Baby Food Introduction Guide
Select your baby's age to see which foods are safe to introduce, how to prepare them, and which ones to avoid — all based on AAP and CDC guidelines.
Select your baby's current age to see appropriate foods
Texture stage: Smooth purees
Start with single-ingredient purees. Thin, smooth textures that slide off a spoon.
Foods to Avoid at 6 Months
Based on CDC and AAP choking hazard and safety guidelines
Risk of infant botulism. Botulism spores are not killed by cooking.
OK after 12 months
May cause intestinal bleeding and lacks nutrients infants need. OK for cooking/baking in small amounts.
OK after 12 months
No nutritional benefit over whole fruit. AAP recommends no juice before 12 months.
OK after 12 months
Choking hazard. Offer only as finely ground or as nut/seed butters thinned into food.
Choking hazard. Always cut lengthwise into quarters.
Choking hazard. Cut lengthwise, then into small pieces.
Choking hazard.
Choking hazard. Always cook until soft.
Choking hazard.
Choking hazard.
Babies’ kidneys cannot handle excess sodium. Added sugar provides empty calories. Avoid until at least 24 months per Dietary Guidelines.
OK after 24 months
Risk of harmful bacteria. Avoid unpasteurized milk, juice, and soft cheeses.
OK after 24 months
Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna contain high mercury levels harmful to developing brains.
Based on AAP and CDC recommendations for introducing solid foods. Wait 3–5 days between new foods to watch for reactions. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
Common Questions
- What foods can a 6-month-old eat?
- Common first foods at 6 months include iron-fortified cereals, pureed fruits (banana, avocado, pear), vegetables (sweet potato, peas, carrots), and pureed meats. Your pediatrician can guide you on pacing and allergen introduction based on your baby's health and family history.
- What foods should babies avoid in the first year?
- Avoid honey (botulism risk until age 1 per the CDC), cow's milk as a main drink (though dairy products like yogurt are generally fine at 6 months), choking hazards (whole grapes, popcorn, hot dogs), added salt or sugar, and unpasteurized foods. Talk to your pediatrician about when and how to introduce common allergens like peanuts and eggs.
- What is baby-led weaning?
- Baby-led weaning (BLW) skips purees and lets babies self-feed soft finger foods from the start at 6 months. Research shows BLW babies develop similar eating skills and nutritional intake as spoon-fed babies, with potential benefits in self-regulation and reduced picky eating.
For educational purposes only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with questions about your child's health.
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