Baby First Foods: Complete List of What to Feed at 6 Months

Starting solids is exciting — and overwhelming. "What do I start with?", "How do I check for allergies?", "What can't they eat yet?" This guide gives you a clear, practical starting point.

Best First Foods at 6 Months

• Vegetables: sweet potato, carrot, butternut squash, peas, broccoli, avocado
• Fruits: banana, pear, cooked apple, peach
• Grains: iron-fortified rice cereal, oatmeal porridge
• Protein: beef puree, chicken puree, soft tofu

How to Introduce New Foods

1. Introduce one new food at a time
2. Wait 3–5 days before introducing the next food
3. Watch for allergy signs: hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing
4. Introduce new foods in the morning or midday so you can monitor reactions

The Top 8 Allergens — Introduce Early

Current research shows that early introduction of allergenic foods actually reduces the risk of developing allergies. Don't delay these:

• Peanut butter (6 months — consult doctor if family history of allergy)
• Eggs (well-cooked yolk and white)
• Dairy (yogurt or cheese form — not cow's milk as a drink until 12 months)
• Wheat (after introducing rice and oats)
• Soy (tofu or soy yogurt)
• Tree nuts (finely ground or in puree form)
• Fish (start with mild white fish)
• Shellfish (can wait until after 12 months)

Foods to Avoid Before 12 Months

• Honey: risk of infant botulism — absolutely no honey under 12 months
• Salt and sugar: immature kidneys cannot handle added sodium
• Raw eggs: salmonella risk
• Whole nuts, whole grapes, cherry tomatoes: choking hazard — always mash or cut
• Cow's milk as a drink: digestive system not yet ready until 12 months