Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve likely reached the exciting 6 month baby food milestone! Although all babies are unique, by this point your little one’s digestive system can probably handle more nutrients, and your baby can swallow food safely.
Even though breast milk or formula is still key, adding solid foods – either by spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning, or both – is vital for your baby’s development.
During this weaning journey, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether you’re new to it or already have experience, we are here to guide you on the benefits of organic Bababy food as well as how to create a balanced diet. Plus, we’ve curated some sample meal plans to make this experience a little bit easier for you and your little one!
Key Takeaways
- The 6 month milestone is crucial for introducing solid foods to your baby and ensuring proper nutrition.
- Look for signs that your baby is ready for solid foods, such as sitting up with minimal support and showing interest in food.
- Choose nutrient-dense, age-appropriate foods for your 6 month-old baby, considering organic and homemade options.
- Create a balanced 6 month baby food schedule that incorporates a variety of flavours and textures.
- Adjust feeding schedules as needed based on your baby’s individual needs and preferences.
Signs your baby is ready for solid foods
Your baby is ready to start weaning if they show these tell-tale signs…
- Sitting up with minimal support: Your baby should be able to sit upright in a high chair or feeding seat, holding their head steady.
- Showing interest in food: If your baby watches you eat, reaches for food, or opens their mouth when offered a spoon, they may be eager to explore solid foods.
- Loss of tongue-thrust reflex: Babies are born with a natural reflex that causes them to push food out of their mouths with their tongues. When this reflex disappears, usually from 6 months, it’s a sign that your little one is ready for solid foods.
- Doubled birth weight: Most babies are ready for solid foods when they have doubled their birth weight, which typically occurs around 6 months.
Choosing the best 6 month baby food
As your baby hits the exciting 6 month mark, picking the right foods, full of nutrients and made from good ingredients, is important.
At 6 months, your baby needs a variety of foods to grow well. The mineral iron is especially important as your baby’s stores will start to run low. Good sources of iron include:
- Pureed meats, such as beef, turkey, and chicken
- Mashed beans and lentils
- Cooked and pureed leafy greens, like spinach and kale
Babies also need zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats for their development.
Homemade vs shop-bought baby food
You can make your own baby foods however we know this takes time and for busy parents on-the-go with a jam packed schedule we know this isn’t always an option.
Shop-bought baby food is more convenient and efficient than making your own and lasts longer. But, this doesn’t mean compromising on nutrition for your little one. Our baby food is fully organic, sustainably sourced and packed with only the good stuff, so that your little one is filled with nothing but the nutrition they need for a beautifully balanced diet. Thanks to no added salt or sugar, our fibre-rich pouches with more protein offer the best nutrition from nature!
Introducing 6 month baby food
Start with single-ingredient purees so your baby can try new tastes and textures slowly. Good first foods include sweet potato, carrot, and butternut squash, as well as banana, avocado, and apple.
Start with smooth purees and then move to thicker ones. Finally, introduce soft, mashed foods.
How to introduce allergenic foods
It’s also important to introduce foods that might cause allergies early as this can help prevent them. Offer these foods to your baby in the morning or early afternoon, so you can monitor your baby for any signs of allergic reactions. Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3 to 5 days before introducing another to easily identify any potential allergies or intolerances. If your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction (such as a rash, swelling or difficulty breathing), stop feeding the food and consult your baby’s doctor immediately.
Foods like peanut butter, eggs, dairy, fish, and soy are common allergens. Below are some simple suggestions as to how best to introduce potential allergens into your baby’s diet.
- Peanut butter (thinned with water or mixed into purees)
- Eggs (scrambled or mashed)
- Dairy products (yoghurt or soft cheeses)
- Fish (pureed or flaked)
- Soy products (tofu or soy-based yoghurt)
Creating a balanced 6 month baby food schedule
A balanced diet should meet your little one’s nutritional needs and help them grow.
Here are some meal plans for your 6-month-old. They mix fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins for a balanced diet.
Meal Plan 1:
– Breakfast: Mashed banana with baby porridge
– Lunch: Sweet potato puree and steamed salmon
– Dinner: Peas, Carrots, and pureed chicken
Meal Plan 2:
– Breakfast: Peach puree with oats or Pure mango puree
– Lunch: Avocado mash and courgette puree
– Dinner: Lentil and butternut squash
Stuck on ideas for your little one’s meals? Check out our recipe blog!
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through introducing solids.
Iron is important, as is zinc and vitamin D. Your baby also needs a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Start with single-ingredient purees like sweet potato, carrot, or apple. Also, include iron-rich foods like meat or legumes. These are good for your baby’s growth.
A balanced schedule includes foods from all groups. Offer 2 to 3 meals a day of purees or soft foods and let your baby decide how much to eat. Increase your baby’s food amounts as they grow and watch for hunger and fullness cues to adjust your little one’s feeding schedule.
Introduce foods like peanuts, eggs, and fish around 6 months. Start with small amounts and watch for allergic reactions. If you have a family history of allergies, talk to your paediatrician first. Your baby may reject certain foods but remember it may take multiple re-introductions before they enjoy it, remember to be patient and watch for your baby’s cues.