Foods to Feed an 8-Month-Old Baby with No Teeth

Developmental Cues

• The biggest sign that your infant is ready for table food is if he shows interest. If your baby is leering at you while you eat and trying to snatch food off your plate, it may be time to consider table foods. Another sign is that your baby is able to hold things and lift them to his mouth. By the time your baby masters what's called the "pincer" grasp, he should be able to pick up small grain snacks, such as dry cereals and small pieces of soft foods. Once your baby is able to pick things up and put them in his mouth, he should be able to "gum" any number of table foods that are served in an appropriate way.

Serving Tips

• The biggest concern in transitioning your infant to table foods is in removing the risk of choking. When serving foods to your baby, make sure that they are small enough that she can hold them in her hand but not so hard that they pose a choking hazard. Avoid putting food directly into your baby's mouth, as this removes her natural control over how she eats. Soft fruits and steamed vegetables are popular early foods, and hard biscuits may be soothing for teething babies to gnash their gums on. Cut-up servings of your family's regular meals -- be it spaghetti, baked chicken, or waffles -- are appropriate, as long as your baby is interested and supervised. Putting small amounts of food in front of her may help her feel less overwhelmed. Keep in mind that a learning baby may occasionally gag while eating, which is not the same as choking. Learning the signs of choking is a good idea before starting your baby on solid foods.

Things to Avoid

• Small, hard foods, such grapes and candies, can get lodged in your baby's throat and cause him to choke. Additionally, hot dogs are considered a no-go both for their shape and the high sodium content. You should avoid foods with a lot of added salt and limited nutritional value. While the occasional treat is fine, given your baby's limited calories that come from solid foods, those calories should be nutritious ones. Also, do not stop feeding milk once you start solids; continue feeding your baby breast milk or formula until one year, as this will continue to be his major source of nutrition. When to wean off breast milk or formula is a decision best made with your intuition and the guidance of your pediatrician.

Concerns over Allergens

• While some parents delay introducing certain foods for fear of allergies, there's little evidence that links the exposure of foods to allergies. When introducing foods known to cause allergies -- dairy, eggs, nuts, wheat, shellfish and fish -- it's best to introduce them one at a time, wait a few days between new foods and keep an eye out for any allergic reactions. Reactions can include itchiness, hives, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhea and trouble breathing -- the last being uncommon but serious. If you suspect a food allergy, remove that food from your child's diet and consult your pediatrician for advice.