From the YummyYucky team, founded by Nancy Nash
Baby foods, one at a time
When to introduce each food, how to prepare it for purées and baby-led weaning, and what to watch for. Practical answers, minus the panic. Seasoning them? See baby-safe spices & herbs →
🖨️ Want it on the fridge? Grab the free printable first-foods checklist & allergen tracker →
New to solids? Start with the best first foods →
Fruits
🥭
AamrasFrom about 6 months🍈
AbiuAround 6 months🫐
AcaiAround 6 months, as plain unsweetened purée from a pack labeled pasteurized🍒
Acerola6 months+🟠
AchachaAround 6 months🟡
AckeeAround 9 months🟠
AguajeAround 6 months🍎
AppleAround 6 months🍎
ApplesauceFrom about 6 months🍑
ApricotAround 6 months, once baby is starting solids and can handle very soft mashed or thinly sliced fruit.🟡
ArazáAround 6 months, in small amounts🫐
Aronia (chokeberry)Around 6 months, cooked🍐
Asian pearAround 6 months🥑
AvocadoAround 6 months🧃
Baby food pouchesFrom about 6 months🥭
BacuriAround 6 months🟤
Bael fruitAround 9 months🍌
BananaAround 6 months🥭
BaobabAround 6 months🔴
Barberry (zereshk)Around 6 months🟢
BilimbiNot recommended for babies🟤
Black sapoteAround 6 months🫐
BlackberryAround 6 months🫐
Blackcurrant6 months+🫐
BlueberriesAround 6 to 8 months, smashed or quartered🫐
BoysenberryAround 6 months🍋
Buddha's hand citronAround 9 months (as a flavoring)🍫
Cacao fruit pulpAround 6 months (pulp only)🍋
Calamansi6 months+🫐
Camu camuAround 6 months, strained🍮
CanistelAround 6 months🍈
CantaloupeAround 6 months🍈
Cempedak6 months+🍒
Che fruitAround 6 months🍈
CherimoyaAround 6 months🍒
CherriesAround 9 months🍊
ClementineAround 9 months, once baby handles soft finger foods🟠
CloudberryAround 6 months🍅
CoconaAround 6 months🍒
Cornelian cherryAround 6 months🔴
CranberryAround 6 months🔴
Cranberry sauceFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2. Plain cooked cranberry with no sugar works from about 6 months.🥭
CupuaçuAround 6 months, once baby is ready for solids🫐
CurrantsAround 6 months, cooked🟢
Custard appleAround 6 months🟤
DatesAround 6 months, as a smooth pitted paste stirred into food🫐
DewberryAround 6 months🍈
Dragon fruitAround 6 months🍑
Dried apricotsAround 9 months🟡
DurianAround 6 months, seed removed🫐
ElderberryAround 9 months, cooked and strained only🥝
FeijoaAround 6 months🟤
FigAround 6 months🍋
Finger limeAround 6 months🍈
Gac fruitAround 9 months, small amounts🫐
GooseberryAround 6 months🔴
Goumi berryAround 6 months🟡
GranadillaAround 6 months🍊
GrapefruitAround 9 months, once baby is picking up small finger foods🍇
GrapesAround 6 months, always quartered lengthwise🍌
Green bananaAround 6 months, cooked🥭
Green mangoAround 6 months, cooked🟡
Ground cherryAround 9 months🍒
GrumichamaAround 6 months🥑
GuacamoleFrom about 6 months🍈
GuavaAround 6 months🟢
GuinepBest delayed; pulp mashed and seed removed🫐
Haskap (honeyberry)Around 6 months🍈
Honeydew melonAround 6 months🫐
HuckleberryAround 6 months🍏
IlamaAround 6 months🍇
JabuticabaAround 9 months, pulp only🍈
JackfruitAround 9 months, once baby is picking up soft small pieces🫐
JamunAround 6 months, once baby is starting solids🔴
JocoteAround 6 months🫐
JostaberryAround 6 months🔴
JujubeAround 9 months🟢
June plumAround 6 months, ripe🫐
Kawakawa berryAround 9 months🍌
KeleweleFrom about 9 months🥭
KeppelAround 6 months🟠
Kiwano (horned melon)Around 18 months🥝
KiwiAround 6 months🟣
KokumFrom around 9 months, as soaked, diluted flavoring🍊
KumquatAround 9 months🟡
LangsatAround 9 months🍋
LemonAround 6 months, as a splash of juice or zest in cooking🍋
LimeAround 6 months, as a splash of juice or zest in cooking🔴
LingonberryAround 6 months, cooked🫐
LoganberryAround 6 months🟤
LonganAround 6 months🍑
LoquatAround 6 months🟡
LucumaAround 6 months🍈
LycheeAround 6 months, seed removed and finely chopped🟠
Mamey sapoteAround 6 months, seed removed🥭
MangoAround 6 months🟣
MangosteenAround 6 months🍈
MarangAround 6 months🫐
MarionberryAround 6 months🍐
MedlarAround 9 months (bletted, deseeded)🍈
MelonAround 6 months🫐
MulberryAround 6 months🍇
Muscadine grapeAround 9 months, quartered and deseeded🟡
NanceAround 9 months🍇
NannyberryAround 6 months🟠
NaranjillaAround 6 months🍑
NectarineAround 6 months🍊
OrangeAround 9 months🍎
Otaheite appleAround 9 months🍍
Pandanus fruitAround 9 months, pulp scraped from the fibers🍈
PapayaAround 6 months🟣
Passion fruitAround 9 months🥭
PawpawAround 6 months🍑
PeachAround 6 months🍐
PearAround 6 months🍈
Pepino melonAround 6 months🟡
PequiAround 12 months🟠
PersimmonAround 6 months🍮
Persimmon pudding (baby-safe)Around 9 months🫐
PhalsaAround 9 months, mashed and strained🍍
PineappleAround 6 months🍌
PlantainAround 6 months, once cooked soft🫐
PlumAround 6 months, when baby is ready to start solids🔴
PomegranateAround 9 months, arils crushed into food; whole arils only for older, confident chewers under supervision🍊
PomeloAround 9 months, once baby is comfortable with pincer-grasp finger foods⚠️
Pond appleNot recommended🌵
Prickly pear (cactus fruit)Around 9 months🟤
PruneAround 6 months, as a smooth puree🍒
PulasanAround 6 months🍐
QuinceAround 6 months (cooked)🍇
RaisinsAround 12 months🔴
RambutanAround 6 months, seed removed and finely chopped🫐
RaspberryAround 6 months🍈
Ripe jackfruitAround 6 months🍎
Rose appleAround 6 months🫐
SafouAround 6 months🐍
SalakAround 6 months🫐
SalmonberryAround 6 months, mashed🍑
SantolAround 6 months🟤
SapodillaAround 6 months🟠
Sea buckthornAround 6 months, cooked🍇
Sea grape (Caribbean fruit)Around 9 months🫐
ServiceberryAround 6 months🥤
SmoothieFrom about 6 months🌺
Sorrel (roselle) stewedAround 9 months🍈
Soursop6 months, once baby is ready for solids🟣
Star apple6 months+⭐
Star fruitAround 12 months, only occasionally; check with your pediatrician first🍓
Strawberry (smashed)Around 6 months🟢
Sugar appleAround 6 months, seeds removed🔴
Sumac-ade (staghorn)Around 12 months, not before🍅
TamarilloAround 6 months🟤
TamarindFrom around 6 months, as strained seedless pulp🍊
TangeloAround 9 months🫐
TayberryAround 6 months🫐
ThimbleberryAround 6 months🍊
Ugli fruitAround 9 months, once baby is picking up small finger foods🍉
WatermelonAround 6 months🍈
White sapoteAround 6 months🫐
WineberryAround 6 months🫐
WojapeAround 6 months, strained🟤
Wood appleAround 9 months🥥
Young coconutSoft jelly from around 6 months🍋
YuzuAround 6 months (in cooking)Vegetables
🎃
Acorn squashAround 6 months🌿
AgrettiAround 6 months🥬
Amaranth callaloo (stewed)Around 6 months🥬
Amaranth leavesAround 6 months🌶️
Anaheim PepperAround 6 months🥕
ArracachaAround 6 months🥬
ArtichokeAround 9 months, once baby is comfortable with soft chopped finger foods🥬
ArugulaAround 6 months, wilted and finely chopped as a small part of a mixed dish; on its own from about 12 months🥒
Ash gourdAround 6 months🥬
AsparagusAround 6 months, cooked soft🍆
Baba ganoushFrom about 6 months, as a soft, mild spread with no added salt🌽
Baby corn9 months+🎋
Bamboo shootsAround 9 months, always fully cooked🍲
Bamia okra stewAround 9 months🌸
Banana blossomAround 9 months🌶️
Banana PepperAround 6 months🍄
Beech mushroomAround 9 months🟣
BeetAround 6 months🫑
Bell pepperAround 6 months, cooked soft and peeled🥒
Bitter melonAround 9 months🌿
Bitterleaf6 months+🧄
Black garlicAround 9 months, tiny amounts⚫
Black radishFrom about 9 months🥬
Bok choyAround 6 months💠
BorageNot recommended for babies or toddlers🥒
Bottle gourdAround 6 months🥔
BreadfruitAround 6 months🥦
BroccoliAround 6 months🥦
BroccoliniAround 6 months🥬
Brussels sproutsAround 9 months🥕
BurdockAround 9 months🎃
Buttercup SquashAround 6 months🎃
Butternut squashAround 6 months, when baby shows signs of readiness🥬
CabbageAround 6 months🥬
CallalooAround 6 months🎃
Candy Roaster SquashAround 6 months🌿
CardoonFrom about 9 months🎃
Carnival SquashAround 6 months🥕
CarrotAround 6 months, cooked soft🥔
CassavaAround 6 months, always peeled and fully cooked🌿
Cassava leavesAround 9 months🥬
CauliflowerAround 6 months🥬
Cavolo neroAround 6 months🥬
CeleriacAround 6 months🥬
CeleryAround 9 months🥬
CeltuceAround 6 months🥕
ChakalakaAround 9 months, mild and unsalted🍄
Chanterelle mushroomAround 9 months🥬
ChayaAround 6 months, only well-boiled🥒
ChayoteAround 6 months, once cooked soft🥬
Chayote shootsAround 6 months🍅
Cherry tomatoesAround 6 months, always quartered lengthwise🎃
ChilacayoteAround 6 months🥬
Chinese celeryAround 6 months🥔
Chinese yamAround 6 months🌸
Chive BlossomAround 6 months🌿
ChivesAround 6 months🟠
ChontaduroAround 9 months, always long-boiled🥬
Choy sumAround 6 months🥬
Chrysanthemum greensAround 6 months🧅
Cipollini onionsAround 6 months🫛
Cluster beans6 months+🥗
ColeslawFrom about 18 months, chopped short, as an occasional spoonful; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥬
Collard greensAround 6 months🌿
Colocasia leavesAround 9 months🌽
CornAround 9 months🍄
Cremini mushroomAround 9 months🥔
CrosneAround 6 months🎃
Crown Prince SquashAround 6 months🫑
Cubanelle PepperAround 6 months🥒
CucumberAround 6 months, as a large peeled spear or grated🥕
DaikonAround 6 months, cooked soft; very thin raw shavings from about 9 months🌿
Dandelion greensAround 6 months🎃
Delicata squashAround 6 months🥬
Drumstick (moringa pod)Around 9 months🥬
Efo riroAround 9 months🍆
EggplantAround 6 months, peeled and cooked very soft🍠
Elephant foot yamAround 6 months, well cooked🧄
Elephant garlicAround 6 months🥬
EndiveAround 6 months🍄
EnokiAround 9 months🍆
Fairy tale eggplantAround 6 months🌿
FennelAround 6 months, once baby is showing signs of readiness for solids🌿
FiddleheadsAround 9 months, fully cooked🥬
Fluted pumpkin leaves6 months+🍟
French friesFrom about 12 months🥒
Fuzzy MelonAround 6 months🥬
Gai lan (Chinese broccoli)Around 6 months🍆
Garden egg (African eggplant)Around 6 months🧄
GarlicAround 6 months, cooked into dishes🌿
Garlic scapesAround 6 months🥬
GomenAround 9 months🌿
Good King HenryAround 6 months🍆
Graffiti eggplantAround 6 months🫛
Green bean casseroleThe assembled casserole is best left until after 12 months, and then only a small spoonful from under the topping. Plain cooked green beans on their own work from about 6 months.🫛
Green beansAround 6 months🟢
Green papayaAround 6 months🫛
Guaje seedsAround 9 months🫛
Guar BeansAround 6 months🥔
Hash brownsFrom about 9 months (many wait to 12 months for lower sodium)🌴
Hearts of palmAround 9 months, once baby is comfortable picking up soft small pieces🫛
Helda BeansAround 6 months🎃
Honeynut SquashAround 6 months🥦
HuauzontleAround 6 months🌽
HuitlacocheAround 9 months, always cooked🥒
Ivy gourdAround 6 months🍆
Japanese eggplantAround 6 months🍠
Japanese sweet potatoAround 6 months🎃
Jarrahdale PumpkinAround 6 months🥔
JicamaAround 9 months🎃
Kabocha squashAround 6 months🥬
KaleAround 6 months🥒
KantolaAround 9 months🌿
KatukNot recommended for babies🌶️
KimchiAround 12 months, rinsed well. The limit is salt and chili, not the ferment.🍄
King oyster mushroomAround 9 months🥬
KohlrabiAround 6 months🥬
Kohlrabi greens6 months+🥬
KomatsunaAround 6 months🌿
KombuAround 6 months, to flavor🥬
Lamb's lettuceAround 6 months🥔
LatkesFrom about 12 months for latkes as they are usually served, because a holiday batch is fried and salted to taste.🧅
LeekAround 6 months🍄
Lion's mane mushroomAround 9 months🍅
Lomi tomato (salmon-free)Fresh tomato-onion base from around 9 months🫛
Long beanFrom about 6 months🪷
Lotus rootAround 6 months🫑
MahshiAround 9 months🍄
MaitakeAround 9 months🥬
Malabar spinachFrom about 6 months🥔
MalangaAround 6 months🍌
MangúAround 6 months🍁
Maple-braised parsnipAround 6 months, braised plain; the maple glaze from about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥫
Marinara sauceFrom about 6 months, using a low sodium version with no added sugar🥔
Mashed potatoesFrom about 6 months, once your baby can sit upright with support and is starting solids.🥔
MashuaAround 6 months🍄
Matsutake mushroomAround 9 months🥬
MibunaAround 6 months🥬
Miner's lettuceAround 6 months🥬
MizunaAround 6 months🌿
MolokhiaAround 6 months🍄
MorelAround 9 months, fully cooked🌿
MoringaAround 6 months🥬
MorogoAround 9 months, boiled very soft and chopped finely🌶️
MuhammaraAround 6 months🍄
MushroomAround 9 months, cooked fully and chopped small🥬
Mustard greensAround 6 months🍠
Nagaimo6 months+🍄
Nameko mushroomAround 9 months🥬
Napa cabbageAround 6 months🌺
Nasturtium flowerAround 9 months, small amounts🥬
NdoléAround 12 months, and only after peanut has been introduced and tolerated🌿
NettleAround 6 months🥬
New Zealand spinachAround 6 months, blanched🌵
Nopales (cactus)Around 6 months🥔
OcaAround 6 months🫛
OkraAround 6 months, once cooked very soft🫒
Olives9 months and up, in small amounts🧅
OnionAround 6 months, cooked🌿
OracheAround 6 months🍄
Oyster mushroomAround 9 months🌶️
Padrón PepperAround 6 months🥕
Parsley rootAround 6 months🥕
ParsnipAround 6 months🥒
ParwalAround 6 months🥒
Pattypan SquashAround 6 months🟢
Pea eggplantFrom about 9 months🌱
Pea shootsAround 6 months🧅
Pearl onionsAround 6 months🟢
PeasAround 6 months🌿
Perilla leafAround 6 months🥒
PicklesAbout 12 months, as an occasional small taste, rinsed and finely chopped. The age is about the salt.🫑
Pimento pepperAround 6 months🌶️
Poblano PepperAround 6 months🍠
PoiAround 6 months, freshly made🍄
Porcini mushroomAround 9 months🍄
PortobelloAround 9 months🥔
PotatoAround 6 months🥔
Potato saladFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🎃
PumpkinAround 6 months🎃
Pumpkin leaves6 months+🥬
PuntarelleFrom about 9 months🍠
Purple sweet potatoAround 6 months🌿
PurslaneAround 6 months🥬
QuelitesAround 6 months, cooked very soft and finely chopped🥬
RadicchioFrom about 6 months🔴
RadishAround 6 months, cooked soft; paper-thin raw shavings from about 9 months🧅
RampsAround 9 months🥬
RapiniAround 6 months🍆
RatatouilleAround 6 months🌱
Raw sproutsOnly if cooked through, around 12 months🎃
Red Kuri SquashAround 6 months🌿
RhubarbAround 9 months, once baby handles cooked, tart purees and soft-cooked veg🥒
Ridge gourdAround 6 months🥔
Roast potatoesFrom about 6 months, squashed flat or quartered lengthways and taken before the final salting.🥬
Romaine lettuceAround 9 months🥦
RomanescoAround 6 months🌺
Roselle (hibiscus calyx)Around 9 months🥔
RutabagaAround 6 months🥕
SalsifyAround 6 months🌿
SamphireAround 9 months🥬
SauerkrautAround 9 months🥬
Savoy cabbageFrom about 6 months🧅
ScallionAround 6 months, cooked🥕
ScorzoneraAround 9 months🌿
Sea beetAround 6 months🫧
Sea grapes (seaweed)Around 9 months🥬
Sea kaleAround 6 months🍙
SeaweedAround 6 months, small amounts only🧅
ShallotAround 6 months🍄
ShiitakeAround 9 months🌶️
Shishito PepperAround 6 months🥕
SkirretAround 6 months🥒
Snake gourdAround 6 months🫛
Snow peas6 months+🥬
SorrelAround 6 months, cooked🎃
Spaghetti squashAround 6 months🥬
SpinachAround 6 months, cooked and finely chopped as a small part of a mixed dish; on its own from about 12 months🌼
Squash blossomAround 6 months🫘
Stink beanAround 9 months🥘
Stir fryFrom about 9 months🍄
Straw mushroomAround 9 months🫛
Sugar snap peasAround 6 months🥔
SunchokeAround 6 months🎃
Sweet Dumpling SquashAround 6 months🍠
Sweet potatoAround 6 months🍠
Sweet potato casseroleThe finished casserole is best held until after 12 months, served from underneath with no topping. Plain roasted or mashed sweet potato on its own works from about 6 months.🥬
Sweet potato greensAround 6 months🥬
Swiss chardAround 6 months, cooked soft, stems removed, finely chopped as a small part of a mixed dish; on its own from about 12 months🍠
TaroAround 6 months, always fully cooked🍃
Taro leafAround 9 months, fully cooked🥔
Tater totsFrom about 12 months🥬
TatsoiAround 6 months🟢
Thai eggplantFrom about 6 months🥒
TindaAround 6 months🥬
Tokyo bekanaAround 6 months🍅
TomatilloAround 6 months, cooked🍅
TomatoAround 6 months🥫
Tomato soupFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🎃
Turban SquashAround 6 months🥔
TurnipAround 6 months🥬
Turnip greensAround 6 months🍠
Ube (purple yam)Around 6 months, cooked soft🥔
UllucoAround 6 months🌿
Upland cressAround 6 months🍲
Vegetable tagineFrom about 9 months🌿
WakameAround 6 months🌰
Water chestnutAround 9 months🥬
Water spinach (kangkong)Around 6 months🥬
WatercressAround 6 months🥬
Waterleaf6 months+🫛
Wax beansAround 6 months🫛
Winged beanAround 6 months🍄
Wood ear mushroomAround 9 months🥔
YaconAround 6 months🍠
YamAround 6 months, cooked🥒
Yellow squashAround 6 months🥬
Yu choyAround 6 months🥒
ZucchiniAround 6 monthsProteins, beans & eggs
🐚
AbaloneAround 6 months, cooked until truly tender and minced fine or blended; still minced at 9 months, with small soft pieces from about 18 months🫘
Adzuki beansAround 6 months🐊
AlligatorAround 9 months🌰
Almond butter (thinned)Around 6 months, once a couple of foods are tolerated🌰
Almond flour6 months+⚠️
AmberjackNot for babies, high mercury🐟
AnchoviesAround 9 months🦌
AntelopeFrom about 6 months🐟
Arctic charAround 6 months🥓
BaconAround 12 months, occasionally🫘
Baked beansFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🫘
Bambara beansAround 6 months🐟
BarramundiAround 6 months🐟
BasaAround 6 months🦪
Bay scallop6 months+🌳
BeechnutNot recommended; whole nuts not before age 5🥩
BeefAround 6 months🥩
BisonAround 6 months🍖
Bison liverFrom about 6 months⚫
Black beansAround 6 months🌰
Black walnutAround 6 months🫘
Black-eyed peasAround 6 months🌭
Blood sausageFrom about 12 months, as an occasional small taste🐟
Bluefish6 months+ (occasional)🐟
Bombay duckAround 9 months🐟
Bonito6 months+ (occasional)🐟
BranzinoAround 6 months🌰
Brazil nut (ground)Around 6 months, ground or thinned only🌭
Breakfast sausageFrom about 12 months, as an occasional food🍖
BrisketFrom about 6 months when it is plain braised with no wine and no honey glaze. Smoked, corned or sauced brisket suits about 12 months, and only occasionally.🫛
Broad beanFrom about 6 months🦀
Brown crabAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🌰
CandlenutNot recommended for babies🫘
Cannellini beansAround 6 months🐟
Capelin6 months+🍗
Capon6 months+🐟
CarpAround 6 months🌰
Cashew butterAround 6 months🐟
CatfishAround 6 months🐟
Catla6 months+🫘
Chana dalAround 6 months🌰
Chestnut6 months, once your baby shows signs of readiness for solids🍗
ChickenAround 6 months🍖
Chicken liverAround 6 months🍜
Chicken noodle soupFrom about 9 months, homemade with no added salt, once your baby is handling soft, mixed textures. Regular canned soup waits until about 12 months because of the salt.🍗
Chicken nuggetsAbout 12 months🥗
Chicken saladFrom about 12 months, made at home with the chicken shredded fine; whole or chopped nuts not before about age 5🍗
Chicken tendersFrom about 12 months🟤
ChickpeasAround 6 months🐚
ClamsAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months⚠️
CobiaNot for babies, high mercury🐚
CocklesAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🐟
CodAround 6 months🐚
Conch6 months+🌭
Corn dogFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍗
Cornish henAround 6 months🦀
CrabAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🫘
Cranberry beansAround 6 months🦞
CrawfishAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🦗
Cricket flourAround 9 months🦗
CricketsAround 9 months🐟
Croaker6 months+🍖
Curry goat (meat only)From about 9 months🦑
CuttlefishAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 18 months🍖
Cuy (guinea pig)Around 6 months🥪
Deli meatAround 12 months, and only heated until steaming🥚
Deviled eggsA baby friendly version works from about 6 months, once your baby is sitting up and eating solids.🍲
Doro watFrom about 9 months, using a mild portion with little or no berbere, once the chicken is off the bone and the egg is quartered.🐟
Dover soleAround 6 months🦆
DuckAround 6 months🥚
Duck eggAround 6 months🫛
EdamameAround 6 months🥚
EggAround 6 months (introduce early)🥚
Egg saladA baby friendly version works from about 6 months: egg mashed with plain yogurt or avocado, with no mayonnaise and no salt. Store-bought mayonnaise can join from about 12 months.🥩
ElkAround 6 months🦤
EmuFrom about 6 months🧆
FalafelAround 9 months🫘
Fava beansAround 6 months🍚
Fish congeeFrom about 6 months🐟
Fish sticksAbout 9 months (many wait to 12 for the salt)🫘
Flageolet beansAround 9 months🌱
FlaxseedAround 6 months🐟
FlounderAround 6 months🥣
Fox nut6 months+ (ground)🐟
Fresh cod (island-style, unsalted)Around 6 months🍳
Frittata6 months+🐸
Frog legs9 months+🫘
Ful medamesAround 9 months, mashed smooth and mild🐚
Geoduck6 months+🫘
Gigante beansAround 6 months🍖
GoatAround 6 months🍗
GooseAround 6 months🥚
Goose eggAround 6 months🫘
Great northern beansAround 6 months🍖
Ground elkFrom about 6 months🐟
GrouperAround 12 months🍗
GrouseAround 6 months🐦
Guinea fowlAround 6 months🍲
GumboFrom about 12 months, and a mild low-salt homemade pot rather than a restaurant bowl🫛
Gungo peas6 months+🐟
GurnardAround 6 months🐟
HaddockAround 6 months🐟
Hake6 months+🐟
HalibutAround 6 months🍖
HamAround 12 months, occasionally🍔
HamburgerAbout 9 months, though many parents wait until 12 months for lower-sodium, less-processed versions🐇
HareFrom about 6 months🌰
HazelnutAround 6 months, ground or thinned only🌱
Hemp seedsAround 6 months, once baby is sitting well and showing interest in food.🐟
HerringAround 6 months🐟
Herring roeFrom about 9 months🥜
Hickory nut6 months+ (as smooth butter or ground)🐟
HilsaAround 9 months🫘
Horse gram6 months+🌭
Hot dogs12 months at the earliest, and an occasional food🥫
HummusAround 6 months🫘
Hyacinth bean6 months+🦀
Imitation crabFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🌰
Jackfruit seedsAround 9 months🫘
Kala chana6 months+🐖
Kalua porkAround 9 months, in small portions🥩
KangarooAround 6 months🥩
KibbehFrom about 12 months, fully cooked and low-salt🫘
Kidney beansAround 6 months, always fully cooked🍵
KinakoAround 6 months, mixed into food🥩
KitfoAround 12 months, fully cooked only🍖
LambAround 6 months🦐
LangoustineAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🫘
Lentil soupFrom about 6 months, unsalted and thickened🟠
LentilsAround 6 months🫘
Lima beansAround 6 months🥩
LiverFrom 6 months, cooked fully and pureed or mashed smooth🦞
LobsterAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🪷
Lotus seed6 months+ (cooked soft, mashed)🫘
Lupini beansAround 12 months🌰
Macadamia (ground)Around 6 months, ground or thinned only🌰
Macadamia nut butterFrom about 6 months🐟
MackerelAround 6 months🐟
Mahi-mahiAround 6 months🦪
Manila clam6 months+🍖
Mansaf lambUsually from 9 months🫛
Marrowfat pea6 months+🟠
Masoor dalAround 6 months🍖
MeatballsAround 9 months, if made baby-friendly🍖
MeatloafFrom about 9 months🐟
Milkfish6 months+🐟
MonkfishAround 6 months🟡
Moong dalAround 6 months🫎
MooseFrom about 6 months🫘
Moth beans6 months+🐟
MulletAround 6 months🫘
Mung beansAround 6 months🦪
MusselsAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🫘
NattoAround 6 months🫘
Navy beansAround 6 months🐙
OctopusAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 18 months🍳
Omelette6 months+🥩
OstrichAround 6 months🦪
OystersAround 6 months, fully cooked only, minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🐦
PartridgeAround 9 months🫙
PateBest skipped in the first year and beyond🥜
PeanutAround 6 months (introduce early)🥜
Peanut butter (thinned)Around 6 months, thinned🥜
Peanut puffs (Bamba)From about 6 months, once baby is showing signs of readiness for solids🌰
PecanAround 6 months, as thinned smooth pecan butter or finely ground🐟
PerchAround 6 months🌿
Perilla seed6 months+🐌
PeriwinkleNot recommended for babies🍖
PernilFrom about 6 months, taken from the middle of the roast.🍗
PheasantAround 6 months🐟
PikeNot for babies or toddlers; choose low-mercury fish instead🐟
Pike-perchAround 6 months, once or twice a month🐟
PilchardAround 6 months🌰
Pili nutAround 6 months🌰
Pine nuts (ground)Around 9 months, finely ground🫘
Pinto beansAround 6 months🥜
PistachioAround 6 months🐟
PlaiceAround 6 months🐟
PollockAround 6 months🐟
PomfretAround 6 months🐟
Porgy6 months+🥓
PorkAround 6 months🎃
Pumpkin seedsAround 6 months🐦
QuailAround 6 months, once baby is ready for solids🥚
Quail eggAround 9 months🍖
RabbitAround 6 months🐰
Rabbit loinFrom about 6 months🫘
RajmaFrom about 6 months🫘
Refried beansFrom 6 months, when baby starts solids🦌
ReindeerFrom about 6 months🫘
Rice bean6 months+🦐
River prawnFrom about 6 months🥩
Roast beefFrom about 6 months, carved from a part cooked through and cut the right way.🐟
RockfishAround 6 months🐟
RohuAround 6 months🐟
SablefishAround 6 months🌰
Sacha inchi6 months+🍖
Salami and cured meatsBest avoided; if ever offered, only after 2 years, heated to 165°F (74°C), and rarely🐟
SalmonAround 6 months🐟
SardinesAround 6 months🐟
SashimiNot for babies; cooked fish from ~6 months instead🍖
SausageBest limited; toddlers with care🦪
ScallopsAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🫘
Scarlet runner bean6 months+🐟
Sea breamAround 6 months🐚
Sea snailAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced very fine or blended; still minced at 9 months🍞
Seitan (wheat gluten)Around 6 months🍳
ShakshukaAround 6 months🥘
Shepherd's pieFrom about 9 months🍲
Shiro watAround 9 months🦐
Shrimp (minced)Around 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🍮
Silken tofu puddingAround 6 months🐟
SkateAround 6 months+🥪
Sloppy joeFrom about 12 months for the usual canned-sauce version; a homemade one with no salt or sugar from about 9 months, once beef has been introduced🐟
SmeltAround 6 months🐟
Smoked salmon (lox)Skip; serve cooked salmon instead🐟
SnapperAround 6 months🥛
Soy milkAround 6 months in food; not as a drink before 12 months🍲
Split pea soupFrom about 6 months, cooked very soft and made without salt or ham🟢
Split peasAround 6 months🦐
Spot prawn6 months+🐦
Squab (pigeon)Around 6 months, once baby is ready for solids🦑
SquidAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 9 months🐟
Steamed snapper (baby-safe)Around 6 months🐟
Striped bassAround 12 months, kept to small, occasional servings🐟
Sturgeon6 months+ (choose farmed)🍣
Sushi12 months+, fully cooked, and homemade with plain rice before age 2🍢
SuyaFrom about 12 months🫘
Sword bean12 months+, fully cooked🐟
Swordfish and high-mercury fishAvoid for babies and young children🥣
TahiniAround 6 months, thinned or stirred in🧈
TempehAround 6 months🫘
Tepary beans6 months+🐟
Threadfin6 months+🦐
Tiger prawn6 months+🐟
TilapiaAround 6 months🫘
TofuAround 6 months🫘
Toor dalAround 6 months🐟
TroutAround 6 months🐟
TunaAround 6 months🥗
Tuna saladAround 6 months, made with avocado or plain yogurt instead of mayo; the classic mayo version from about 12 months🐟
TurbotAround 6 months🦃
TurkeyAround 6 months🫘
Urad dalAround 6 months🥩
VealAround 6 months, once baby sits up and is ready for solids🍖
VenisonAround 6 months🦘
WallabyFrom about 6 months🐟
WalleyeAround 6 months🌰
WalnutAround 6 months🌰
Water caltrop6 months+ (fully cooked, peeled, mashed)🐚
WhelkAround 6 months, fully cooked and minced or blended; small soft pieces from about 18 months🫘
White beansAround 6 months🐟
WhitebaitAround 9 months🐟
Whiting6 months+🌰
Whole nutsWhole nuts around age 5; nut butter or ground nuts from about 6 months🐗
Wild boarAbout 9 months🥢
YubaAround 9 monthsGrains & starches
🌾
AmaranthAround 6 months🐘
Animal crackersFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🫓
ArepaFrom about 6 months, served as soft interior strips🍚
Arroz con gandulesFrom about 6 months, cooked low salt with every pea squashed flat.🥣
Baby multigrain cerealFrom about 6 months, after your baby has tried wheat on its own🥣
Baby oatmeal cerealFrom about 6 months🥣
Baby puffsAround 9 months, once baby is sitting well and starting to pick up small pieces🍚
Baby rice cerealFrom about 6 months, once baby can sit with support and holds their head steady🥯
BagelAround 9 months🥖
BaguetteFrom about 9 months🌾
BajraAround 6 months🥮
BaklavaFrom 12 months at the earliest, and only as a small mashed taste🍌
Banana breadFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🌾
BarleyAround 6 months🌾
Barley groatsAround 6 months🌾
Barnyard millet6 months+🍛
BiryaniFrom about 9 months, using a mild, low salt portion pulled from the pot before the chile powder and the salt go in.🍞
BiscuitAround 9 months🍚
Black riceAround 6 months🍞
BreadAround 6 months (lightly toasted into strips)🍚
Brown riceAround 6 months, cooked soft so the grains clump🍫
BrownieNo need before age 2; from then, a small piece on an occasion🌾
BuckwheatAround 6 months, cooked very soft🌾
BulgurAround 6 months, once baby is showing signs of readiness for solids and sitting up well.🍩
BuñuelosNot before 12 months, and only a honey free one after that.🌯
BurritoFrom about 9 months🍰
CakeFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🌾
Canihua (kaniwa)6 months+🍚
Carnaroli rice6 months+🌾
Cassava flour6 months+🍞
ChallahFrom about 6 months, as long as the loaf was not made with honey.🍫
ChampurradoNo need before age 2🐠
Cheese crackersFrom about 12 months, as an occasional snack🥟
Cheese ravioliFrom about 9 months (some wait to 12 for sodium and processing)🍪
Chin chinFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2, and only softened🍮
Christmas puddingSkip the traditional pudding entirely. A small mashed piece of an alcohol free version works from about 12 months.🥐
Cinnamon rollNot before 12 months, and not a food to offer on purpose through age 4 (added sugar)🍚
CongeeAround 6 months🍪
CookiesNot before age 2 (added sugar); from then, a small cookie on an occasion🫓
Corn tortillaAround 6 months, cut into soft strips🍞
CornbreadFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥣
CornflakesFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2. Soften them in milk.🌽
Cornmeal6 months+🥣
Cornmeal porridge (Caribbean)From about 6 months🌾
CouscousAround 6 months🍘
CrackersAround 9 months🥣
Cream of wheatAround 6 months🍘
CrispbreadFrom about 9 months🥐
CroissantFrom about 9 months🍞
Dinner rollFrom about 6 months, toasted or dried and cut into narrow strips.🍃
Dolma9 months+🍩
DonutNot before 12 months, and not a food to offer on purpose through age 4 (added sugar)🥞
DosaAround 6 months🥟
DumplingsFrom about 9 months for a cut-up steamed dumpling, and the mashed filling on its own from about 6 months.🍜
Egg noodlesAround 6 months🌾
EinkornAround 6 months🥟
EmpanadaAround 9 months🌯
EnchiladasFrom about 9 months, as a homemade plate with mild sauce made without salt, once your baby is handling soft mixed textures. Restaurant enchiladas wait until about 12 months and stay a few bites, because of the salt.🫓
English muffinAround 9 months🌾
FarroAround 6 months🫓
Flour tortillaFrom about 12 months🌾
FonioAround 6 months🌾
Foxtail millet6 months+🌾
FreekehAround 6 months🍞
French toastFrom about 9 months🍚
Fried riceFrom about 9 months, homemade, with your baby's portion taken out before the soy sauce; takeout from about 12 months, as a few spoonfuls🍰
FruitcakeTraditional fruitcake is a skip. A homemade alcohol free, nut free version works from about 12 months.🍚
GarriAround 6 months🥟
Gnocchi6 months+🍪
Graham crackersFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2 (most contain honey)🥣
GranolaAround 12 months, softened🌾
Granola barFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧀
Grilled cheeseFrom about 9 months (many wait to 12mo for sodium)🥣
GritsAround 6 months🍪
HamantaschenFrom about 12 months, as a broken-off corner rather than a whole cookie🌽
HominyAround 9 months⚪
IdliAround 6 months🫓
InjeraAround 6 months🍜
Instant ramenNot as-packaged; the plain noodles suit an older baby if you skip the packet🌾
Job's tearsAround 6 months🍚
Jollof rice~6 to 9 months, when ready for mixed textures🌾
KamutAround 6 months🥣
KashaAround 6 months🍲
KhichdiAround 6 months🌾
Kodo millet6 months+🍚
KoshariAround 12 months🍮
KugelFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍝
LasagnaFrom about 9 months (some wait to 12 months for restaurant or jarred versions because of sodium)🍪
MaamoulFrom 12 months, and the date-filled ones are the easier choice🧀
Macaroni and cheeseFrom about 9 months (many families wait until 12 months for boxed versions due to sodium)🍚
MaqlubaAround 9 months⚪
Masa dumplingFrom about 9 months🥣
Masa porridge (atole)From about 6 months, unsweetened and lukewarm🍲
Matzo ball soupFrom about 12 months for a traditional bowl, because the broth is usually very salty.🌾
MilletAround 6 months🍡
MochiNot for babies or young children; wait until at least school age🧁
MuffinFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍚
MujadaraFrom about 9 months🫓
NaanAround 9 months🍘
Nian gaoHold the rice cake itself until about 4 years or older, and in the sweet versions the added sugar is a second reason to wait past 2.🥣
O-shaped oat cerealAround 9 months🌾
Oat flour6 months+🌾
Oat groatsAround 6 months, cooked very soft🥣
OatmealAround 6 months🥣
Ogi papFrom about 6 months🍜
Pad thaiFrom about 12 months for a restaurant or takeout plate; a mild homemade version with no fish sauce and no added sugar from about 9 months🥘
PaellaFrom about 9 months for a homemade low-salt paella, later for a restaurant one🥞
PancakesAround 6 months🍝
PastaAround 6 months, cooked very soft🍜
PhoFrom about 9 months🥟
Pierogi6 months+🫓
Pita breadAround 9 months, once baby is comfortable with soft finger foods🍕
PizzaFrom about 12 months🍌
Plantain fufuAround 9 months🍚
PohaAround 6 months🌽
PolentaAround 6 months, once baby sits with support and shows signs of readiness🍿
PopcornWait until about age 5🥧
Pot pieFrom about 12 months🥨
PretzelsFrom about 12 months🌾
Proso millet6 months+🫓
PupusaFrom about 9 months🫓
QuesadillaFrom about 9 months (some wait until 12 months for restaurant/salty versions)🌾
QuinoaAround 6 months, cooked soft🌾
RagiAround 6 months🥣
Ragi porridgeAround 6 months🍚
Red rice6 months+🍚
RiceAround 6 months🍘
Rice cakesAround 9 months🍜
Rice noodlesAround 9 months🍚
Riceberry6 months+🍚
Risotto6 months+🌾
RyeAround 6 months🍞
Rye breadFrom about 6 months⚪
SabudanaAround 6 months, well cooked🥟
SamosaFrom about 12 months🥪
SandwichFrom about 6 months, built as toasted strips with a thin soft filling🌾
Sattu6 months+🥐
SconeFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥣
SemolinaAround 6 months🥣
Semolina porridgeAround 6 months🍜
SobaAround 9 months🥨
Soft pretzelAround 12 months, occasionally🌾
SorghumAround 6 months🍞
Sourdough breadFrom about 6 months🍜
SpaetzleFrom about 9 months🍝
SpaghettiFrom about 6 months, though some parents wait closer to 12 months for saltier restaurant or jarred versions🌾
SpeltAround 6 months🌯
Spring rollsFrom about 12 months for a cut-up roll, and the filling on its own from about 9 months.🍞
StuffingFrom about 12 months🍩
SufganiyotFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥗
TabboulehAround 9 months🌮
TacosFrom about 9 months (some parents wait until 12 months for lower sodium and less processed fillings)🫔
Tamale9 months+🍪
Teething biscuitsFrom about 9 months🌾
TeffAround 6 months🥣
Teff porridgeAround 6 months🍞
Toast stripsFrom about 6 months, once baby is showing signs of readiness for solids🔺
Tortilla chipsFrom about 12 months🌾
TriticaleAround 6 months🍡
TteokHold the rice cake itself until about 4 years or older, the same line the AAP draws for hard candy.🍜
UdonAround 9 months🌽
UmngqushoAround 9 months🥣
UpmaAround 6 months🥔
Veggie strawsAbout 12 months, as an occasional snack🍚
WaakyeAround 9 months🧇
WaffleAround 6 months🌾
Wheat berriesAround 6 months🌾
Wheat flour6 months+🍞
Whole wheat breadFrom about 6 months🌾
Whole wheat flour6 months+🌾
Wild riceAround 6 months🥞
Yorkshire puddingFrom about 6 months when it is homemade with no salt in the batter. Shop-bought and frozen ones are saltier and suit about 12 months.Dairy
🍝
Alfredo sauceFrom about 12 months for jarred or restaurant sauce; homemade with no added salt can come sooner🥛
AmasiFrom about 9 months, once other cow's-milk dairy is going well🧀
American cheeseAround 9 months, occasionally🧀
BrieFrom around 12 months, only pasteurized and cooked to 165°F (74°C); never uncooked🧀
BurrataAround 6 months🧈
ButterAround 6 months🥛
ButtermilkAround 6 months (in cooking)🧀
Cheddar cheeseFrom about 6 months🧀
CheeseAround 6 months🧀
Cheese curdsAround 9 months🧀
Chhena6 months+🥛
Chocolate milkNo need before age 2, and not a regular drink through age 5🍶
Clotted cream6 months+🧀
ColbyAround 6 months🧀
ComteFrom about 6 months🧀
CotijaAround 6 months🧀
Cottage cheeseAround 6 months🧀
Cream cheeseAround 6 months🧀
Crème fraîcheAround 6 months🍮
CustardAround 9 months🧀
EdamAround 6 months🥛
EggnogSkip traditional eggnog before 12 months, and treat even the alcohol free kind as an occasional sweet drink after that.🧀
EmmentalFrom about 6 months🧀
FetaAround 6 months, small amounts🍮
FlanFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧀
Fontina6 months+🧀
Fromage blancAround 6 months🍦
Frozen yogurtFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧈
GheeAround 6 months, small amounts for cooking🧀
Goat cheeseAround 6 months🥛
Goat milk12 months, pasteurized. Before then, breast milk or formula is your baby's drink.🧀
GoudaAround 6 months, pasteurized only🥛
Greek yogurtFrom about 6 months🧀
GruyèreAround 6 months🧀
HalloumiAround 9 months, small amounts occasionally🧀
HavartiAround 6 months🍨
Ice creamFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧀
JameedFrom about 9 months, and only a small, well-thinned amount because it is salty🍲
KadhiFrom about 9 months, once your baby is comfortable with thicker, spoonable textures🥛
KefirAround 6 months, in small amounts🥣
KheerFrom about 6 months for a plain, unsweetened, nut free version you cook yourself, with the sweetened festival one as a taste after age 2.🧈
Khoya6 months+, plain and in small amounts🥣
KishkAround 9 months🥛
LabnehAround 6 months🧆
Labneh ballsAround 9 months, flattened🥛
LassiAround 9 months🧀
ManchegoAround 6 months🧀
MascarponeAround 6 months, small amounts stirred in🧀
Monterey jackFrom around 6 months🧀
MozzarellaAround 6 months🧀
MuensterAround 6 months🧀
Munster cheese6 months+🧀
Oaxaca cheeseAround 6 months🧀
PaneerAround 6 months🧀
ParmesanAround 6 months, finely grated🧀
PecorinoFrom about 6 months, as a light grating only🧀
ProvoloneAround 6 months🍮
PuddingFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧀
QuarkAround 6 months🧀
Queso frescoAround 6 months🥣
RaitaAround 6 months, as a plain baby bowl: plain yogurt, finely grated cucumber and a pinch of roasted cumin, with no salt or chili.🧀
RicottaAround 6 months🍮
ShrikhandFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥛
SkyrAround 6 months, plain and whole-milk🥛
Sour creamAround 6 months🧀
String cheese6 months+🧀
Swiss cheeseAround 6 months🥒
TzatzikiAround 6 months, made at home with no added salt and the cucumber finely grated or blended in🍨
Whipped creamFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥛
Whole milkSmall amounts in food from around 6 months; main drink at 12 months🥛
YogurtAround 6 months🫐
Yogurt meltsFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2Other
🫓
Adai6 months+🧆
Akara6 months+🫓
Akki rotti6 months+🥛
Almond milkFrom about 12 months🥞
Appam6 months+🥧
Apple pieFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2. Cooked apple itself suits a baby from around 6 months.🍲
Arroz caldo6 months+🍚
AttiékéFrom about 9 months🍚
Banku6 months+🍖
Barbecue sauceFrom about 12 months, once you have checked the label for honey🍲
Berbere-spiced stewAround 9 months⚫
Black sesame pasteFrom about 6 months, thinned🍵
BrothFrom about 6 months, as an unsalted cooking liquid rather than a drink🥞
Cachapa6 months+☕
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)Not for babies or children. The AAP says avoiding caffeine is the best choice for all kids.🎄
Candy caneNot for babies or toddlers. The AAP keeps hard candy away until age 4 or older, depending on the child.🍬
Candy cornNot for babies or toddlers. The AAP keeps hard and sticky candy away until age 4 or older, depending on the child.🍎
Caramel appleNot for babies or toddlers. The AAP keeps raw fruit chunks and sticky candy away until age 4 or older, depending on the child.🟤
CarobAround 6 months🍫
Champorado6 months+🍰
CheesecakeFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2⚫
Chia seeds6 months+, always soaked🍫
ChocolateNo need before age 2🍫
Chocolate hazelnut spreadNo need before age 2🥣
ChowderFrom about 9 months, homemade and unsalted, once soft chunks are manageable🥥
CoconutAround 6 months🥥
Coconut cream (fresh)Around 6 months, small amounts🥥
Coconut milkIn cooking from about 6 months🥥
CoquitoThe rum version is never appropriate for a baby. A small taste of coquito sin ron works from about 12 months.🍲
Dhokla6 months+🟡
EgusiAround 6 months🌿
EpazoteAround 6 months, as a trace seasoning🎂
FrostingFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍬
Fruit snacks and gummiesNot for babies; skip gummies and chewy snacks until about age 4 (choking)🍚
FufuAround 9 months🍮
Gelatin and jelly cupsNot a baby food; never give firm mini "jelly cups"🥣
GravyFrom about 12 months, and a spoonful of a low sodium homemade version🍩
Gulab jamunNot before age 2, and even then squashed flat and cut into small pieces rather than served whole.🍬
HalvaBest delayed toward age 2🍫
Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins)Around 2 years, in line with chocolate generally, because of added sugar and a small amount of caffeine.🍭
Hard candy and lollipopsNot for babies or toddlers (wait until age 4 or older, depending on the child, and supervise)🍲
HariraAround 9 months🍯
HoneyNever before 12 months (botulism). After that it is an added sugar, not one to add to their food through age 4🌽
Humita6 months+🍜
Idiyappam6 months+🍓
Jam & jellyFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🧃
JuiceNot before 12 months; after one, at most 4 oz a day of pasteurized 100% juice🍞
Kaya jamFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🫔
Kenkey6 months+🍅
KetchupFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2⚠️
KonjacNot for babies or young children🍡
Kozhukattai12 months+🍱
Lunchables and lunch kitsNot for babies or young toddlers; an occasional food from about 3 years at best🥜
MaafeFrom about 12 months, and only after peanut is tolerated🌽
Mamaliga6 months+🍁
Maple syrupFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍬
MarshmallowsNot for babies or young toddlers; usually held to around age 4🥚
MayonnaiseFrom about 12 months🍲
MinestroneAround 6 months🍲
MisoTiny amounts from around 6 months🍌
Mofongo6 months+🫘
Moi moi6 months+🫓
Moong dal cheela6 months+🥞
Neer dosa6 months+⚫
Nigella seedsAround 6 months🟡
Nutritional yeastAround 6 months🥛
Oat milkFine in food from ~6 months; not as a drink before 12 months🍲
Ogbono soupAround 9 months🫒
Olive oilAround 6 months, small amounts🌿
PandanFrom 6 months, as a flavoring🌿
PapaloAround 9 months🥧
Pecan pieThe pie as it is served waits until about 5 years, because of the pecan pieces. Finely ground pecan is a different food and is fine from around 6 months.🌿
PestoFrom about 9 months, once tree nut and milk have each been introduced on their own🍚
Pongal6 months+🌱
Poppy seedsAround 6 months, in the small amounts food normally uses🧊
PopsicleFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍠
Pounded yamFrom about 9 months🍲
PozoleFrom about 9 months, once every hominy kernel has been pressed flat.🍋
Preserved lemonAround 12 months, tiny amounts🥧
Pumpkin pieFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🥥
Puttu6 months+🥗
Ranch dressingFrom about 12 months, as an occasional dip rather than a pour🫓
Rava dosa6 months+🍪
Raw cookie dough and batterNever raw at any age. Fully baked cookies: not before age 2 (added sugar), then only now and then🥛
Rice milkNot as a drink under 5 years; tiny amounts in cooking from 12 months🍲
Sabudana khichdi6 months+🌽
Sadza6 months+🍲
Sambar6 months+🌰
Sesame seedsAround 6 months🥤
SodaNot for babies or young children. The AAP and other health groups recommend no soda or other sugary drinks for children 5 and under, and the AAP says the aim is to remove all sweetened drinks from children's diets.🍧
SorbetFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🍯
Sorghum syrupBest delayed toward age 2🫗
Soy sauceFrom about 12 months, and only as a few drops stirred through family food🧁
SprinklesFrom about 12 months, as a small taste on an occasion; added sugar is best kept rare before age 2🌻
Sunflower seed butterAround 6 months🌻
Sunflower seedsAround 6 months🌰
TigernutsAround 6 months🍌
Tostones6 months+ for soft cooked plantain; crisp tostones from about age 2, once your child chews well🥜
Trail mixNot as a mix. Whole nuts and seeds are best saved until about age 5.🌽
Ugali6 months+🧃
Unpasteurized juice and ciderSkip unpasteurized or untreated juice entirely; pasteurized or treated juice only after 12 months🥞
Uttapam6 months+🍉
Watermelon seedsAround 6 monthsIntroducing the big 9 allergens? Read the complete introduction guide →
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Start tracking for freeLast updated September 2026. Next review December 2026. How we write these: built from current published guidance from the AAP, CDC, FDA/EPA, NIAID, WHO, and other pediatric and public-health authorities. See our editorial and medical policy for how we research, source, and update these, and how we double-check the food advice.
This is general information, not medical advice, and is not individualized for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
Some links in our guides are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only suggest things we'd actually use, and it never changes our guidance.