Baby food chart

Introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet is a big milestone in your child’s development. When deciding on the right time to do this, keep in mind that your baby’s current stage of development should be your guideline, and not necessarily the age. Some babies are ready for a few bites of mashed banana at the age of 4 months, others should wait until they turn 6 months old – observe your baby and don’t rush it. Always consult your child’s pediatrician before introducing new foods and avoid foods that could potentially cause an allergic reaction. Below is a food chart adapted for your baby’s age – the recommendations are generalized and should be adjusted to your baby and your personal preference.

Always introduce foods one at a time – wait for a few days and if your baby shows no problems with digestion, you can proceed onto the next ingredient.

From 4 to 6 months of age

Even though many pediatricians recommend not introducing solid foods before the age of 6 months, many others say that it is safe to offer appropriate foods to 4 month old babies. Again, trust your own judgement when making this call.

The first solid foods your little one is introduced to should be very soft and gentle for your baby’s tummy – these may include:

  • Rice or oatmeal (these cereals have the smallest allergenic potential and are usually perceived as a safe starter into the world of solid foods)
  • Cooked and pureed vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or squash
  • Mashed fruit, such as bananas, apples or peaches

Keep in mind that your baby’s stomach is tiny and your little one may get full after only a few bites. Be patient when introducing solids – it may take some time for your baby to agree and swallow the food. All of the suggested foods are in addition to breast milk or formula which is the main source of nutrients for your little one.

From 6 to 8 months of age

At this age, breast milk or formula are still the foundation of nutrition, however, you can start slowly increasing the amount of food offered to your baby. Foods you can prepare for your little one include:

  • Cereal
  • Mashed fruit (bananas, apples, pears, avocado, peaches)
  • Cooked and pureed vegetables (squash, sweet potatoes, carrots)
  • Cooked and pureed legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils)
  • Pea-sized pieces of thoroughly cooked and pureed meat (chicken, turkey)
  • Unsweetened yoghurt in small amounts (your baby shouldn’t have cow milk until the age of 12 months)

From 8 to 10 months of age

In addition to breast milk or formula, you may offer your child:

  • Cereal
  • Soft pasteurized cheese and cottage cheese
  • Mashed fruits and vegetables
  • Small bits of meat
  • Well-cooked legumes
  • Finger-foods such as well-cooked pasta, pieces of bread, scrambled eggs, etc.

From 10 to 12 months of age

At this age, your child can eat almost anything you prepare for them – just keep in mind that pieces of food should be of an appropriate size so that they do not represent a choking hazard. Honey is not recommend in the first year of life and be careful with salt and herbs.

  • Cereal
  • Yoghurt, soft pasteurized cheese, cottage cheese
  • Fruit cut into strips or cubes
  • Soft-cooked vegetables cut into bite-size pieces
  • Small bits of meat, poultry and boneless fish
  • Finger-foods such as well-cooked pasta, pieces of bread, scrambled eggs, etc. Some pediatricians recommend not giving a whole egg until the child turns 1 year old.