Baby Cereal
This variety of cereal helps start your child on solid foods as it’s not too flavorful, is easy to portion into smaller bites, and you can serve it easily with a spoon. You can thin and soften the food using formula or breastmilk to varying degrees based on how they tolerate their bites and progress.
Fruits and Vegetables
While these are great bets to start your child out on, be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove bacteria and other pathogens. It's best to start with fruits and veggies that are cooked, pureed, or mashed to ensure you can appropriately alter the size of their bites. These are not only packed with nutrients but great for your child’s teeth.
Keep in mind that you should avoid pieces, whole grapes, and other fruits and veggies that could pose a choking hazard.
Dairy Products
Dairy items like milk, yogurt, and cheese are ideal for first foods (assuming they’re pasteurized, as mentioned above). They contain high calcium and vitamin D levels, are soft, and easy to serve in bite-size portions.
Table Foods
After your little tike has become accustomed to the basic starting foods, they may be ready to advance to table foods. Another sign to watch out for is that their first teeth have erupted, which usually occurs around six months of age. Examples of these include raw (but washed) pieces of fruits or veggies, like celery or apple.
If you ever get overwhelmed, remember that your dental or medical professional is a great resource when it comes to navigating healthy food choices for your child. Avoiding overly sugary foods and emphasizing a varied, nutrient-rich diet will help mold their preferences and set them up for long-term dental success. You’ve done a great job educating yourself on what foods to start your child out with and potential pitfalls to avoid.