Stage 1; The introduction to smooth foods

Use these ideas to get started with the first stage.

Signs your baby is ready to eat mashed foods

Sits with or without support and holds head steady without any help.
Brings fingers or objects like toys to mouth.
Shows an interest in the food you are eating.
When a spoonful of food is offered, your baby’s mouth opens widely.
Keeps food inside the mouth and does not push food out with the tongue.
Age: about 6 months old.

On the menu:

Breast milk and/or infant formula.
Breast milk or infant formula mixed with infant cereal.
Pureed meats, fruits, and veggies.

At first, the food should be very soupy. You can make it thicker as he learns how to eat and swallows well.
He may not eat much at first. Most of the food may end up all over him. Messes can be fun too.
The point here is practicing HOW to eat.
Most of his nutrition will still come from breast milk or formula.
Once he can eat a thicker cereal, you can introduce pureed meats, fruits, and veggies.
You can add these to the cereal and the formula or breast milk to thin or thicken to your preference.

Prepare

Before you begin, make sure your baby shows he is ready by sitting up without support, showing interest in food, and can keep food in his mouth without his tongue pushing it out.
It is helpful to use a small rubber spoon, a bib (maybe even one for yourself!), a highchair or a place for your baby to sit upright safely, and a small bowl to hold the food.
To start, feed about one teaspoon of infant cereal mixed with 4 or 5 teaspoons of breast milk or infant formula in a bowl.
Bringing food to room temperature might be helpful too. This is not necessary though.
Soon your baby will begin to eat more than he spits out.

food safety

* Make sure you have washed your hands with warm soapy water before serving any food to your baby.
* Be sure to offer solid food on a clean spoon and surface area.
* Be careful not to prepare any vegetables or fruits near uncooked meat.
* Rinse all vegetables or fruits with clean water before preparing them for your baby.
* Avoid giving your baby any foods he may choke on. You can learn more about possible food choking hazards from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
* Avoid giving honey to babies younger than 12 months old.
* Avoid giving cow’s, goat’s, rice, or soy milk to babies younger than 12 months old.

Recommendation

Babies may be ready for a cup around 6 months old and when they show the signs they are ready. You can learn more about your baby’s signs and how to offer a cup in our Baby’s First Cup lesson.

Wondering when your baby will be ready for mashed foods? This resource will help you know when your baby is ready.