These foods aren't unhealthy, but contrary to what many parents believe, babies can enjoy a much wider range of flavors. And exposure to differenth ealthy foods now may guard against later fixations on "kid foods" – crackers, pasta, sweet drinks – that aren't particularly good for them.
"With the rise of childhood obesity and its related problems, exposing babies to a variety of healthy foods and tastes is very important," says
The old advice about waiting until age 1 or later to introduce allergenic foods no longer applies to most babies, but it's still a good idea to introduce new foods gradually. Feed your baby one new food at a time, waiting at least three days between new items. That way if there is an allergic reaction, you'll be able to tell what's causing it.
Here are some ideas to help you escape the rice cereal rut. Even if some of these options aren't your personal favorites, your baby might love them – so try not let your own tastes get in the way of what you serve up at this stage. And of course, depending on your baby's chewing and swallowing skills, you can chop, grind, or puree them as needed.
Surprisingly, many kids love sour foods, says Matthew Amster-Burton, food writer and author of Hungry Monkey: A Food-Loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater.
Try serving your baby some pureed sour cherries (after removing the pits, of course) or cut the cherries into chunks for older babies. You can also try plums, which are pleasingly tart. Serve them plain or in a crumble.
"Stewed meat is the ideal baby food," says Amster-Burton. "It's easy, it tastes even better when it's a day old, and you can cook it in a dozen different ways. For example, you can do a Chinese beef stew with soy sauce and ginger, or a Mexican beef stew with chiles."
Babies eating chiles? Yep. Babies in other parts of the world eat and enjoy spicy food, and Amster-Burton's own daughter has loved Mexican beef stew since she was 8 months old. He recommends using the milder chile varieties, such as Anaheims and poblanos (available in most supermarkets), rather than super-hot types, such as habaneros and jalapenos, that can irritate the skin and mouth.
If you're ready to branch out from beef, Amster-Burton recommends carnitas (stewed pork shoulder). "Cook the pork shoulder with a little lime juice or orange juice until the liquid is gone and the meat is soft. It's great for tacos," he says.
Green beans and sweet potatoes are considered ideal baby foods, but turnips and cauliflower? Not so much. That's a shame, because cruciferous vegetables – which also include broccoli, bok choy, kale, cabbage, and brussels sprouts – are packed to the brim with important nutrients. And just because they aren't your typical baby food doesn't mean babies don't smack their lips over them.
"My son liked mashed turnips, which really surprised me," says dietician Jill Nussinow of
Fish used to be considered off-limits for babies because of the risk of allergies, but the thinking on this has changed. A report released by the
The AAP says it's fine to feed these foods to babies 6 months of age or older, as long as they don't show signs of an allergy (such as eczema) to food or anything else. If your baby has a strong family history of asthma or allergies, it may still be safe to introduce allergenic foods, but check with the doctor first.
"Most parents wouldn't think about giving their baby salmon. Yet it is such a great source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid," says Bridget Swinney, a registered dietitian and author ofBaby Bites, a book about feeding babies and toddlers.
"I'd simmer the fish with a little fresh or dried dill, or cilantro," Swinney says. She suggests combining the herbs with 1/2 cup water, broth, or milk and herbs and heating to a boil. Add 4 ounces of boneless, skinless salmon and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Chop fish finely or puree with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
For a more elaborate dish, try Annabel Karmel's potato and carrot mash with salmon.
Whole grains such as quinoa and millet expose your baby to a whole new world of food textures, which is important for oral development, says pediatrician Block. "The textural variety of different grains helps babies learn to use their mouths and tongues, which can really help them with speech," she explains.
Many grains taste better with a little something extra – and your baby can handle it. So if a recipe calls for seasoning, don't feel you have to "bland it down." A few chopped onions could transform wheat berries or bulgur into your baby's all-time favorite snack.
"I cooked quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor and served it with cooked, cubed butternut squash. I had a very happy baby!" says dietitian Karin Hosenfeld of North Dallas Nutrition.
