What Can My Baby Eat When...

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to know what to feed your baby at each stage of their development. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand what your baby can eat when, and how to introduce new foods safely:

When Can My Baby Eat Solid Foods?

* Around 4-6 months old, most babies are developmentally ready to start eating solid foods.
* Signs of readiness include: good head control, sitting up with support, and showing interest in food.

What Can My Baby Eat at 4-6 Months?

* Single-ingredient purees: Start with simple purees of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
* Examples: Applesauce, sweet potato puree, avocado, banana, chicken puree
* Avoid honey, eggs, cow's milk, and citrus fruits at this stage.

What Can My Baby Eat at 6-9 Months?

* Combination purees: Mix different purees together to create more complex flavors.
* Mashed foods: Mash soft foods like bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
* Soft, cooked fruits and vegetables: Offer sliced or diced soft fruits like bananas, pears, and apples.
* Yogurt: Plain, whole milk yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium.

What Can My Baby Eat at 9-12 Months?

* Finger foods: Encourage self-feeding with small, soft finger foods like puffs, cheerios, and slices of fruit.
* Table foods: Offer chopped-up versions of family-friendly foods like pasta, meatloaf, and vegetables.
* Dairy products: Continue offering yogurt and introduce cheese.
* Avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn due to choking risk.

What Can My Baby Eat at 12-18 Months?

* Most family-friendly foods: Your baby can now eat most foods that the rest of the family enjoys.
* Focus on healthy options: Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
* Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
* Encourage variety: Expose your baby to different flavors and textures to promote healthy eating habits.

Tips for Introducing New Foods:

* Start with one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before introducing another.
* Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea.
* If your baby refuses a food, don't force it. Offer it again later.
* Make mealtimes enjoyable and positive experiences.

Remember, every baby is different, so consult with your pediatrician if you have specific questions about your baby's diet or if you notice any concerns.