What Foods to Feed a Baby First

Cereals and Grains

• Rice cereal is a good first choice for solid foods, because it is gentle on the stomach and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, according to the website Baby Center. Mix the cereal with breast milk or formula, depending on what you feed your baby regularly. Use a small, soft spoon to feed small bites to your baby. Do not force her to eat the cereal if she does not like it; just try to give her a little more the following day. Give your baby time to taste the cereal, note the texture and swallow it before trying another spoonful. Once your baby has successfully eaten rice cereal, you may also wish to try oatmeal or other grains mixed with breast milk or formula.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Introduce fruits and vegetables into your baby's diet once she has become accustomed to eating cereal. Baby Center suggests sweet potatoes, peas, peaches, applesauce and bananas as good first choices. You may mash up your own fruits or vegetables; make certain that they are soft and do not leave large chunks that could cause your child to choke. Try using a food processor to make your own baby food. Baby food can also be purchased.

Meats and Proteins

• After your baby is comfortable eating fruits and vegetables, begin introducing sources of protein into his diet. Cottage cheese is a good choice; make certain to mash up any large curds so that your baby does not choke. You can also use your food processor to grind chicken or turkey for your baby. Avoid heavy seasonings or oils; keep the food simple for your child's sensitive digestive system. For convenience, try chicken or turkey baby food.

Foods to Avoid

• Certain foods cause allergic reactions more often than others. Avoid feeding your baby foods such as peanut butter or honey, which can cause a severe allergic reaction. Regular cow's milk should also be avoided. Signs of allergic reaction may include a rash or diarrhea. Feed your baby breast milk or formula until they are at least one year old. Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy or present a choking hazard, like raisins. Mash up foods and give your baby time to swallow foods before offering another spoonful. It is always a good idea to ask your pediatrician before introducing new foods into your baby's diet.