hazards: Whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hot dogs
8. Month-by-Month Summary
| Age | Stage | Foods |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Early | Rice, vegetables, fruits (purees) |
| 7-8 months | Middle | + Meat, tofu, egg |
| 9-11 months | Later | + Fish, dairy, combinations |
| 12 months+ | Transition | Moving to table foods |
9. Final Tips
Introduce solids slowly and enjoyably. Every baby has their own pace—don't compare to others.
If baby rejects a food, try again in a few days. Let them explore new tastes and textures. Starting solids is about nutrition AND building healthy eating habits for life!