As exciting as it is to introduce new flavors and food in general to your baby, it is recommended that the main nutrition come from breast milk. However, around 4 months is when you’re safely able to start testing out foods for your little one.

My son is officially 16 weeks old today but I’m waiting for his doctor’s appointment in two weeks to get the official okay. In preparation, I wanted to make a list of foods I will be introducing to him. With the fear of food allergies, I know right off the bat that I would only do safe foods first. I will choose one food at a time each day, to make sure he does well with it. I then will go ahead and start combining the foods I know he is fine with and start experimenting with fun combos.

4 MONTH INTRODUCTION TO FOOD:

Bananas (mashed)

Apples (peeled and blended to an apple sauce consistency)

Carrots (peeled, steamed, mashed, cooled)

Pears (peeled and blended to an apple sauce consistency)

Avocado (mashed until smooth)

Sweet potato (peeled, boiled, mashed until smooth, cooled)

Green peas (steamed and mashed until smooth, cooled)

Butternut squash (steamed and mashed until smooth, cooled)

Oats (boiled and prepared with just water and maybe a little breast milk mixed in)

Proteins are not necessary at this age as the baby will get enough protein from breast milk.

As my 15 week old approaches his 4 months, I felt it was time to prepare my list of Stage One approved foods. I’m excited to introduce something other than breast milk to my son. Although I absolutely love my breast feeding experience, I’ve been eager to see how he reacts to flavors.

As some of you know, I have been a vegan for over 10 years, since 2010 to be exact. I personally would love to have my son follow suit but I know that may not be realistic, as his father is not vegan like me. I have no issue with having my son want to try things his dad has, but I always intend to have him eat whole foods with little to no additives, if I can help it.

I will be adding my recommended combinations for homemade pureed baby food to this category. I will also share whether my son loved or hated them. I plan to get creative as I start his journey through weaning and flavor introduction!

How has your experience been with baby-led weaning or parent-led weaning? What concoctions have you put together for your little one?