100 First Foods for Baby: Your Easy Guide to Starting Solids

Discover 100 first foods for baby to start solids at 6 months. Find simple, safe, and healthy purees and finger foods to help your baby grow strong.

Introduction 

Starting solid foods is a big step for your baby. Around 6 months, babies can try new tastes beyond milk or formula. The “100 first foods for baby” idea is a fun way to give your baby lots of healthy foods before they turn one. This method helps prevent picky eating and gives your baby many nutrients.

This guide covers everything about starting solids. We’ll talk about when your baby is ready, safety tips, allergies, and a list of 100 first foods for baby. Whether you choose purees, baby-led weaning (BLW), or both, this guide makes feeding easy and fun. These 100 first foods for baby help your child love healthy eating while growing strong.

Feeding solids is also about family fun and exploring. Babies learn by touching and tasting. Every baby is different, so check with your doctor first, especially if allergies run in your family.

When and How to Start Solids

Before we list the 100 first foods for baby, let’s cover the basics. Babies can start solids at 6 months, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Look for these signs your baby is ready:

• Sits up with little help
• Holds head steady
• Shows interest in your food
• Stops pushing food out with tongue
• Can chew or gum soft foods

Start with one food at a time, giving 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily. Increase slowly as your baby likes it. Always watch them to avoid choking. Don’t give honey, cow’s milk to drink, or added salt or sugar until after 1 year.

You can prepare foods like this:

• Purees: Blend cooked food with milk or water until smooth.
• Baby-Led Weaning: Give soft, finger-sized pieces for self-feeding.
• Mix: Use both methods based on what your baby likes.

Focus on iron-rich foods since babies need iron after 6 months. Now, let’s check out the 100 first foods for baby.

List of 100 First Foods for Baby

We’ve grouped the 100 first foods for baby into fruits, veggies, proteins, grains, dairy, herbs/spices, and finger foods for BLW. Each group lists benefits and tips. This list is safe and varied, based on expert advice.

Fruits: Sweet and Easy (Foods 1-18)

Fruits are great first foods. They’re sweet, soft, and full of vitamins and fiber. They help the immune system and digestion. Mash or puree them to keep them safe.

1. Banana – Mash or puree. Has potassium for heart health; easy on tummies.
2. Avocado – Mash or puree. Gives healthy fats for brain growth.
3. Apple – Cook and mash or use unsweetened applesauce. High in vitamin C.
4. Pear – Cook and mash or puree. Gentle for digestion; helps with constipation.
5. Peach – Puree, cook if hard. Has vitamin A for eyes.
6. Mango – Puree. Sweet with beta-carotene.
7. Apricot – Puree, cook if firm. Has iron and fiber.
8. Papaya – Mash or puree. Helps digestion.
9. Strawberries – Mash or puree. Full of antioxidants; start after 6 months.
10. Blueberries – Mash or puree. Good for brain health.
11. Blackberries – Mash or puree. High in fiber.
12. Raspberries – Mash or puree. Lots of vitamin C.
13. Kiwi – Mash or puree. More vitamin C than oranges.
14. Plum – Mash or puree, cook if needed. Helps digestion.
15. Watermelon – Mash or puree, no seeds. Keeps baby hydrated.
16. Cantaloupe – Puree. Good for skin health.
17. Honeydew – Puree. Mild taste for new eaters.
18. Tomato – Cook and puree. Good for heart health.

Tip: Wash fruits well and remove seeds or pits. Mix with yogurt for creaminess.

Vegetables: Healthy and Tasty (Foods 19-36)

Veggies bring new flavors and nutrients like folate and vitamins A and K. They’re low-calorie and high-fiber for gut health. Steam or roast them to keep nutrients.

19. Broccoli – Steam, mash, or puree. Fights illness.
20. Sweet Potato – Cook and mash or puree. Full of beta-carotene.
21. Spinach – Cook and puree. Has iron for energy.
22. Peas – Cook and mash or puree. Has protein and fiber.
23. Zucchini – Steam and puree. Mild and hydrating.
24. Cauliflower – Steam and mash or puree. Good for “rice” dishes.
25. Potato – Cook and mash or puree. Filling carbs.
26. Carrot – Steam or roast and mash or puree. Helps eyes.
27. Asparagus – Steam and puree. Good for growth.
28. Brussels Sprouts – Steam and puree. Cleanses body.
29. Green Beans – Steam and puree. Good for bones.
30. Pumpkin – Steam or roast and mash or puree. Has antioxidants.
31. Eggplant – Steam or roast and puree. Low-calorie.
32. Kale – Steam and puree. Has calcium.
33. Parsnip – Steam or roast and mash or puree. Sweet and nutty.
34. Bell Pepper – Steam or roast and puree, no skin or seeds. Has vitamin C.
35. Onion – Cook and puree. Reduces swelling.
36. Garlic – Cook and puree. Boosts immunity.

Tip: Mix veggies with fruits, like carrot-apple puree, for better taste.

Proteins: For Growing Strong (Foods 37-51)

Proteins help build muscles and tissues. Try plant and animal proteins early to build tolerance. Cook well to keep them safe.

37. Lentils – Cook and mash or puree. Plant protein with iron.
38. Chickpeas – Cook and mash or puree, no salt. High in fiber.
39. Black Beans – Cook and mash or puree, no salt. Has antioxidants.
40. Kidney Beans – Cook and mash or puree, no salt. Has folate.
41. Silken Tofu* – Mash. Soy protein for vegetarians.
42. Salmon (no bones)* – Cook and flake or mash. Has omega-3s for brain.
43. Lamb – Cook well and puree. Has zinc for immunity.
44. Beef – Cook well and puree. High in iron.
45. Venison – Cook well and puree. Lean meat.
46. Pork – Cook well and puree. Has B-vitamins.
47. Chicken – Cook well and puree. Lean protein.
48. Turkey – Cook well and puree. Low-fat protein.
49. Egg* – Cook well and mash or puree. Full protein.
50. Prawns* – Cook well and puree. Low-mercury seafood.
51. White Fish* – Cook well and puree or flake. Mild taste.

*Allergen note: Try one at a time, wait 2-3 days.

Tip: Mix proteins with veggies, like lentil-carrot mash.

Grains and Cereals: Energy Boosters (Foods 52-58)

Grains give energy and B-vitamins. Choose iron-fortified cereals for extra iron.

52. Rice Cereal – Iron-fortified. Easy first grain.
53. Oatmeal Cereal – Iron-fortified. Good for heart.
54. Barley Cereal – Iron-fortified. Nutty taste.
55. Wheat Biscuits* – With milk*. Whole grain.
56. Quinoa Porridge – Has protein.
57. Amaranth Porridge – Old grain.
58. Buckwheat Cereal – Gluten-free energy.

Tip: Thin with milk for easy feeding.

Dairy and Alternatives: For Strong Bones (Foods 59-63)

Dairy helps bones grow. Start after 6 months with full-fat options for brain health.

59. Plain Yogurt* – Whole milk. Good for gut.
60. Soy Yogurt* – Dairy-free option.
61. Cottage Cheese* – Mild and lumpy.
62. Ricotta Cheese* – Creamy taste.
63. Cheddar Cheese* – Grated, small bits. Has calcium.

Tip: Use low-salt options; mix into purees.

Herbs and Spices: Add Flavor (Foods 64-70)

Use tiny amounts of herbs and spices to make food exciting.

64. Cinnamon – Warm flavor for fruits.
65. Nutmeg – Nice for porridges.
66. Coriander – Mild for savory foods.
67. Turmeric – Fights swelling.
68. Ginger – Helps digestion.
69. Basil – Fresh for veggies.
70. Oregano – Italian taste.

Tip: Use a pinch to keep flavors mild.

Finger Foods for Baby-Led Weaning: Fun to Eat (Foods 71-100)

For BLW, give soft pieces babies can hold. Make sure they’re soft enough to squish.

71. Broccoli Florets – Steamed.
72. Sweet Potato Fingers – Roasted or steamed.
73. Carrot Sticks – Roasted or steamed soft.
74. Banana Fingers.
75. Avocado Wedges.
76. Green Beans – Steamed.
77. Asparagus Spears – Steamed.
78. Apple Slices – Stewed soft.
79. Zucchini Sticks – Steamed.
80. Pumpkin Wedges – Roasted.
81. Potato Wedges – Steamed or roasted.
82. Pear Slices – Stewed soft.
83. Peach Slices – Soft.
84. Watermelon Slice – No seeds.
85. Mango Wedge – Soft.
86. Chicken Strips – Cooked.
87. Turkey Strips – Cooked.
88. Salmon Pieces* – Flaked, no bones.
89. Black Beans on Toast* – Mashed.
90. Cottage Cheese on Toast*.
91. Pasta Spirals* – Cooked.
92. Toast Strips* – Lightly toasted.
93. Lamb Chops – Cooked.
94. Meatballs – Large, soft.
95. Veggie Fritters*.
96. Strawberries – Large, soft.
97. Blueberries – Squashed.
98. Pancakes or Pikelets* – Small.
99. Toast with Fruit Puree*.
100. Zucchini Slice Fingers*.

Tip: Make pieces fist-sized; always watch baby.

Safety Tips and Allergies

When trying these 100 first foods for baby, keep safety first:

• Cut foods to safe sizes (no whole grapes).
• Try allergens (marked with *) one at a time. Watch for rashes or vomiting.
• Common allergens: eggs, peanuts (try thinned peanut butter), dairy, soy, fish, shellfish, nuts, wheat.
• Stop and call a doctor if you see problems.

The 100 first foods approach helps babies try many tastes. It may reduce allergies and picky eating. Use a checklist to track foods!

FAQ: Questions About 100 First Foods for Baby

When should I start the 100 first foods for baby?
At 6 months, when baby is ready. Ask your doctor.

How many new foods weekly?
Try 3-5 foods, waiting to check for reactions.

Can I skip purees for finger foods?
Yes, with BLW, if foods are soft and safe.

What if baby doesn’t like a food?
Try again later. It may take 10-15 tries.

What foods to avoid in the first year?
Honey, whole nuts, grapes, raw eggs or meat, added sugar or salt.

How do I make meals healthy?
Mix proteins, carbs, fats, and veggies or fruits daily.

Is organic needed?
No, but wash produce well.

What about water?
Give small sips after 6 months; no juice until 1 year.

Gagging vs. choking?
Gagging is normal; choking is quiet—learn CPR.

Can I freeze purees?
Yes, use ice cube trays.

Conclusion

Starting the 100 first foods for baby is a fun way to help your child grow healthy and love food. From avocado to zucchini slices, this list gives your baby many nutrients and tastes. Don’t aim for perfection—enjoy each messy meal as a step to eating alone.

Keep safety first, follow your baby’s cues, and talk to your doctor. These 100 first foods for baby set the stage for healthy eating habits. Happy feeding!