When it comes to introducing baby to solid foods, there are a few options.
Spoon-feeding purees helps them develop oral motor skills and provides a great opportunity to interact with your child. Some parents find it reassuring to see what makes it into their baby’s mouth, too.
Baby-led weaning is another option. This is when you offer baby nutritious finger foods to explore and taste at their own pace. This supports fine motor and chewing skill development, and it allows baby to taste appropriately prepared foods from the family table.
Another approach to offering solids is called baby-led feeding.
What's Baby-led feeding?
Baby-led feeding mixes the best of these two methods. You decide what to offer from finger foods and purees- but the key is to let baby lead. This means you offer the food and your baby decides what and how much they want to eat.
1. Offer Finger Foods
- Try handling them small amounts of healthy food in soft, easy-to-pick chunks, appropriate to your baby's developmental stage.
Steamed Carrot Sticks
- Good source of Vitamin A (Supports eyesight)
Baked Apple, peeled and cut into eights
- Good source of Potassium (supports nervous system and muscles)
Wholegrain Fingers of Toast
- Good source of Fiber (supports digestion)
2. Spoon-Fed Purees
Think of nutritious combinations and remember to follow baby’s lead and respect their hunger and fullness cues.
Gerber® Probiotic Oatmeal, Lentil, Carrots & Apples
- Good spource of iron (supports brain development) and probiotics (supports digestion)
- Good source of protein and veggies
Gerber® Peaches & Cream Fruit Puree & Yogurt
- Good source of vitamin C
3. Include one High-Iron Food Per Meal
Iron is essential for brain development and oxygen transport. By six months, the iron stores your baby was born with are running low , so its important to offer foods that are rich in iron.
Beef meatballs, sliced
- Good source of zinc (supports immune system) and easily absorbed iron
- Good for: A plant-based source of iron, also contains folate, which helps baby’s body to make new cells.
4. Include one source of healthy fats per meal
Your baby needs healthy fats in moderation to support brain and nervous system develop.
Potato wedges roasted in canola oil
-
Good source of essential fatty acid and carb-rich energy
Avocado Slices
- Good Source of healthy fats
Boiled eggs slices
- Good source of protein(supports bones,muscles,skin and blood) and essential fatty acid
5. Avoid choking Risks
Only feed baby when they are seated and supervised. Don’t offer raw vegetables like raw carrot or celery, or other hard or round foods
No Whole grapes
- Instead: Cut into quarters (only at 12 months+)
No Whole nuts
- Instead: Grind them and add to meals
No Whole cherry tomatoes
- Instead: Cut into quarters (only 12 months old+)
Once your baby mastered purees
Introduce thicker textures and mashed foods. There’s no need to add sugar or salt to their food. Instead, try experimenting with herbs and spices your family loves! Starting solids can feel daunting, but Gerber® baby cereals, purees, and snacks can help. By always having a variety of parent-friendly Gerber® products on hand, you can rest assured you’re always able to give baby exactly what they need.
