Best first foods for babies
Around 6 months, most babies are ready to start solids. Food at this stage is about exploring textures and flavors. Breast milk or formula still does the nutritional heavy lifting for the first year.
Signs your baby is ready
- Can sit up with support and hold their head steady
- Shows interest in what you're eating
- Can move food to the back of the mouth and swallow (less tongue-pushing)
Great foods to start with
Don't forget allergens
First foods are also the time to start introducing the big 9 allergens, one at a time. Read the complete allergen guide →
Foods to avoid in the first year
- Honey (risk of infant botulism before 12 months)
- Cow's milk as a main drink (dairy foods like yogurt are fine)
- Added salt and sugar
- Choking hazards: whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw veg
Frequently asked questions
When can babies start solid foods?
Most babies are ready around 6 months, once they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Breast milk or formula still provides most nutrition in the first year.
What are the best first foods for babies?
Soft, iron-rich, single-ingredient foods are great starters: mashed avocado, sweet potato, banana, well-cooked vegetables, and iron-fortified cereal. Introduce common allergens too, one at a time.
What foods should babies avoid?
Avoid honey (before 12 months), cow’s milk as a main drink (before 12 months), added salt and sugar, and choking hazards like whole nuts, whole grapes, and hard raw vegetables.
Track it in Yummy Yucky
Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.
Start tracking for freeHow we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.
This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
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