What an exciting time the 6 month milestone is! Up until this stage, your baby’s diet has mostly consisted of formula and breast milk. Now, it is that special phase of your baby’s life where you can start introducing solid foods to him/her.
This is the time to get creative, but also stay careful! Your 6 month old baby will be excited to try new foods, and will even learn to chew. Of course, you’ll want to give your baby foods that are not only healthy for the baby, but which he/she will genuinely enjoy at this age.
The first foods to introduce to your baby at 6 months are called stage 1 baby foods. These include strained and pureed foods which your baby will comfortably gulp down and digest. Remember, this stage is important because you are weaning your baby and helping him/her transition to solid foods.
The following baby foods are the best for your baby at this special time, according to experts around the world:
Milk
It is recommended that along with solid foods, you continue breast milk or formula for your baby as the main nutrition source until your little one is 1 year old.
Pureed Veggies
Pureed vegetables make the perfect weaning food. Vegetables ideal for 6 month old baby are carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, sweet potato, and parsnip. These veggies have a naturally sweet and delicious taste, and they have a smooth texture once they are pureed. Not to mention, they are great sources of essential vitamins and minerals for your growing infant.
You can combine pureed veggies with some baby rice and milk to create a creamy and delicious mixture. Your baby will eagerly have creamy pureed vegetables with a huge smile!
Fruit Mash
Mashed and pureed fruits also make great baby food because they are easy to digest and yummy to taste. The best fruits to mash and offer your baby at mealtimes are apples, papaya, pears, bananas, apricots and peaches. Fruit servings will also fulfill your baby’s vitamin requirements and provide fiber to aid in digestion and healthy bowel function. Mashed and peeled fruits will also be easy on your baby’s stomach and you’ll be able to prepare them with ease.
Cereals
Baby rice, oatmeal and pulses are also soft foods rich in important nutrients for your baby. This makes them a good weaning food for your little one when he/she is 6 months old. Mix with baby’s usual milk to make the cereal soft and easy to gulp.
Smashed Meat
You can slowly start adding smashed and pureed poultry or fish or red meat to your baby’s diet. Ensure to remove all bones, and ensure that the baby can swallow the crushed meat with ease, without the need to chew it. Smashed meat is an excellent source of protein, and safe to give to the baby starting from 6 months of age.
Above all, two things are extremely important to remember for all parents of 6 month olds:
- Ensure that your baby does not have an allergic reaction to any food. If they do, discontinue the food at once.
- Before introducing any new foods to your baby, make sure to consult the baby’s pediatrician first.
With your six month old starting to enjoy more solid foods, you will soon realize that mealtimes can get quite messy! For easy to clean and mess-free mealtimes, try the Cosy Angel Waterproof Silicone Bibs. These specially designed bibs are the best for weaning with a wide food catcher – and can be cleaned and reused with a single swipe!
What did your little one enjoy eating at 6 months of age? Share your personal stories and experiences in the comments below!