Introducing Solid Foods to Baby
Choking and food allergies
Food allergies are usually only a concern if you have a family history of seasonal and food allergies. Talk to your doctor before introducing foods that can trigger reactions, such as eggs, nuts, fish, milk and wheat.
You can usually introduce more textured foods between eight and 12 months.
To prevent choking, always supervise your baby and start with small, soft foods. "Experiment with ripe fruit and soft, cooked vegetables, pasta and meats–all sliced into pieces no larger than 1/4- to 1/2-inch," says Saab. (To test their softness, try mashing them in your own mouth without using your teeth.) Here are some great options for introducing texture:
- grated cheese (and other easy finger foods)
- ripe fruit (bananas, pears, peaches, mango, apricots, plums, papaya)
- cooked veggies (green beans, spinach, carrots, peppers, sweet potato, broccoli)
- fish, chicken or beef (try mixing tender pieces of meat with gravy or serving it in a stew)
- soft pasta, brown rice, lentils
Meet our expert:
Joanne Saab is a registered dietitian who practices in pediatrics at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. She is co-author of three books in conjunction with Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children entitled Better Food for Kids, Better Food for Pregnancy and the best-selling Better Baby Food. Joanne is also the mother of twin daughters who have taught her a lot of practical know-how on kids' nutrition.
