Signs your baby may be ready for solids:

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• Good head and neck control

• Sitting with minimal support

• Showing interest in food

• Opening their mouth when food is offered

• Bringing objects or food to their mouth

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First foods:

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Iron-rich foods are recommended as first foods, including:

• Iron-fortified infant cereal

• Meat, chicken, turkey, or fish

• Eggs

• Beans, lentils, and tofu

Breastmilk and/or formula should continue to be your baby’s main source of nutrition during the first year.

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Introducing textures:

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Babies benefit from trying a variety of textures including puréed, mashed, lumpy, minced, and soft finger foods. Offering lumpy textures before 9 months may help support feeding skill development.

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Feeding tips:

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• Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues

• Allow your baby to explore foods at their own pace

• Offer a variety of foods and flavours

• Include your baby in family mealtimes when possible

• Expect messes — learning to eat takes practice

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Food safety:

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To reduce choking risk:

• Always supervise your baby while eating

• Avoid hard, round, sticky foods such as whole grapes, popcorn, nuts, and hard candies

• Cut foods into safe sizes and textures appropriate for your baby’s age

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Introducing Common Food Allergens

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Common food allergens, such as peanuts and eggs, can be introduced when your baby starts eating solid foods, usually around 6 months of age. For babies at higher risk of food allergy, introduction may begin after 4 months of age, but not before. Waiting beyond 6 months to introduce allergenic foods is not recommended.

Common allergens include:

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts

• Eggs

• Cow’s milk

• Soy

• Wheat

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Sesame

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Tips for introducing allergens:

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• Introduce no more than one new food ever 2-3 days

• Start with small amounts of the new food at a time when they will be awake for 2-3 hours and observe them afterwards

• Wait two or three days before introducing another allergen

• Continue offering tolerated allergenic foods regularly about 2-3 times weekly once they are well tolerated

• Do not place allergen foods on the skin first, place them directly in the mouth once they are ready for solids

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Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

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• Hives or rash

• Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• A change in skin colour (i.e. blue or pale)

• Sudden tiredness / lethargy / sleepy / seeming limp

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Seek immediate medical attention or call 9-1-1 if your baby develops trouble breathing, swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

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For more detailed guidance on introducing solids and allergens, visit:
Canadian Paediatric Society – Feeding Your Baby in the First Year