The first foods you give your baby can lead to a lot of milestones. While the timing can be different for each baby, you want to try and introduce your little one to as many new foods as possible within their first year of life. This is because food allergies are on the rise*, likely because parents delay giving foods that could be potential triggers.
It can be an overwhelming process so we’re going to take you step-by-step through the dos and don’ts of safely feeding your baby!
When to Start First Foods
Pediatricians recommend introducing your child to solid foods between four and six months of age. However, this is a general rule — it all really depends on if your little one has achieved certain milestones. Can you answer yes to these questions?
- Can my baby hold their head up unassisted?
- Are they holding their head steady?
- Are they showing interest when I eat?
- Is their tongue-thrust reflex, the tendency to push their tongue out when their lips close, gone?
If your baby can meet all these requirements, it means that you can start this fun new culinary adventure! However, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Rules to Follow
Continue With Formula or Breastmilk
This is a time of exploration — finding out what your baby likes and dislikes as well as introducing them to new tastes and textures. It also gives you the opportunity to identify allergens and provides beneficial bonding time with your little one. At this point in their development, they still need to receive the majority of their nutrients from breastmilk or formula. These solid options should merely be extras, not replacements.
Over the next few months, you will begin to incorporate a multitude of foods into their daily diet. However, this should never cause the amount of formula or breastmilk they consume to decrease.
Space Out First Foods
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you wait a minimum of three days and up to five days in between each new food type. This allows you to gauge if your child has any issues with the various options they will encounter throughout their life.
In 2018, it was found that 7.6% of children have a food allergy and with this being a common occurrence, it is extremely important that you take your time throughout this process and start with one ingredient options. Exposing your little one to different foods and discovering issues early is beneficial in the long run.
Furthermore, if your family has a history of food allergies, talk to your pediatrician about when to introduce certain types and how to proceed throughout this new milestone.
Don’t Feed Your Baby Directly Out of the Jar
Unless you plan to use it all or throw out the leftovers when you are done, store the baby food in a separate container (rather than leaving it in the jar). Feeding directly out of the jar and then storing it for later use is an easy way for germs to grow and for the food to spoil. This could also lead to stomach upset and no one wants that!
Don’t Force It
You want your child to enjoy mealtime and be open to new things. If they turn away after a few tries, follow their cues and try the option again in a few weeks.
Making Your Own Baby Food
Always wash fruits and vegetables, even if your intent is to peel them. As adults we are susceptible to dangerous bacteria that can end up on our produce and your baby’s gut is even more sensitive. Not only that but bacteria are even more dangerous for them so take the added precautions.
Remember to cook hard vegetables thoroughly before pureeing them to ensure that they are easily digestible.
Additionally, homemade baby food does not last as long as the store-bought varieties, so only make what you need and store it appropriately. A standard rule of thumb is 48 hours in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.
What You Need Before You Start Feeding First Foods
As you start approaching that six-month mark, it is time to start shopping for baby yet again! The top things you will need to start this new phase are a high chair, bowls or plates, spoons, and bibs. Moreover, if you plan to make your own baby food from scratch, then you will also need a food processor and storage containers for the food you prepare.
Something to note — while a basic high chair can work just fine, consider doing some research to find an option that is easily cleaned, moves around without too much effort, and most importantly, is safe. Kids are wiggly little beings that have a way of getting out of things when given the opportunity. A five-point harness can provide some peace of mind if you have to step away for a moment.
Best First Foods
There is no stringent order that you have to follow when it comes to trying new foods. However, there are some recommended guidelines that are in place for a reason. Why? If someone handed you ice cream and then asked you to eat some asparagus, how motivated would you be to eat it? The goal is to start with the blandest foods first and work your way up to the sweet stuff!
Cereals
Start with basic cereals as your baby’s first food. It is recommended that you add some breast milk or formula to the dry mix. There is a multitude of options to choose from, including varieties with oats, rice, barley, and quinoa. Start with one and then gradually transition to the others.
Something to note — if you or someone in your family has had issues with soy in the past, make sure to find cereals that leave this ingredient out. Talk to your pediatrician about when to introduce this protein-type and how to handle adverse reactions.
When to start: 4 – 6 months | Beginning at 6 – 7 months you can start serving a few tablespoons each day in their regular diet, once you have confirmed that there are no allergies present.
Vegetables
Start with the ones you likely favored least as a kid — peas, green beans, carrots, and squash. Then work your way up to sweet potatoes, spinach, peppers, and pumpkin. If you choose to make your own baby food, use fresh or frozen ingredients. Canned options contain sodium and preservatives that are not good for your little one but there are organic options available.
When to start: 5 – 7 months | Once they reach seven months, consider adding a few tablespoons daily.
Fruits
Finally getting to the good stuff! Single fruits are a great way to get your baby excited about food. Remember to not jump to the peaches or they will never want the bananas! Fruits are another easy option to make yourself, but just like with the vegetables, canned varieties contain preservatives and sugars that you will want to avoid.
When to start: 5 – 8 months | At eight months begin incorporating a few tablespoons of fruit daily.
Meats
Turkey, chicken, and boneless fish are fantastic protein-filled items to let your little one try! You will want to avoid processed options that can contain nitrates and high salt content as well as fish with high mercury content.
When to start: 8 – 9 months | Start at a teaspoon and graduate to a few tablespoons per day.
Combination Foods
Apple and avocado. Banana, carrot, and mango. Sweet potato, apple, and pumpkin. These are all options that are easily made from scratch or purchased in the store. They not only let your little one explore the different flavor combinations, but they also help eliminate the issue of having a picky eater on your hands later on in life!
When to start: 7 – 8 months | Once you have explored single-ingredient options and found no allergy issues, this is a fantastic stage to enter.
Water
Hydration is so important throughout the entirety of our lives, but when it comes to babies, their tummies are a lot smaller than ours. That means there is the potential that your child won’t receive their necessary daily nutrients if they fill up on too much water, instead of their breastmilk or formula. Infants get plenty of hydration through these options and these should serve as their main source of liquid up until they are twelve months of age.
However, we do want our little ones to get accustomed to other liquids and we want them to learn to deliver it to themselves. Pediatricians recommend introducing sippy cups around nine months of age, but you can start letting your little one sip a small amount of water a bit sooner.
When to start: 6 – 9 months | Moderation is key — water intoxication can happen in children much more readily than in adults therefore, a little can go a long way.
Foods to Avoid
Before the age of one, there are some options that you need to keep out of your baby’s diet to prevent them from being exposed to allergens, dangerous bacteria, and other issues that could impact their health.
Honey
While botulism seems like a disease of the distant past, for infants it is still a real threat. That is if you introduce honey too early. Adults have fully developed guts that can handle the bacteria that can be present in this sweet substance, but babies are not quite as prepared to battle this dangerous toxin.
Remember to avoid any foods made with honey as well. That means those honey graham crackers are a no-go for a short while!
Milk
Milk and cookies are a fan favorite with most kids, but cow’s milk can be hard to digest at an early age. Not only that, but it can fill up little bellies quickly, without providing all the necessary ingredients that an infant needs. In rare cases, it can also trigger allergies, some of which can be quite severe so it is best to wait on this delicious beverage.
Unpasteurized Foods
Just like when you are pregnant, infants need to continue to avoid these items through at least twelve months of age. They can contain dangerous bacteria that can be life-threatening to your little one. This can include yogurts, soft cheeses, juices, and many other dairy products. It is always best to check the packaging to confirm before giving your baby a taste.
Juice
This is another delicious beverage that can make your baby feel full before they get the nourishment they need. We want our babies to grow big and strong and without enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, they can actually start losing weight.
Juices also contain a lot of sugar, which can trigger issues like diabetes and tooth decay, so it is best to avoid this beverage until they are a little older. Additionally, when your infant finally gets the chance to have a taste, it is always best to dilute the juice to help fight these conditions.
Allergenic Foods
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that you slowly include potential allergenic foods into your child’s diet before twelve months of age. However, if your family has a history of food allergies, always speak with your pediatrician first on how to proceed as well as how to treat a reaction if it were to occur.
Steps to Transition from Purees to Solid Foods
The process is actually quite simple! If you give your baby store-bought food, brands like Gerber and Beech-Nut have made it easy to transition your little one through each stage of eating!
Step 1: First Foods
The first stage is smooth pureed, single ingredient choices that we discussed above. The texture and consistency are similar to breastmilk or formula.
This stage normally occurs during months four through six.
Step 2: Combination Foods
The second stage means that the food is no longer pureed to a soup-like consistency. Instead, it is thicker and is usually strained or blended. This is the time when your little one can start trying choices that have multiple ingredients. Not only that, but studies have shown that blended foods teach children to be more accepting of various flavors, therefore helping to nip picky eating in the bud.
This stage normally occurs during months seven through eight.
Step 3: Textured Foods
The third stage is when you start noticing soft chunks of food mixed into the pureed and blended food. This allows your child to start learning to squish the bites in between their gums.
This stage normally occurs during months nine through twelve.
Step 4: Solid Foods
This is probably the hardest and scariest stage for you, and likely the most exciting for your baby. We all know how much infants love putting things in their mouths and this step allows them to do just that!
However, as a parent, the fear of choking suddenly becomes much more real. Make sure to cut all items into pieces they could technically swallow whole. Ensure that options are soft and malleable so that they can mash them between their gums without too much effort.
Finally, this is the time that you can start including adult foods. By that we mean options that you would likely eat as well-cooked pasta, soft cheese, shredded meats, and actual pieces of fruits and vegetables.
This stage normally occurs after twelve months.
What If I Make My Own Baby Food
It is the same process! You will go from a smooth, thin-textured puree to a thicker consistency over time. Slowly leave more chunks of food in each blend you make. Remember, this should be done with soft consistency foods. If you have options that are crunchy or hard like carrots or bell peppers, consider cooking them first to soften them up.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Have All of Their Teeth
Most children don’t see a full set of teeth emerge until the age of three. You would have to wait a long time to start solid foods if they truly needed all of their teeth. If your child has ever put your finger in their mouth and chomped down, then you know how hard their gums are, which is why it should not come as a surprise that they will manage without all of those pearly whites being present.
You will want to make sure to not give them hard or tough foods until later on down the line, but when cooked thoroughly and cut up into small pieces, solid foods are fine for your little one!
Things To Remember
Each child is different and will progress at their own pace. Just because your child is twelve months old doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ready for stage four just yet. Let them transition to each of the stages at their own pace.
Dealing With Picky Eaters
We all grew up hating certain foods. Whether it was broccoli, peas, fish, or pudding, many of us refuse to eat these items to this day. So how do you combat the picky eater in your home?
Try, Try Again
We mentioned it earlier and we will say it again — while your child may not like it on the first try, their palette will change over time so always give it another go! Wait a few days, even a few weeks or months, and see if it becomes more to their liking!
Children Mimic Adults
This doesn’t just happen with food. Children soak up everything around them and over time they will start picking up many of your habits, good and bad. With this being said, if you are eating food and seem happy, maybe they will like it too!
Reward Them
This should never be done with sweets or snacks. Instead consider praise, a bowl of their favorite fruit, a trip to the park, time watching their favorite show, or offer up some stickers! We want to build good habits in our kids. By teaching them that unhealthy options are a reward, it can lead to health issues later down the line.
Rule Out Allergies
The reason your child isn’t eating something could be because they don’t like the taste or color, but it could also be that it makes them feel sick. Check for rashes, watch out for diarrhea or vomiting, and just general stomach upset. If you notice a pattern, consider changing that option out for another one.
Validate Their Concerns
Sometimes kids just want to be heard. Ask them why they don’t like it. What would make it better? What do you think would make this taste yummy? Sometimes finding the source of their issue with the food can lead to an easy fix.
Remove Distractions
Pickiness can be due to taste, but it could also be due to your child wanting to be elsewhere. If they are distracted by television programs, siblings running around or they have toys or games at the table, it can turn mealtime into a real struggle. Remove these diversions and see if that helps!
FAQs about Baby’s First Foods
Can my baby eat solids before four months?
Many people in your life will start to tell you that you should start cereals and other “more hearty” options as soon as possible, claiming it will help them sleep better and stay full longer. While this may be true for some, try to remember that your baby is still growing and developing internally. Their guts can only handle certain options and their capability to effectively swallow thicker foods is low before the four-month mark.
If you choose to forego this recommendation, realize that it could cause gastrointestinal upset, unhealthy weight gain, skin irritations like eczema as well as allergic reactions.
However, you don’t want to wait too long either! This can cause irrational reactions to textures in later years, stunt your baby’s growth, and can even lead to the development of food allergies.
Is arsenic really an issue of baby rice cereal?
Rice is a seed that has a tendency to more readily pull out arsenic from the soil and water around it. This means that it has higher levels of this toxin, compared to other grains. The FDA has set thresholds for how much arsenic can be in the rice you purchase.
Unfortunately, due to a baby’s small size, they have a much higher exposure rate than that of an adult. Studies have shown that consistent exposure can lead to a handful of health impacts as well as cognitive issues. Do your research and decide if you want to include this option in your child’s diet or not.
Will my baby’s pooping habits change with new foods?
Yes. Not only will the consistency change, but so will the timing. They will likely go less frequently and the texture will become more chunky than liquid. The smell can also change so get the clothespin ready for your nose!
How do I know which brand of baby food is best?
Brand is a preference. What matters is the ingredients. These are always listed in order of amount — most to least. Therefore, if you want your baby to eat apples, you want to see that listed first. Ideally, it will be the only thing listed under the ingredients label. However, if you were to venture down a non-baby aisle and went to the applesauce section, you might find sugar to be higher up on the list, which is something you want to avoid.
Are there other food safety concerns that I should have?
As you transition to small pieces of food, choking becomes a big concern. This is why it is so important to take an infant CPR course in case this were to occur.
The Red Cross has some excellent tips on how to handle this situation and wants to remind parents to always call 9-1-1 prior to starting CPR.
Is there a good time of day to introduce first foods?
The earlier the better! The last thing you want is to give them something new and then realize they had a delayed reaction in the middle of the night. Giving new foods in the morning allows you to watch for issues throughout the day. In the instance they arise, you will still be able to still make it to your pediatrician’s office before they close.
What first foods are known to cause the highest occurrence of allergies?
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Soy
- Cow’s Milk
- Shellfish
- Wheat
What are the signs of an allergic reaction?
Everyone reacts to things differently. This is why it is extremely important to recognize signs and symptoms that could indicate an allergic reaction. The most common are a rash, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe reactions include the swelling of their lips, tongue, or face, trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, or loss of consciousness.
Most reactions will occur within minutes, but up to two hours, after consuming the allergenic food. Therefore, it is imperative that you watch your child closely during this time frame.
What do I do if my child has an allergic reaction to food?
Always treat allergic reactions seriously; what can start out as a small rash can progress quickly.
If your baby is having mild symptoms, stop feeding them the food and contact your doctor immediately about how to proceed.
If your baby begins having more serious symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. State that your baby is having an anaphylactic reaction. Lay your baby down and try to keep them calm until paramedics arrive.
Do not give your baby medication by mouth if they are having trouble breathing. This could cause a choking hazard, making matters worse.
Can teething impact the transition to solid foods?
Yes. Just like it can impact breast and bottle feeding, teething can cause discomfort and pain that can lead to a loss of appetite. Be patient and try again once the tooth cuts through the gums.
When do I stop breastfeeding or formula feeding and transition exclusively to solid food?
This is different for each child and each family. Some women choose to breastfeed longer than others, but whether you breastfeed or give formula, these should remain the main source of your child’s nutrition until the age of one.
This gives you approximately six months to slowly incorporate fruits, vegetables, starches, and meats into your child’s diet. Once they reach twelve months, you can start weaning them off the breastmilk and formula and introduce them to cow’s milk.
This timing will vary from child to child. Some kids take longer to transition to actual solids. Being disinterested while bottle or breastfeeding may be a sign your baby is ready for solid foods.
Is it safe to add spices to baby food?
If you ever take the time to actually taste what you are feeding your child, you will quickly realize that many of those options leave a lot to the imagination. In years past, it has not been recommended to give spices to your child early on, but those sentiments have changed recently.
Just like it is recommended to try one ingredient foods at a time, if you want to include aromatic spices in their diet, you will want to follow the same protocol. Add small amounts of each spice to foods that you have already tested. This allows you to continue to identify allergies while engaging their ever-growing palette!
Remember to use powdered spices. Whole or partial pieces can become a choking hazard. Furthermore, use small portions as some spice options can cause tummy upset.
Final Thoughts on First Foods for Baby in 2022
This is a grand, new adventure for baby and for you! It can be hard to navigate through your options so here are some best practices to follow as you move through the various stages.
Buy a Calendar
Each time your baby tries something new, write it down. This will help you keep track of when they have introduced each new food type and when you can transition to the next option. Remember to wait three to five days between each new food with no more than three options within a week.
Take the time to mark down when you should be transitioning to different texture and consistency stages, but keep in mind that if your baby isn’t ready, don’t push it!
This is FUN!
This is not a battleground. When they are seven and refusing food it is another story. However, right now this is a time to learn new skills, figure out likes and dislikes, and investigate sensitivities. Don’t force anything and make it fun!
Let the Mess Happen
Don’t distract your baby with constant clean up. This will hinder the process. Let them explore the textures and tastes of their food. Let them feel the foods. As you start transitioning through stages, this will actually help them learn to grip onto those small chunks and bring them to their mouths themselves.
You want them to be independent at some point and this gives them a little control and excitement!
Start Hungry
If you start on an empty stomach, your baby is likely going to be more eager to try new things! Feed them new foods prior to the bottle so that you can really gauge their interest in the item.
ALWAYS Watch For Allergies
Even if your family doesn’t have a history of food allergies, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Try new options early in the day so that help is more readily available if a problem occurs.
If your little one does have a propensity for sensitivities, speak with your doctor about how to navigate those issues before experimenting with them.
Learn CPR
This is an in case of emergency skill. You will likely never need it, but if you do, you will be glad that you had the knowledge and capability to make life-saving actions for your child.
It is also a good practice to have a cheat sheet lying around. Sounds stupid, but in the heat of the moment, things can slip our minds. Have a printed card in the kitchen and in the diaper bag just in case of an emergency.
Let Them Make Their Own Conclusions
Just because you hate green beans doesn’t mean that they will too. Be positive about each food choice and let them explore their palette without giving any bias towards or against something.
Buy a Toothbrush
Yes! Once those adorable pearly whites start coming in and you start introducing their first foods, your sweet baby needs to also be taught about the importance of dental hygiene! Your baby’s first set of teeth builds the groundwork for their permanent teeth so it is imperative that you take care of them.
With just a few teeth budding through, you can use a wet washcloth to wipe off their gums and teeth, but as more start to emerge, buy a baby toothbrush! This will not only keep their mouth healthy, but it will also get them accustomed to the feeling of different things in their mouth. This means an easier transition to solid foods in a few months!
