Many foods adults enjoy can eventually become part of your baby’s diet. However, the type of food your baby can safely eat depends on their age and stage of development.
Our own toddler Eleanora, now two years old, eats almost everything we eat. But during the first year of life, babies need to be introduced to foods gradually while following safe feeding guidelines.
A helpful rule is to follow similar nutrition principles you used during pregnancy: choose fresh, nutritious foods and avoid highly processed ingredients whenever possible.
Below is a simple baby food chart by age to help you understand what foods babies can safely eat during each stage of their development.
Birth to 4 Months
Breast Milk or Infant Formula
During the first four months of life, babies receive all essential nutrients from breast milk or infant formula.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for at least the first six months whenever possible.
If breastfeeding is not possible, choosing a high-quality organic infant formula that closely resembles breast milk can help provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.
4 to 6 Months
Introducing First Solid Foods
Around four months of age, many babies begin losing their tongue-thrust reflex, which previously caused them to push solid foods out of their mouths.
Once this reflex begins to fade, you can slowly introduce semi-solid foods with a spoon.
Some great first foods include:
- Baby cereals and porridges
- Mashed banana
- Apple puree
- Mashed carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
Do not worry if your baby refuses food at first. Learning how to swallow solid foods takes time and patience.
You can read more helpful advice in our guide to spoon feeding your baby .
6 to 8 Months
Introducing More Flavors and Textures
By this stage, many babies begin developing their first teeth and enjoy exploring new textures and flavors.
Introducing a variety of foods during this stage can help promote healthy eating habits later in life.
Foods commonly introduced between 6 and 8 months include:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Oats
- Nectarines
- Plums
- Squash
- Peas
- Green beans
- Yogurt
- Chicken
8 to 10 Months
Expanding the Menu
This stage is exciting because babies can begin trying many new foods and flavors.
Some foods that can be introduced include:
- Cottage cheese
- Cheddar or Jack cheese
- Pasta
- Buckwheat
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Kiwis
- Beef
- Eggs
- Fish
Whenever possible, choose organic baby foods to reduce exposure to pesticides and harmful additives.
10 to 12 Months
Introducing Chunkier Foods
By this stage, your baby may already have favorite foods and is ready to transition from smooth purées to chunkier textures.
You can begin introducing foods such as:
- Citrus fruits
- Corn
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Soft cheese
- Whole eggs
- Fully cooked meats
Looking for simple recipe ideas? Check out our guide on homemade baby food recipes .