Twelve Fast and Simple First Solids for Baby to Try

Being a first time mom, I must admit I was pretty excited to experience this first milestone with my baby boy. I couldn’t wait to watch him explore all the different tastes and textures for the first time. I was SO excited that I decided to start slowly implementing solids when he was five months. I will say that I am glad I did this gradually so I would recommend the same for you for two reasons; one—baby’s digestive system is still not fully developed and if you introduce a bunch of foods at once, you may have a miserable baby and two—your baby could have an allergic reaction so I made sure when I started introducing solids that it was one solid at a time for a few days to watch for any allergies. Eventually once you get in the swing of things, you’ll start to feel more comfortable moving at a faster pace but it is completely up to you and your baby. As always, follow the lead of your baby. As exciting as having Luke start solids was for me, I began to realize how overwhelming it was. I had no idea where to start, what foods I could even give him, what to avoid, how much do I give him, and how often do I feed him solids…I mean the questions I had were never ending. I found myself “googling” of course, trying to figure out where to start. As Luke is now completely dependent on solids and no longer breastfeeding or on formula; I am still running into more challenges with solids but more along of the lines of figuring out what to make him. I figured I am not the only one that was super lost in the process of starting solids so I wanted to put together a list of quick and easy solid foods for babies’ that are just starting out. These ideas are more focused on foods that don’t take much preparation and are great starter foods that most babies like. I always wanted to try and focus on giving Luke foods that I could prepare from home rather than baby food in a jar which is why I wanted to put together a list of foods you can give baby without much preparation straight from your pantry or fridge. These options not only save time but are healthy as well which is a win, win for us busy mamas!

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1. Rice/Oatmeal Cereal:This is typically the very first solid that babies will have when starting solids for the first time but it of course doesn’t have to be. Many moms go straight to a fruit or veggie and skip rice cereal or start with oatmeal instead of rice but it is completely up to you and what you feel comfortable giving your baby. Do your research first of course and check with Baby’s doctor on whether it is a good time for baby to start solids before beginning.  I started with rice cereal but only for a short period and then went to oatmeal as I found after research for that to be a healthier option.
Avocado: This was the very first fruit (weird saying that but it is) I gave Luke. He absolutely loved it. Most babies’ take to avocado because it has a light flavor and it’s a great first food due to its softness making it easy for babies’ to chew. I mushed it up for him with a fork and spoon fed it to him but it also is great for baby led weaning which we eventually worked up to when he was ready to feed himself.
2. Pear: This is also a great option for first time foods. All you have to do is wash, cut, and throw it in a blender or food processor and bam it’s done. You can even leave the skin on which actually is more nutritional for baby. It takes a few minutes and you have a delicious treat for your baby. You could even pair it with the avocado (no pun intended 😉 sorry had to). Below is what I used to puree Luke’s foods. It is super inexpensive and works really well. No reason to spend money on a “baby” food processor.
3. Banana: Another option that doesn’t require much prep. You literally peal the banana and you can either mush it in a bowl or serve with a spoon or you can cut it into small pieces and let baby feed themselves. However, too much banana can make your baby constipated so just be aware of how much you give him/her.  
4. Pumpkin: I buy the regular canned pumpkin from the grocery store and then I would freeze it in ice cube trays so it would be good for at least a few months and was in the perfect amount for my little guy. If you choose to do pumpkin, make sure the only ingredient is pumpkin and it has no added sugar or salt.
5. Butternut Squash: This one takes a little more preparation than the foods above but is still really easy and has minimal steps. First you wash and cut the squash in half lengthwise (make sure you remove seeds). Preheat oven to 400F. Place the squash meat side down in a baking dish with 1-2 inches of water. Bake for forty minutes or so until the skin of the squash is puckered and golden brown sort of like a roasted marshmallow. Then once it has cooled down, scoop out the meat and place it in a food processor or blender and puree it until the desired smoothness (add water to get desired consistency). Bam, you’re done. From here, I would put it in an ice cube tray to store for later use. It’s really simple and it will last you for a while.
6. Mango: If using mango for the first time (baby is 6 months or older), you do have to cook it first before giving to baby. I would buy organic frozen mango chunks and would microwave until soft. Then I would place it in the food processor and puree it until smooth. Luke loved mango. I now give it to him frozen in his munchkin mesh feeder since he now feeds himself.
Carrots: I would wash and cut the carrots into small bite pieces for Luke then I would place in the microwave until carrots are nice and soft. I then would place it into the food processor and puree until smooth adding water to get it to the consistency that Luke could tolerate. Once Luke was ready to feed himself, I simply skipped the food processor step and just gave him the cooked cut up pieces.
7. Apples: Another delicious and easy option for your baby but there are a few steps. You have to wash, peel, and cut the apples. You don’t have to cut it in small pieces. I usually use my apple slicer and that works fine. I pop them in the microwave until soft and then I throw it in the food processor and puree (adding water if necessary). Again, if you are doing baby led weaning or baby is ready to feed themselves, you can skip the puree step and simply cut it into small bite pieces.
8. Peas: I buy the frozen organic peas.  I usually just take what I need and prepare them that way.  I steam the peas in the microwave and then put them in a food processor and puree until desired smoothness (adding whatever amount of water works for your baby). You can also cut the peas in half and give to baby to feed themselves.
9. White Potato a.k.a mashed potatoes: You can boil the potatoes (cut and peel first), bake the potato, or microwave the potato. Quicker option is to microwave, just make sure you pole several holes in the potato before placing in the microwave. Then scoop out the potato goodness, mash it with a spoon, and then give it to baby.
10. Berries (blueberries and raspberries): I buy the organic frozen berries and then just microwave until soft and puree. Simple, easy, and a delicious treat for your baby.

All of these foods are great beginner foods for just introducing solids to your baby. I waited three days when first introducing a food to Luke then I waited to see if there was any sort of reaction. Once we were in the clear, I would go on to the next food. Once you know that your baby isn’t allergic, you can pair a lot of these foods together to make a meal. I know this stage can be overwhelming but I hope this offers a good place to start and remember—food is just for fun before one :). Any other mamas who have been there, feel free to add by commenting below! I would love to hear from you as I’m sure first time mamas would as well.