Stage 1: First Foods Lists

Babies begin eating solid foods between four and six months of age. When you visit your baby’s pediatrician around that time, they will talk to you about introducing solids. They will also either provide you with a “First Foods List” or tell you where to find such lists online. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

·      It’s important to try only one food for a minimum of a few days before introducing another food. You’ll be able to check for allergic reactions by avoiding introducing too many foods at once. 

·      Babies should be in a steady and seated position when you introduce solids. 

·      Whether you are introducing purees or whole foods, please keep textures and cut sizes/shapes in mind. Spherical and coin shaped foods are choking hazards. 

·      You are introducing something new to your baby. The puckered faces are normal. If your baby doesn’t seem to like something, don’t make feeding stressful but do try again. It can take 10-15 times before babies will accept certain foods or flavors.

·      Always reach out to your baby’s pediatrician if you have questions or concerns. 

At The Little Cocoa Bean Co. we actively avoid othering, shaming, or telling you how you must do things that have been done naturally and easily all over the world since the beginning of time. Feeding is one of those things. The first foods lists you’ll find typically contain foods that are very Western and very Eurocentric. If your heritage foods aren’t on that list, keep doing you boo. Ask your ancestors what first foods are appropriate in your culture. For example, in my family Cho-Cho (aka chayote squash) is introduced as a first food. You will be hard pressed to find any published first foods list with Cho-Cho on it. So, when you are preparing to start your first foods journey ask your doctor (primarily) and friends/family members from other cultures if there are first foods that are eaten in other cultures that your baby can enjoy safely. You can also try introducing a new variety of the same category of food. For example, if you have already introduced russet potatoes try introducing a new variety of potato like sweet potatoes, Okinawan potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, etc. 

 Let us know what first foods your baby loved in the comments below! .