The Best Foods to Introduce to an Infant

Rice Cereal and Oatmeal

• Many parents begin by adding rice cereal to their baby's formula. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends adding one part cereal to four to five parts formula or breast milk. A good fortified cereal provides nutritional value for your baby and gives her something more substantial than formula alone. Oatmeal is another recommended choice for a first food. Prepare it a bit thinner than normal to make it easier for her to swallow.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Strained and mashed fruit and vegetables are another option for first foods. Baby food or mashed versions of the fruits and vegetables that the rest of the family eats are acceptable. Some pediatricians recommend introducing green vegetables first so as to avoid your baby developing a taste for sweeter vegetables and fruits. Fruits and vegetables are a good choice to provide nutrients to your baby and to aid with his digestion.

Meats and Poultry

• Once your baby has progressed through cereal, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, you may want to introduce foods from the meat and poultry family. Before she has molars and the ability to chew small pieces of meat or chicken, make sure you offer only strained and pureed meat to avoid the possibility of choking. Many baby food options are available or you can puree your own for an added source of protein to her diet.

Finger Foods

• According to the AAP, eight or nine months of age is a good time to introduce finger foods -- foods that he can easily feed himself without silverware. The best finger foods are those that dissolve in his mouth such as O-shaped cereal, small pieces of toast or bits of shortbread cookies. Tiny pieces of diced cheese, diced boiled egg or soft, cooked vegetables like carrots and potatoes are healthy options.