You may be wondering what the 10 best first foods for a baby to start on are. Well, I’m here to tell you that it depends! The 10 best first foods for babies to start on will depend on their age and weight. In this article, we’ll go over 10 of the most popular choices, as well as some nutritionist-approved tips.
Your baby has started taking an interest in the food you’re eating, she has good head and neck control and she’s over four months old? She may be ready to start experiencing her first solid foods! This is an exciting time for her and for you as she explores this brand-new world of texture and flavor.
Until now your baby has consumed all her nutrients through your breastmilk, and pediatric nutritionist and founder of Wholesome Child, Mandy Sacher, says that the ideal foods to introduce to your baby are, “Nutritious, whole foods that your baby has experienced through your breastmilk and in utero.”
For babies between 4-6 months, you need to puree all foods, and you can do this using a food processor or hand-held mixer, or food processor like the Breville Control Grip Stick Mixer. If your baby’s between 6-8 months, you can start baby-led weaning and offer purees on the side.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are a low allergy food, they’re sweet and tasty and are packed with beta-carotene which baby’s body converts into vitamin A, making it a perfect first choice.
Pumpkin
The humble pumpkin is easy to digest and contains vitamins, A, C, and folate. Butternut pumpkins are a great choice, to begin with.
Carrots
Similar to sweet potatoes, carrots are full of vitamins A and C and calcium. Carrots are sweet and starchy and popular first food for babies.
Green beans
The simple green bean is full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, iron, and calcium. When your baby’s a bit older you can mix green beans with pumpkin to sweeten the deal.
Zucchini
Containing vitamin C and A, folate, calcium, potassium, fiber, and bioactive compounds such as lutein and beta-carotene, the zucchini is great for immune boosting and supports muscle activity.
Cooking note: Sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, and zucchini all need to be steamed and pureed for babies under 6 months. After peeling, chopping, and steaming, add boiled water to get the right consistency for your baby.
Avocado
No cooking needed! The avo is a wonderful first food. Its smooth and creamy texture means no cooking is necessary and it’s full of good fats as well as vitamins, C, E and K, and magnesium and zinc.
Apple
With vitamins A, C, and E, folate, potassium, and calcium, apples are a great first fruit. You will need to peel, core, and steam apples to make them into a puree for the baby.
Pear
Low allergy and containing vitamins C, K, B1, B2 and potassium, calcium, and magnesium, pears are not only great for baby’s health but are a tasty and sweet first food. To prepare, peel, core, and steam like apples and voila!
Banana
Full of fiber and loaded with potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, and vitamin B6, bananas are perfect for mashing.
Cleaning note: like avos, bananas can leave black stains if left for too long on cloth bibs and clothes so be ready for the washing.
Papaya
The perfect first melon, papayas are packed with vitamins A, B, and C, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, and lycopene. Papaya is recommended for introducing at around 7-8 months, after trying fruits like avos and bananas. Just mash and serve!
Conclusion:
There you have it: 10 wholesome and nutritious foods to introduce to your baby. Let the tasting begin!
