Introducing Solid Food to Your Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start

• Start Slowly: Introduce one new food at a time, allowing 4-6 days before adding another to observe how your baby reacts.

• Portion Sizes: Begin with very small portions, such as less than a teaspoon, and gradually increase to a tablespoon or two as your baby adjusts.

• Don’t Force It: Solid foods come in different consistencies and tastes, and some may be more appealing to your baby than others. If your baby refuses a certain food, try again after a few weeks.

What to Introduce First?

Cereals (4-6 months)
Start with cereals, beginning with rice cereal and gradually progressing to oats, barley, and wheat. Mix the cereal with formula or breast milk to create a familiar taste and texture.
Important: Never add sugar or salt to your baby’s cereal.

Fruits (5-6 months)
Once cereals are established, you can introduce fruits. Offer juices in a cup—apple, prune, and grape juices are typically well-tolerated.
Solid fruits like applesauce, pears, peaches, and bananas are great options.
Important: Do not add sugar to fruits, as they are naturally sweet.

Vegetables (6-8 months)
Next, introduce vegetables, starting with strained carrots, squash, peas, and beans. As your baby gets used to vegetables, you can introduce greens.
Important: No seasoning is needed, as vegetables are flavorful on their own.

Protein (7-9 months)
Protein-rich foods should be introduced last. Offer plain, strained meats such as lamb, beef, veal, chicken, or liver. Avoid combination dinners, as they may contain foods your baby hasn’t yet tried.
Important: Egg yolks can be introduced after 9 months, and egg whites should be avoided until after 1 year.
Important: No seasoning is needed.

• Honey: Do not give honey to your baby before their first year, as it may cause botulism.

• Uncooked Garden Vegetables: Avoid fresh, uncooked vegetables from the garden during the first year.

• Corn: Wait until after 9 months before introducing corn.

• Pineapple: Pineapple can irritate your baby’s gut until they turn 1 year old.