The best nutrition for babies under a year is breastmilk. At about seven months of age, babies may be ready to start eating solid foods. The important thing to remember is not to be in a hurry to start. The baby needs to be able to sit and hold their head upright. Solids are only necessary if they are hungrier than usual in-between feedings. The order of introducing solid foods is cereal, vegetables, fruits, and proteins.

Personal Story

I remember feeding my son his first cereal. He was so cute as he mouthed the spoon and cereal ran down his chin. The advice to feed a baby cereal to help them sleep longer at night didn’t work so I would have waited longer to start solids.

First Foods

It is important to only introduce one food at a time and feed the same food several days in a row. Wait for four days to see if there is any reaction before introducing a new food. Choose soft, bland, smooth foods. If you would like, you could start with cereal that is prepared with breastmilk or formula to a consistency only slightly thicker than milk.  

• Rice
• Oat
• Barley

No wheat until the baby is a year old because it is more likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Instead of cereal, you could start with one of these foods.

• Avocado
• Sweet potato
• Pear
• Banana

Vegetables

Vegetables are generally introduced next.

• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Yellow squash
• Zucchini

After 9 months, other vegetables could be added.

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Collard greens
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Turnips

Fruits

• Avocadoes
• Apricots
• Apples
• Bananas
• Mangoes
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Prunes

After 9-10 months, heavier fiber or acidic fruits can be added.

• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Kiwi
• Nectarines
• Oranges
• Strawberries

Meat/Protein

10 months is the earliest your baby’s digestive tract and kidneys are ready to handle these high-protein foods:

• Beans
• Beef
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Fish
• Humus
• Lamb
• Lentils
• Nut butters
• Turkey

Combining beans and grain make a complete protein.

Action

These are general guidelines for introducing solid foods to you baby. Please check with your pediatrician for personalized guidance for your child.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What are your favorite first foods for baby?