What Foods Should I First Introduce to My Baby?

Single-Grain Cereal

• Start with an iron-fortified dry cereal; single-grain rice cereals are a great choice. Dry cereals allow parents to mix the cereal with formula or breast milk and control the thickness. The first feedings of cereal should be fairly runny in consistency until the baby gets used to the idea of something other than milk going down their throats. Many babies will reject solid foods on the first, second or even third attempt, but parents should continue trying every few days until their baby is more interested.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables can be introduced after a baby has gotten used to cereal feedings. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting two to three days between each new food introduction to monitor babies for food allergies. Acceptable fruits and vegetables include homemade or store-bought varieties of strained bananas, apples, pears, green beans, squash, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Meats and Dairy

• Pureed meats and dairy products such as yogurt can be introduced into a baby's diet once she has mastered the eating of cereals, fruits and vegetables. Pureed meats are available in the grocery store as pre-jarred baby food, or the meat can be pureed with a food processor at home. Meats pureed at home should always be fully cooked; never feed a baby rare or under-cooked meat. Dairy products such as yogurt are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D for babies. There are many yogurt products on the market now that are specially formulated for a baby's development.

Soft-Solid Foods

• Soft-solid foods should be the last type of food to introduce to your baby. Once a baby shows interest in more than just pureed foods and a parent is confident that a baby's swallowing skills have greatly improved, soft-solid foods should be slowly introduced. Soft-solid foods include overcooked or soft pastas, soft cheeses, canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, whole-grain boxed cereals, cut-up fruits such as bananas or canned pears, eggs and teething biscuits. Be sure to constantly monitor a baby who is eating any soft-solid foods.