Food Introduction for Infants

When to Start

• Age: 5-6 months is typical.
• Teeth: shows that enzymes are now present for proper digestion.
• Sitting up unattended for proper swallowing.
• Baby doesn’t push the food right out with their tongue.
• Baby shows interest in what you are eating.

How to Start

• Start with one simple, whole food and slowly add new foods only every 4-5 days, watching carefully for reactions. There is no hurry!
• Allergies occur with foods if they are introduced before a baby’s digestive system is mature, if a parent has an allergy, or with genetically modified foods.
• Use organic foods whenever possible, especially dairy, eggs and meats.

6 Months of Age — Mashed or Pureed Foods

• applesauce
• pear
• peach
• nectarine
• plum
• avocado
• banana
• winter squash (acorn, butternut, delicate, sugar pie, pumpkin)
• carrots
• sweet potato
• yams
• beets
• peas
• zucchini
• parsnips
• brown rice
• millet
• quinoa
• flax oil
• sunflower oil
• safflower oil
• goat’s milk
• poultry (chicken and turkey)