Is your little one just starting solids, or are you exploring new ideas for their meals?
I have little ones, So I can definitely help you brainstorm some great meal ideas if you're starting solids with a baby or looking for new ones! Are you in the early stages of introducing solids, or are you looking for more variety as your baby gets used to eating?
In the age of 6 to 9 months, introducing solid foods is an exciting milestone! At this stage, babies are still learning to eat and developing their skills, so you'll want to start with soft, easily digestible foods. Here are some of the best first foods for babies in that age range:
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Pureed fruits:
- Apples (peeled and cooked)
- Pears (peeled and cooked)
- Bananas (mashed)
- Avocados (mashed)
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Pureed vegetables:
- Carrots (steamed and pureed)
- Sweet potatoes (steamed or roasted and pureed)
- Peas (cooked and pureed)
- Pumpkin (steamed and pureed)
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Rice cereal or oatmeal:
- Start with a single-grain baby rice cereal mixed with breast milk, formula, or water.
- You can also try oatmeal, blended smooth.
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Mashed or pureed proteins:
- Chicken or turkey (pureed)
- Tofu (mashed or pureed)
- Lentils (pureed or mashed)
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Yogurt (unsweetened, plain, full-fat):
- This can be introduced around 6-8 months.
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Finger foods (for practicing self-feeding around 8-9 months):
- Soft-cooked carrot sticks or sweet potato cubes (finger-sized pieces)
- Small pieces of avocado or banana
- Puffs or teething biscuits (look for ones with minimal sugar and salt)
Make sure to introduce new foods one at a time, waiting about 3-5 days before adding another new food to monitor for any potential allergic reactions. Also, avoid honey, whole nuts, and any foods that could be choking hazards.