by Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist

Breads, Cereals and Grains
Cooked whole wheat pasta (small shells or twists)
Dry, unsweetened cereal without nuts
Whole grain toast, waffle, or French toast strips (good with veggie or fruit purees)
Crisp crackers and Graham crackers
Soft cooked brown rice, pressed into a small ball
Bagels (stale ones are great for teething)
Tender, homemade, whole grain mini-muffins
Fruits and Vegetables Soft, ripe or cooked fruit wedges: kiwi, pear, apple, banana, peach, nectarine, mango, papaya (be sure to peel)
Membrane-peeled oranges or tangerines for older babies
Dried fruit soaked or cooked until soft
Fork-mashed, cooked green peas
Vegetable strips (1' x 3") cooked until soft: sweet potato, broccoli, potato, parsnip, zucchini, asparagus tips, carrot
Ripe avocado slices
Dairy and Protein Foods
Grated mild cheese (Edam, Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
Cottage or ricotta cheese in small lumps
Soft-cooked, fork-smashed dry beans
Chopped, hard-cooked egg (yolk only for under age one)
Small slices of firm tofu
Mini meat or chicken balls, or small slices of meat loaf
Cottage cheese and pear puree finger sandwiches
Peanut butter thinned with mashed banana
Flaked fish or Healthy fish sticks
Cooked Garden Burgers cut into slices
Fats, Oils and Sweets
For needed fat: buttered bread, peanut butter crackers.
Avoid candy and other empty-calorie foods.

Thanks for the list! My little one will be there soon and I'm always a loss at what to give them - for some variety!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Thank you for this as well. With my daughter I did so much more research. But with the baby -- let's just say, it helps when someone gives me ideas!

You're welcome! I'm going to try to give some of these to my 2 year old. She still eats like a toddler.

What age is this approperate for? I have an 8 month old and I'm looking to give her some real food. To me it doesn't seem like she does a lot of chewing action. Do I just give her food and she will learn to chew on her own or do I have to somehow teach her?

It completely depends on your child. The best things to start with for us were Gerber stars, rice crispies and cheerios.

Thanks for all the great ideas! I printed it out a stuck it on the fridge.

My daughter was a bit of a late chewer. Banana chunks was what got her going. Those fruit puffs are great too.

Thanks for this. A lot of us are always wondering what snacks to give our babies.

Thanks!

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Mom of one kangaroo!

I just wanted to bump this up. Its such a great list!