Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Breast milk or formula is the only food that babies need for the first 6 months of life. At about 6 months, you can slowly start to introduce solid foods along with breast milk or formula. But each baby is different. Ask your doctor when you can start feeding your baby solid foods. Your baby may be ready to eat solid foods when your baby: There are many ways you can start feeding your baby solid foods. Finding what works for you and your family takes time and practice. Here are some ways you can start giving your baby their first solid foods. You can give your baby food that is blended, mashed, or soft and cut small. Maybe you'll feed your baby with a small spoon, or maybe you'll let them feed themself. The way you do it might vary by the meal. That way, if your baby has a reaction, you'll know what food is causing it. Try soft vegetables, iron-fortified infant cereals, proteins, and fruits. At first, give your baby food without salt and spices. Common food allergies in children are from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Giving these foods may help prevent food allergies. If your baby has severe eczema or egg allergy or both, talk to your baby's doctor before giving these foods. Here's how to start giving foods that may cause a reaction: Think about the colors, textures, and flavors you offer your baby. Keep in mind that you may have to offer a new food many times before it's accepted. There isn't one "best" first food for your baby. Instead, it can be helpful to think about the many first foods your baby will try. These foods can come from a jar or be cooked at home. Either way, make sure foods are served soft and chopped small for your baby to eat. Here are some good first foods for babies. These include meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, tofu, beans, peas, and lentils. Try rice, wheat, or buckwheat cereal. Think about offering the colors of the rainbow. Serve them as is, or mix them into other foods, such as pasta sauce, mashed beans, or cooked ground meat. Also keep the colors of the rainbow in mind. Try mixing cooked fruit into cereals or yogurt. When you start to feed solid foods to your baby, there are some things you want to avoid. Some foods aren't safe or healthy for babies. Here's a list of foods to avoid for your baby: Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Introducing Foods to Your Baby
Overview
When to start giving your baby solid foods
Knowing that your baby is ready to eat solid foods
Introducing solid foods to your baby
Good first foods for your baby
Foods to avoid when introducing foods to your baby
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardIntroducing Foods to Your Baby
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.