Healthier lives 52

 Baby food tips

When introducing baby food, start with single-ingredient purées and gradually progress to more complex textures and flavors as your child develops, making sure to offer a variety of healthy foods from all food groups

When to Start Most babies are ready for solid foods between 4 and 6 months, starting with finely puréed foods.

Begin with small amounts once a day, gradually increasing frequency and quantity as your baby accepts solids.

Best First Foods 

Good beginner foods include iron-fortified cereals mixed with breast milk or formula, puréed vegetables (such as avocado, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, or carrots), mashed fruits (like banana, apple, or pear), and puréed meats or beans.

Start with single-ingredient purées to identify allergies, waiting several days before introducing a new food.

Texture and Variety

Move from thin purées to thicker mash and soft finger foods as your baby learns to eat.

Offer non-sweet vegetables early (such as broccoli or cauliflower) to help prevent picky eating later.

Safely Introducing Foods

Avoid honey before age 1 due to risk of infant botulism.

Steer clear of whole nuts and seeds due to choking hazards; crush or grind if introducing.

Avoid cow’s milk as a main drink until after the first year, but small amounts in cooking is fine.

Tips for Feeding Babies

Let your baby guide you—don’t pressure them to eat.

Sit together at family meals and encourage self-feeding with soft finger foods for coordination.

Make mealtimes pleasant and distraction-free to foster healthy eating habits.

Sample Baby Food Ideas

Banana purée, avocado mash, brown rice cereal, baked sweet potato purée, apple puree, mashed idli in curd, and pumpkin-thyme purée are all nutritious options.

Gradually introduce new fruits, veggies, proteins (like fish, egg, chicken), and grains, watching for allergies.

Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods if you have allergy concerns or specific dietary questions.