A baby’s diet is one of the most important factors for their healthy growth. During the first years of life, the eating habits they develop can influence their relationship with food in the future. But what are the best foods for each stage? How can we ensure nutritious and tasty meals so that the baby accepts new flavors well?
In this article, you will learn about the foods your baby will love, divided by growth stages, ensuring balanced and tasty nutrition at each stage of life.
4 to 6 months: first tastes and soft textures
This is the stage of introducing solid foods, when the baby begins to try new foods in addition to breast milk or formula. The best foods for this stage are those with a soft texture, easy to digest and mild flavors.
Recommended options:
✅ Fruits: Banana, apple, pear, papaya and avocado. Always mashed or pureed.
✅ Vegetables: Carrot, sweet potato, chayote, pumpkin and yam, all well cooked and mashed.
✅ Cereals: Well-cooked oatmeal or rice porridge, without sugar or cow's milk.
📌 Tip: Introduce one food at a time and wait a few days before offering a new one, to observe possible allergic reactions.
From 7 to 9 months: more variety and different textures
Now that your baby has gotten used to the first foods, it's time to expand the menu and start offering new combinations and textures.
Recommended options:
✅ Fruits: Mango, melon and lime orange (in small quantities).
✅ Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower and beetroot, always well cooked and mashed or in small pieces.
✅ Proteins: Hard-boiled egg yolk, shredded chicken, and soft fish like tilapia or salmon.
✅ Grains: Lentils, beans and quinoa, well cooked and mashed.
📌 Tip: At this stage, you can start offering small portions of lightly mashed or chopped food, encouraging your baby to chew.
From 10 to 12 months: developing autonomy in feeding
The baby is now more familiar with food and can start eating on his own. This is the ideal stage to stimulate motor coordination and taste.
Recommended options:
✅ Fruits: Halved and seedless grapes, chopped kiwi and strawberries.
✅ Vegetables: Spinach, tomatoes and peppers, cooked or raw, cut into small pieces.
✅ Proteins: Egg whites, ground or small piece of meat, tofu and shredded chicken.
✅ Dairy: Unsweetened natural yogurt and white cheese in small pieces.
✅ Carbohydrates: Unsweetened wholemeal bread, well-cooked pasta and baked potatoes.
📌 Tip: Allow your baby to pick up food with his or her hands. This encourages independence and improves food acceptance.
After 1 year: more complete and diverse meals
From the age of 1, babies can eat almost anything the family eats, as long as it is healthy and well-prepared. It is essential to maintain a balanced diet, avoiding ultra-processed foods, excess sugar and salt.
Recommended options:
✅ Assorted fruits: Encourage the consumption of different fruits to stimulate the palate.
✅ Vegetables: Try grilled or steamed vegetables.
✅ Proteins: Introduce meat, eggs, fish and even small portions of legumes.
✅ Cereals and tubers: Bet on brown rice, potatoes, cassava and corn.
📌 Tip: Create colorful and attractive meals, as the appearance of the dishes influences the baby's acceptance.
What to avoid in your baby's diet?
🚫 Sugar and processed sweets: They should be avoided as much as possible in the first few years.
🚫 Excess salt: It can put a strain on the baby's kidneys.
🚫 Honey before 1 year: Risk of botulism.
🚫 Soft drinks and industrialized juices: They contain high sugar content and harmful additives.
🚫 Small and hard foods: Like peanuts, popcorn and whole grapes, to avoid choking.
Conclusion
Feeding your baby is a journey full of discoveries and challenges. By offering the right foods at each stage of growth, you ensure adequate nutrition and encourage healthy habits from an early age. Remember that each baby has their own rhythm, and the most important thing is to provide a positive and welcoming environment during mealtimes.
Be patient, respect your baby's time and enjoy this special moment of learning and connection!
