Baby food

20 Foods to Feed Your Baby Before Age One

When it comes to feeding your baby solid foods, variety is the spice of life. Research shows that the more fruits and vegetables a baby eats before age one, the more likely she is to eat a variety of produce by the time she's six. And when it comes to allergens like peanuts and eggs, pediatricians also recommend offering them to your baby before 12 months.

Peanuts

A recent landmark study showed that feeding peanuts to babies—even those at high risk of allergies—before age one can actually prevent peanut allergies. Never give your baby whole peanuts or a spoonful of peanut butter—both are choking hazards. Instead, spread a little peanut butter on toast sticks as finger food or stir a bit into a puree. Start on peanuts after your baby has tried and tolerated other more traditional foods, and, as always, consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

Onions and Garlic

Think outside the baby-food box by including small amounts of onion, leeks, scallions, and garlic into your baby's diet. When cooked, these flavor-boosters add a mellow, savory quality to purees and chunkier baby meals. After all, if you want to raise an adventurous eater, feeding your baby food with flavor is a smart start.