Baby Food Introduction Timeline

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Baby Food Introduction Timeline — A simple, safe guide

Helpful, easy-to-follow suggestions for introducing solids from newborn to toddler. Use this as a friendly roadmap — always check with your healthcare provider for personal advice.

Age-by-age timeline (easy summary)

0–6 months — Exclusive breastmilk or formula. No solids. Vitamin D supplement is commonly recommended for breastfed babies (ask your provider).
Around 6 months — Start single-ingredient purees or mashed foods **when baby shows readiness** (see signs below). Begin with iron-rich foods (iron-fortified cereal, pureed meat, lentils).
6–8 months — Thicker purees, mashed vegetables & fruits, soft finger foods (soft banana, strips of avocado). Continue milk feeds — solids are complementary.
8–10 months — Chunks, soft cooked vegetables, small pieces of soft meat, well-cooked pasta, scrambled eggs. Encourage self-feeding (baby-led weaning or blended approach).
9–12 months — Most babies handle a variety of textures and family foods (cut and prepared safely). Introduce cup drinking for water and milk.
12+ months — Whole family foods can mostly be introduced (soft, low-salt). Cow’s milk as main drink is commonly offered after 12 months (ask provider). Continue varied, nutrient-dense meals.

Signs baby may be ready for solids

  • Sits with minimal support and holds head steady
  • Shows interest in food (looks at, reaches for it)
  • Opens mouth when food approaches and can move food to the back of the mouth
  • Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food out

If unsure, wait and try again in a couple of weeks — each baby is different.

Introducing allergenic foods (peanut, egg, dairy, tree nuts, fish)

Current practice encourages introducing common allergenic foods early and in small amounts, not delaying them, as long as the baby shows readiness and has no known severe egg or peanut allergy family history. For babies with strong family history of allergy or eczema, talk with your healthcare provider before introducing allergens.

Quick ideas: thin peanut-butter thinned with warm water or mixed into purées, well-cooked mashed egg yolk, small bits of soft-cooked fish. Avoid whole nuts and choking hazards until older.

Top first foods & focus on iron

Start with iron-rich choices and easy textures:

  • Iron-rich: pureed or shredded meats (chicken, beef), iron-fortified cereals, pureed lentils/beans, tofu
  • Veggies & fruits: sweet potato, carrot, peas, avocado, banana (mashed)
  • Dairy: yogurt and cheese (small amounts), avoid cow’s milk as main drink until ~12 months

Safety & choking prevention (very important)

  • Always supervise while eating and have baby seated upright.
  • Avoid whole grapes, whole cherry tomatoes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy — cut foods into small, safe pieces.
  • Cook tough foods until soft, mash or slice thinly. Offer nut butter thinned for infants, not spoonfuls of thick paste.
  • Learn infant CPR and choking response if possible; keep emergency numbers handy.

Quick starter recipes

  • Sweet potato purée: Roast/poke sweet potato until soft, scoop and mash with breastmilk or water.
  • Avocado mash: Ripe avocado mashed smooth — offer small spoonfuls or soft strips for baby to grasp.
  • Chicken & veg puree: Slow-cook chicken with carrot, then blend with cooking liquid until smooth.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If the baby has eczema, severe allergy in the family, or other medical concerns, talk to a pediatrician before introducing certain foods.