The foods your baby can eat will depend on her age and ability to chew. While no food is strictly off limits to a baby, some pose a choking hazard and some could result in an allergic reaction if your baby is at risk of food allergies. Many foods fit well into a baby's balanced diet, but talk to your child's pediatrician if she has health conditions that may change what she can eat.
Cereal
Beyond breast milk or infant formula, one of the first foods your baby will likely eat is cereal. Most baby food manufacturers have cereal products designed for a baby's digestion and nutrient needs as she learns to eat solid foods. It is also a consistency that is conducive to the eating patterns of a young baby. MayoClinic.com recommends mixing infant cereal, which is sold powdered, with breast milk or formula and gradually reducing the liquid and increasing the cereal. In addition, for older babies, cereal that dissolves quickly and is small enough to prevent choking is a good choice. Cheerios are a common choice for babies.
Jarred Food
Baby food in jars is simple to find at any grocery store and introduces your baby to new tastes while also being easy to swallow. Jarred baby food is available in fruit, vegetable, meat and combination flavors, but MayoClinic.com advises starting with single ingredient foods so you can monitor your child for allergic reactions. Introduce a new food every three to five days. If you want to make your own baby food, cook and finely puree the ingredients so that your baby doesn't choke when eating. By incorporating plenty of variety into his diet, your baby is more likely to be open to trying new foods and will get a wide range of nutrients from his meals.
Finger Foods
Once your baby gets some teeth and has mastered eating pureed foods, you can begin giving her finger foods. They should be chopped or shredded small enough that she can't choke if she swallows them whole. KidsHealth recommends canned fruits and vegetables without added salt or sugar because they are soft and easy to cut into small chunks. Cooked pasta, tofu, shredded cheese and cottage cheese are other finger foods that your baby can pick up and chew. Chicken is another good choice as long as it is cut very small. Always supervise your baby when she is eating finger foods in case she chokes.
Table Food
As your baby approaches her first birthday you will be able to give her what the rest of the family is eating. Chop meats, vegetables, fruits, potatoes and noodles into small pieces that he can feed himself with his hands or a baby-sized spoon. By doing this you are ensuring that your baby is getting nutrients he needs to grow and develop. According to MayoClinic.com, you should still offer breast milk or formula between meals until your baby reaches his first birthday and can begin drinking cow's milk. Table foods you should not give your baby include hot dogs, raw vegetables, whole grapes, raisins or hard cheese because they are choking hazards. Avoid honey before your child's first birthday because it could cause food poisoning.
