Quick Guide to The Best Type of Food for a Baby in the First Months of Their Life

There are many things that should be taken into account when you think about what kind of food should be given to your child. Of course, it is always individual, but there are some general rules for when your little one should start trying different types of food. Down below, you can find a guide that will explain at what age kids should start receiving certain foods and how much of them should be allowed.

Age: 0 to 4 months

There aren’t many options available for you if your baby is this age. Since your baby’s digestive tract is only developing, no solid foods are allowed, so you can either give breast milk or baby formula to it. Don’t risk it. There are many brands like Holle or HiPP that offer amazing baby formula. There are tons of brands that offer a wide range of products and a variety of reviews that cover everything you need to know about, so go check out the long reads on the best formulas like HiPP Dutch vs German comparison to see what works for you best. 

Age: 4 to 6 months 

At this age, you can start giving solid foods to your child. However, you have to make sure that your baby is ready for trying solid foods. Here are the signs to look for: 

• Your baby can easily sit upright and holds their head.
• Your baby has gained weight.
• Your baby follows the fork with the head and might even open their mouth sometimes to try the given food.
• Your baby seems hungry after taking a usual dose of breast milk or baby formula. 

Consult the doctor to learn more about the signs that your child is ready for solid foods. And if they actually are, here are the types of food you can give them: 

• Pureed veggies and fruits 
• Pureed meat
• Semi-liquid cereal 
• Very small amounts of sugar-free yogurt

One of the most important things you need to remember when starting solid foods is that you should start with small amounts it, and add 1-2 teaspoons every day. Do it slowly but steadily. 

Age: 6 to 8 months 

Now, your baby will either start showing even more signs of their readiness for solid foods, so you can either start giving it to them if you haven’t already or increase the range of products that your baby can eat. Here is a quick overview of those: 

• Mashed meat
• Strained fruits/veggies
• Pureed/soft cheese
• Legumes (pureed or mashed)
• Cereal 
• A little bit of bread/crackers

Age: 8 to 12 months

Everything is basically the same as for babies who are 6 to 8 months old. At this point, you can also add snacks to the menu and play around three meals per day.

It takes time

When it comes to food, things can get a little bit difficult and confusing. The best thing you can do to ensure that your baby gets only the best food is to do some research and take your time. Rushing into purchasing certain products won’t do you any good. Instead, start small. Learn what other families recommend, and what kind of food and formula is considered high-quality, what kinds of needs your child has. Answer questions like what is the best formula that helps with constipation? What kind of fruits and vegetables can you give to your child? Does your little one have any allergies you need to take into account when building a menu? Create a list of questions and find answers to them. Good luck to you!