Five Food Stages
First Stage - 4-6 months
Introducing solid foods to your little one is a gradual and exciting journey, a time to explore new tastes and textures while ensuring proper nutrition alongside breast milk or formula. In the first stage (4-6 months), you’ll want to start with smooth, single-ingredient purees such as iron-fortified cereal, apples, pears, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Keep the texture thin and runny to prevent choking, and introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before adding another to watch for allergies. Look for signs of readiness, good head control, sitting with support, interest in food, and a fading tongue-thrust reflex. During this stage, avoid honey (due to the risk of botulism) and cow’s milk, as it’s not yet easy for their tiny tummy to digest.
Second Stage - 6-9 months
As your baby grows into the second stage (6-9 months), you can begin offering thicker purees and blended foods, such as mashed bananas, yogurt, and finely blended meats. This is the time to introduce more flavors and mild food combinations while avoiding salt, sugar, and processed foods. A little water in a sippy cup can be introduced as well.
Third Stage - 9-12 months
By the time your baby reaches the third stage (9-12 months), they are ready for mashed and soft foods, including cooked vegetables, soft pasta, scrambled eggs, and finely chopped meats. You’ll notice your little one becoming more curious and eager to self-feed, so encourage them with small, soft finger foods. Always supervise mealtime to prevent choking and avoid whole nuts, large chunks of food, or grapes unless they are cut into small pieces. A balanced diet with iron-rich foods, proteins, and healthy fats will support their development during this stage.
Fourth Stage - 12-18 months
Once your baby enters the fourth stage (12-18 months), they can enjoy more finger foods like diced fruits, shredded chicken, small pasta, and whole grains. They’ll love the independence of feeding themselves, so offer small utensils and let them explore! Dairy products like whole milk and cheese can be introduced if they tolerate it well. Just be mindful of choking hazards like popcorn, whole nuts, and large raw vegetables.
Fifth Stage - 18-24 months
Finally, in the fifth stage (18-24 months), your toddler can enjoy a variety of family meals with simple modifications. Offer small, soft pieces of what you’re eating, making sure their diet is balanced with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. This is also a great time to encourage healthy eating habits, like sitting at the table for meals and limiting processed or sugary foods.
Throughout this journey, patience is key. Some babies need multiple tries before accepting a new food, so don’t be discouraged if they make a funny face or refuse something the first time! Always supervise meals to prevent choking, follow their hunger and fullness cues, and consult your pediatrician before introducing common allergens like nuts, eggs, or shellfish. Every baby is different, and the process of learning to eat is as much about enjoyment and discovery as it is about nutrition. You’re doing a great job, this is such a special time of growth for both of you!