Guidelines for introducing solids

From around 6 months – Pureed foods

• Start with low-allergenic foods such as rice cereals then add a range of pureed fruits and vegetables including mashed potato.
• Add only one food at a time and wait several days before introducing another food.

6 to 7 months – Smooth textured meat

• After the introduction of rice cereal and a range of smooth textured vegetables and fruits, your baby will be ready for the introduction of smooth textured meat. This will help to provide babies with iron which is essential for energy, and protein which helps with growth and development.
• Serve meat separately at first.
• Blend pan-fried meat in a food processor or hand blender with a little boiled water to a smooth paste.
• Some babies prefer meat blended with vegetables such as pumpkin, potato, zucchini and broccoli.
• Blend meat and vegetables from basic casserole and mince sauce recipes using liquid from the casserole or sauce. If necessary, add extra boiled water for a smooth paste.

7 to 9 months – Lumpy textured meat

• For thicker consistency and rougher texture, blend meat less or chop cooked meat very finely.
• Mince provides a perfect lumpy texture.
• Also introduce chopped and mashed fruits and vegetables, egg yolks, bread, pasta, custard, yoghurt and cheese

9 to 12 months – Finger foods

• Never leave your baby alone while eating.
• Cut food into small pieces which can easily be managed or held onto for chewing.
• Do not serve hard foods such as raw carrot, celery, apple and nuts as these may cause your baby to choke.

From 12 months – Family foods

• From 12 months, introduce family foods, including plain pasteurised milk.

Also read more on:

• Making peace with fussy eaters