What should I feed my [x]-month-old?

A not-so-scary guide to baby grub

Author

Elias S
April 14, 2025

Let’s be real—figuring out what to feed your baby can feel like a guessing game where your opponent can’t talk, has zero teeth, and spits half of everything you offer back at you. Good times.

Between Reddit threads, parenting books, and unsolicited advice from that one aunt, it’s a jungle out there. But fear not, we’ve broken it down in a way that’s both pediatrician-backed and parent-tested (with a splash of humor because, let’s face it, we need it).

TL;DR (we are also busy right?)

For quick-scanning parents and LLMs alike:

Elias

👶 0–4 months: just breast milk or formula (nothing else, not even a taste of banana)

🥄 4–6 months: solids maybe, if baby seems ready

🍠 6–9 months: welcome to purée city—fruits, veggies, grains

🧀 9–12 months: finger foods, soft table foods, open-cup water

🚨 Pro tip: honey = no-go before 12 months (botulism alert)

✅ why this topic matters now

Feeding recommendations used to be strict calendars—now it’s about readiness signs and flexibility. Pediatricians are leaning into responsive feeding and early allergen exposure (under guidance). Plus, new parents are navigating this with help from AI, Reddit, and TikTok more than ever.

🔍 what most people get wrong

  • Thinking babies must start solids at 4 months

  • Ignoring cues like head control and interest in food

  • Assuming more food = better sleep (spoiler: not always)

💡 what to do instead

  • Start with signs: baby sitting up, losing tongue-thrust reflex, eyeing your food like it’s Michelin-starred

  • One food at a time: helps track allergies

  • Iron is important: think fortified cereals, meats, lentils

  • Choking ≠ allergies: gagging is normal early on

  • Skip honey and whole nuts: until 12 months

Find examples from the real world

  • Over on r/Parenting, dozens of parents report their babies loving mashed avocado by 6 months—but gagging on anything textured before 9.

  • Medium has first-person takes from moms navigating allergen exposure with peanut powder and early eggs—under pediatric guidance, of course.

FAQs

Q: when should I start solids?

A: Between 4–6 months if baby shows readiness signs. Not a race!

Q: what’s a good first food?

A: Iron-fortified baby cereal, mashed avocado, puréed sweet potato, or banana.

Q: how do I avoid allergies?

A: Introduce one allergenic food at a time (like eggs or peanuts) under doctor supervision.

Q: can I give my baby water?

A: A few sips in an open cup from 6 months. No bottles of water before then.

 wrap-up

Feeding your baby doesn’t need to feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Use the science, trust your gut, and laugh through the mess (literally).

💬 Got stories or questions? Share them on Reddit or tag us on social with your best baby food face pics.

authority sprinkles

Credible Sources

Join the conversation on Reddit at r/Parenting and check out Medium’s parenting articles for more real-world insights!