Best First Foods for Babies: A Complete Guide for New Parents

Choosing the right first foods can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick safe and nutritious options for your baby.

1. Iron-Rich Foods

Babies need iron from 6 months onward.

• Lentil puree
• Mashed beans
• Homemade rice or oat cereal

2. Orange & Yellow Vegetables

Great for immunity and healthy eyes.

• Sweet potato
• Carrot
• Pumpkin

3. Soft Fruits

Introduce natural sweetness.

• Banana
• Avocado
• Pear

4. Proteins

Once basic foods are tolerated, introduce proteins:

• Chicken puree
• Egg yolk mash (fully cooked!)
• Fish puree (low-mercury options)

5. Healthy Fats

Essential for brain development.

• Avocado
• A few drops of olive oil in purees

How to Introduce New Foods

• Introduce one food at a time
• Wait 2–3 days before adding a new item
• Watch for allergies: rash, vomiting, swelling