Feeding Baby

Solid Foods
From 6 to 12 months of age
Contents
Introducing Solid Food 1
Getting ready for meal times 2
Learning healthy habits 3
A healthy feeding relationship 3
Getting baby started 4
Iron-rich foods 5
Making healthy food choices for baby 6
Textured foods for baby 7
Trying new textures 8
Finger foods 8

Mealtime for Baby 9 Soft, cooked vegetables

Types of milk for baby 9
How many meals a day does baby need? 10
What does a meal look like? 10
Do babies need fat? 11
Drinks for baby 11
Foods to avoid 12
Caution 13
Baby’s teeth 13

Preparing Food for Baby 14

Homemade baby food 14
Recipes 15
Store-bought baby food 16
Label reading 17
Eating out with baby 18

Food Safety Tips 19

Be clean 19
Separate foods 19
Cook and reheat 19
Chill 19
Questions and answers on allergies 20

Contacts/Acknowledgements 21
Introducing Solid Food
At 6 months
Most babies start paying attention to what others are eating at around 6 months
of age. This is an exciting time for both baby and you. If baby is 6 months old and
reaching for your food, then baby is telling you that baby is ready to eat solid foods.
Let baby guide you.
Some people think giving solid food to babies under 6 months of age helps a baby
sleep through the night. This is not true. Giving solid foods to babies before
6 months can lead to over-feeding and low breastmilk intake.
Do not wait too long after a baby is 6 months old to introduce solid foods. Babies
who are not introduced to solid foods until later in the first year may have a difficult
time learning to eat different textures and
flavours of foods. Babies do not need to have
teeth to eat solid foods. Babies have small
stomachs and need small,
Introduce only one new food at a time to baby. frequent meals and snacks.
Wait at least two days before adding the next Begin by offering 1 to 2
new food so any allergy signs are easily noticed. teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) of
For more information see Questions and food and gradually give more
answers on allergies. as baby accepts it.
As you introduce new foods, continue to offer
foods that baby has already tried. Both you and
baby should be relaxed and happy at mealtimes.
Allow baby plenty of time for feeding.

This tastes good

Grandpa!

1
 Getting ready for meal times
Face baby Put baby in a high chair, sitting straight up, facing forward.
to feed Use the safety belt to secure baby safely in the high chair.
Sit so you are facing each other.

Let baby take Allow baby to take the lead when eating.
the lead role Wait for baby’s mouth to open when you offer food.

Baby sets Let baby set the pace for eating. Feed as slowly or as
the pace quickly as baby wants. Stop feeding when baby show signs
of fullness. Never force baby to eat.

Baby plays Babies like to touch and feel new foods to become more
with food familiar with them. Let baby make a mess while learning to
eat with fingers.

Go slowly with Do not worry if baby rejects, or appears not to like a food
new foods the first time. Try the food again a few days later. Some
babies are very cautious eaters and need time to trust
that a new food is okay to eat. Continue to offer baby
new foods as well as the foods that you know baby already
likes to eat.

Signs of hunger
• excited when put in the high chair
• sucks or smacks lips
• opens mouth at sight of food
• puts fist in mouth or cries
• leans forward or reaches for food

Signs of fullness
• turns head away at sight of spoon
• closes mouth at sight of spoon
• covers mouth with hands
• fusses or cries
• falls asleep

2
Learning healthy habits
Babies learn by watching people around them. Eating patterns and habits that babies
learn early have a lasting effect on how a baby will grow and develop.
When a family eats together, baby learns that meal times are a
time for the family to come together and share. Babies are quick to
learn about food likes and dislikes of family members. It’s important to be positive
about foods and make healthy choices. Baby wants to be just like you. Be a healthy
role model.

A healthy feeding Every baby will like

relationship different foods and eat
different amounts of
• Baby needs time to develop skills and explore food.
the eating experience.
• Learn to trust and respect your baby’s signs of
hunger and fullness. Baby knows how much to eat.
• A baby’s growth is the best indicator that baby
is eating enough food.
• Baby may have to try a food at several different
meals before baby decides it’s good to eat.
• Keep eye contact with baby when baby is eating
and become familiar with what baby is telling you.
• When you learn to understand and respond to
baby’s signs for hunger and fullness you will help
baby to understand baby’s own feelings.

3
 Bowel movements
When any change is made to baby’s
diet, bowel movements may change
in firmness and number. These
changes include:
• changing from breast milk to
infant formula or cow’s milk
• a supplemental feeding
• changing brands of infant formula
Getting baby started
• starting pureed or table foods
Baby’s appetite will vary from
Usually this change does not last day-to-day. Some days a baby will
long, and a new bowel movement eat a lot, other days not so much. Baby’s
pattern soon develops. appetite for solids will increase as baby
grows older. This is normal. Once baby is
eating a variety of foods, baby will typically
eat anywhere from 1 to 5 tablespoons
(15 to 75 ml) of each food choice offered
Healthy habits at a meal.
start early… Offer small amounts of food to start with.
Increase this amount as baby learns to like
solid foods. Use the texture appropriate
to baby’s age and stage. Watch baby for
signs of being full.
Start with one meal a day. As baby
grows and learns to like more foods
you will find that baby will be ready
for three regular meals with the
family.
Breastmilk continues to be the
most important food for baby.
Breastfeed first before feeding
solid foods.

4
Iron-rich foods
Babies need iron for growth and development. Babies are
born with iron stored in their bodies but these iron stores are used up
by six months of age. This is why it is important to give baby foods that contain
iron when you first start feeding solid foods.
A combination of iron-fortified infant cereals, meats, and alternatives will meet
baby’s iron needs. Alternatives include cooked egg yolk, beans (kidney beans, lima
beans) and lentils.
Babies need foods that are a good source of vitamin C, such as sweet
potatoes, green beans, squash, broccoli and mango. Vitamin C helps our bodies use
the iron from the foods that we eat.

Stages of food texture in Other sources of iron

iron-fortified infant cereal
Starting out: Meat source of iron
Minced chicken
Smooth

Later on: Alternative source of iron

Soft, cooked kidney beans
Lumpy

Vitamin C sources
Mango Green beans

5
 Please cut and peel me
some apple.

Making healthy food choices for baby

Once a variety of foods and solids become
part of baby’s daily routine, try to include
3 to 4 food groups at each meal.
Baby will need foods from all the four food groups
in Canada’s Food Guide as shown below.

Vegetables Grain Milk & Meats &

& Fruit Products Alternatives Alternatives

Examples of typical Use iron-fortified infant Breast milk continues Meat and alternatives
first vegetables & fruits cereals* such as rice, to be the main food for provide dietary iron.
include carrots, squash, barley, oats and wheat. baby throughout the first Examples are chicken,
yams, sweet potatoes, Always feed infant cereal year. Breastfeeding is wild game, turkey, beef,
peas, bananas, peaches, from a spoon, not in a encouraged for 2 years pork, lamb, beans and
mango, applesauce and bottle. and beyond. other legumes, deboned
avocado. fish, cooked egg yolk
Introduce all single-grain If not breastfeeding, infant
and tofu.
Progress from pureed cereals before feeding formulas with iron are
to mashed foods, and baby a mixed grain the best alternative to Some fish may contain
then to cooked vegetable cereal. breast milk and should high levels of mercury.
pieces and soft cut-up be used for at least the This is of particular
Progress to other grain
fruit. first 9 to 12 months. concern to young
products such as cut
children and pregnant or
Juice is optional. Use up pasta, rice, couscous, Milk products such as
breastfeeding women**.
100% pasteurized, unsweetened breakfast plain yogurt (>2.5 MF)
unsweetened juice, cereals, toast and plain and cheese can be given Choose char, herring,
served in a cup, not unsalted crackers. after baby has been mackerel, salmon,
in a bottle. Limit juice to introduced to a variety of sardines, trout or “light”
125 ml / 1/2 cup a day. iron-rich foods, cereals, tuna. Avoid shark, fresh
fruits and vegetables. or frozen tuna, swordfish
and marlin.
Whole (homogenized /
* iron-fortified infant cereals are 3.25% MF) milk can ** Health Canada provides
recommended until 18-24 be introduced after advice for limiting exposure
months of age. to mercury from certain
9 months. types of fish. Refer to
www.healthcanada.gc.ca
for the latest information.

6
Textured foods for baby
When feeding baby, match the texture of food to baby’s developmental stage
and feeding cues. Use the ages listed below only as a general guideline
because every baby is different and a baby may progress through these stages
faster or slower than what is listed.

Age Baby’s developmental Appropriate

(months) stage food texture

• holds head up • strained

• sits with little help • pureed
• opens mouth when food is offered • smooth
• reaches out and is curious • mashed

6 •
about food
is able to take food from a spoon
• is able to move food to back of
mouth with tongue

7 •
•
can turn head away to refuse foods
begins a chewing motion
Smooth green beans

• likes to finger feed • grated

8 • can sit on own • minced
• is starting to crawl • lumpy
• can close mouth on cup rim • diced
9 •
•
sips from a cup with help
shows interest in feeding themselves
• cut up

Minced peaches

10 •
•
feeds self with fingers
tries to feed self with spoon
•
•
soft foods
finely chopped
• •
11 •
tries to hold cup when drinking
accepts 4 to 5 sips from cup
foods that soften or dissolve
in the mouth. Examples are dry,
toasted-oat cereal and unsalted,
• bites and chews food
12 whole wheat crackers.

7
 Trying new textures
It is important for baby to try different textures. This helps
baby learn to chew, swallow and enjoy the same food the family is eating.
Baby needs pureed food only for a short time. Between 6 and 7 months,
baby can progress from purees to well-mashed and soft-cooked finger
foods.
At 7 to 9 months of age, babies like to start to feed themselves.
Encourage self-feeding and finger foods as soon as baby shows interest.
Continue to offer food on a spoon as baby learns to eat.
If you wait too long to feed lumpy, solid foods it
may be harder for baby to accept new textures
of foods. It may also increase the risk of feeding Babies may gag or spit
difficulties later on. out food when learning to
eat. This is normal, simply try
At 12 months of age, baby should be eating offering the food at another
with the family and enjoying the same variety of meal. Don’t be discouraged.
healthy foods that the family is eating.

Finger foods
Almost any healthy food can be made into a good finger food, just make sure
to cut the food into bite-sized pieces. Here are some ideas:
• soft ripe peeled fruit (banana, pear, • shredded or cubed cheese
peaches, plums, mango, cantaloupe, • tender cooked meat cut up
kiwi)
• cooked beans and lentils
• soft cooked vegetables (carrots, sweet
potato, turnip, zucchini, broccoli) • tofu
• dry toast strips • cooked pasta or cut up casserole

8
Mealtime for Baby
Types of milk for baby
• The only food baby needs for the first six months of life is breastmilk.
• Babies still need breastmilk when they start eating solid foods.
• Babies who are not breastfed will need to
have an iron-fortified infant formula for the
first 9 to 12 months. Health Canada
• At 9 to 12 months, babies can be offered recommends that all
pasteurized, whole fat (homogenized / babies continue to be
3.25% MF) milk once they are eating a breastfed until they are 2 years
variety of iron-rich foods at most meal of age and beyond.
times. A breastfed baby does not need
to add extra milk.
• If baby is not eating a variety of foods that contain iron then do not start feeding
baby whole fat (homogenized / 3.25% MF) milk. Keep breastfeeding or using iron-
fortified formula and continue offering iron-rich foods to baby.
• If baby is under 2 years and has been weaned to whole fat (homogenized / 3.25%
MF) milk, baby will need to continue with this milk until baby is 2 years old.
• Lower-fat milks such as 2%, 1%, and skim do not have enough
fat and energy for a baby. These milks are not recommended
for babies under 2 years of age.
• Soy or rice drinks should not replace breastmilk, formula, or whole fat
(homogenized / 3.25% MF) milk in the first 2 years. This is because they do not
contain enough protein, healthy fat, or calories to help baby grow and develop.

Iron-rich solid foods

include iron-fortified infant
cereals and meats and
alternatives.

9
 Remember
Parents are responsible
for what foods are offered.
Baby is responsible for
how much baby eats.

How many meals a day does baby need?

No two babies eat alike ... some babies are very interested in food and
may want more. Other babies are less interested and take a bite or two. The following
chart is just a guideline to help you plan meal times for baby.

At 6 to 8 months Offer 1 to 3 meals per day

At 9 to 11 months Offer 2 to 3 meals and 1 to 2 snacks per day between meals

At 12 months Offer 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks per day between meals

What does a day of meals for a 9 month old look like?

In addition to breastmilk:

Morning Meal

Iron-fortified infant cereal Cut up peaches 1 Egg yolk

1/2 cup prepared 2 to 3 tbsp (hard boiled)

Mid-day Meal

Bread Vegetables 1/4 Small banana

1/2 slice 2 to 3 tbsp soft, cut up

Snack

1 ounce Cheese cubes 1/4 cup dry cereal Small cup of water

Evening Meal

Pasta Soft cooked carrots Chicken

1/4 cup 2 to 3 tbsp 1 to 2 tbsp

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 Shredded cheese

Do babies need fat?

• Babies need a source of good fats for growth and development. Good fats
include: whole fat milk products including yogurt, cheese and milk; and meat,
fish*, poultry and avocado.
• When feeding baby store-bought foods, look at the Nutition Facts panel and
choose foods that have a small amount or no saturated fat. Choose foods
that contain no trans fats. (hydrogenated fat or vegetable oil shortening).
See label reading.
• Reduced fat foods and diet foods are not appropriate for baby.
* Health Canada provides advice for limiting exposure to mercury from certain types of fish.
Refer to www.healthcanada.gc.ca for the latest information.

Drinks for baby

Follow these guidelines when baby
is 6 to 12 months old
Water
After six months, and once your baby is drinking out
of a cup, you can offer water to quench baby’s thirst.
If you think baby is thirsty, try offering a small amount
of water (2 to 3 oz/ 60 to 90 ml). Babies should get
used to the taste of water but it should not replace
the intake of milk. A healthy habit for baby is
to learn to drink milk with meals and drink
water to quench thirst.
Juice
Juice is not necessary for baby. After 6 months,
if you decide to give juice, choose 100% unsweetened, pasteurized
fruit juice and offer it in an open cup as part of a meal or snack.
Diluting juice is not necessary. Babies should have no more than 2 to
4 oz (120 ml / 1/2 cup) of juice a day. Juice should not be given in a
bottle as this can lead to tooth decay (rotten teeth). Choose to offer
baby fruits and vegetables instead.
Other For the first 6 months,
Drinks such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, pop, healthy, full-term babies get
fruit drinks, lemonades, punches or sports all the fluid they need from
drinks should never be given to babies. breastmilk and formula. A baby
does not need any other fluids.

11
 Foods to avoid
The following foods are not healthy choices for a baby:

french fries candy, chocolate or marshmallows

pop and freezie/slushie type drinks ice cream, sweet desserts,
sweetened gelatin
pickles and olives processed meats like hot dogs/
weiners, bologna, salami
snack foods such as chips,
sugar coated cereals
cheese/popcorn puffs
dry or canned soups, canned pasta gravy, butter, margarine,
salad dressing

Babies do not need added sodium (salt) and sugar.

• Extra salt is hard on baby’s kidneys. Sugary foods, candy and drinks do
not give baby needed vitamins or minerals, can cause tooth decay and
may put baby at risk for weight problems later in life.
• Due to the risk of botulism (food poisoning) a baby should not be given
honey until they are over 12 months of age.

Yummy!
Watermelon is a
great snack for me!

12
 Grapes need to be cut
into quarters
Caution
Be cautious with certain textures. Your baby’s chewing and
swallowing skills will keep developing into their preschool years.
Although it’s normal for a baby to gag and spit out food while learning
to eat, choking is dangerous. Avoid or modify foods that are choking
hazards until the child is 3 to 4 years of age. Learn what to do if baby
is choking. Keep all emergency numbers posted by the phone.
Safety tips
Foods that may cause What to do to make
problems... them safe
Foods that are stringy or chewy like meat, Cut the food up into small pieces
long pasta, or cheesy toppings
Food that sticks to the roof of the mouth Spread it thinly for your baby
like cream cheese and cheese spread
Round or smooth foods like grapes Cut them into four parts and take out the
or cherries pits or seeds
Foods like wieners or hot dogs Cut them lengthwise and then cut again
into bite-sized pieces
Hard foods like raw vegetables or fruit Cook to soften them or grate them into
tiny pieces
Hard candies, nuts, seeds, popcorn, fish Do not give these foods to babies before
with bones, or snacks with toothpicks or they are 4 years old
skewers, raisins and gum

Baby’s teeth
Before teeth appear, wipe baby’s gums with a soft cloth. As soon as
baby’s first tooth appears you can begin to brush baby’s teeth twice
a day and especially before bed. Use a small soft bristle tooth brush.
Lift baby’s upper lip once a month to check teeth for early signs of
tooth decay. White lines along baby’s gum line could mean the start
of tooth decay. Brown areas along baby’s gum line can mean baby
may already have tooth decay.
At 12 months you can use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste*,
the size of a grain of rice. Fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities.
Baby
Have baby’s teeth checked by a dental professional when toothbrush
baby is one year old.
13
* Caregivers should ask a dental health professional for specific fluoride recommendations.
 Preparing Food for Baby
Homemade baby food
Making your own baby food is a simple,
nutritious and inexpensive way to feed baby.
It allows you to offer textures that are just right for baby’s
needs and abilities.
There is no need to prepare large amounts of pureed baby
food. Baby will progress quickly to more textured foods.
Baby will enjoy eating the same types of foods as the rest of
the family. Baby does not need added sugar or sodium (salt)
and neither do we. Remove baby’s food portion if you are
going to add sugar or sodium (salt) to the family meal.
Baby food can be made at each meal or ahead of time and
stored in the fridge or freezer. See Food Safety Tips.
Do not feed homemade baby food directly from the
container. Put the amount of food baby will eat at one meal
into a dish and feed from the dish. Throw out any leftover
food in baby’s dish after baby is finished eating.
Food can be
prepared easily
Mashed peaches
by mashing with
a fork or potato
masher or by using
a food grinder,
processor or
blender. Rice

Pureed green beans

Hand grinder

Minced
chicken

14
Recipes
Vegetable or Fruit Puree Fruit and
Ingredients Yogurt Smoothie
Fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) frozen fruit
Method • 1/2 cup (125 ml) plain yogurt
1. Wash, peel and cut up fresh or frozen • 1/2 cup (125 ml) whole fat
vegetables or fruit. (homogenized / 3.25% MF) milk*
2. Using the stove: Place the vegetable or
fruit pieces into a steamer in a small
Method
amount of boiling water and simmer 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and
until tender. Using the microwave: puree until smooth.
Place vegetable or fruit in a microwave 2. Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) to 1/2 cup
safe bowl with a small amount of tap (125 ml) into a cup for baby and place
water and heat at a high setting until the remainder into a glass for mom or
the vegetables are tender, about 3 to 5 dad. Sit and enjoy.
minutes.
3. Drain the vegetables or fruit, saving the Alternative suggestion
cooking liquid. Frozen Fruit and Yogurt Pops
4. Puree the vegetable or fruit with a small
1. Place 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the fruit and
amount of the cooking liquid.
yogurt puree into frozen treat molds
5. Serve baby his/her portion and freeze and freeze until firm.
the remaining puree. See Food Safety
2. Serve as a snack.
Tips, Chill.
*Wait until 9 months to use.

Meat or Legume Puree

Ingredients Method
• Remove all fat and skin from meat 1. Place chopped meat or drained legumes/
before cooking lentils into a blender.
• 1 cup (250 ml) of cooked and chopped 2. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of liquid and start to
beef, wild game, chicken, turkey, puree. Slowly add another 1 to 2 tbsp.
fish (no bones), legumes or lentils. (15 to 30 ml) liquid until you have a
• 2 to 4 tbsp (30 to 60 ml) liquid. This can smooth puree.
be breastmilk, water, or cooking liquid 3. Serve baby his/her portion and freeze the
from vegetables/fruit. remaining puree. See Food Safety Tips, Chill.
4. As baby grows older, increase the texture.

For more recipe ideas check with your local community health centre.

15
 Yogurt

Store-bought baby food

Many parents introduce their babies to solid foods without using store-bought
baby foods. If using store-bought baby food, here are some tips:
• Start with plain, single grain, iron-fortified infant cereals or a meat puree.
• Increase texture as baby gets older.
• Read the ingredients list. The main ingredient is Baby does not need
listed first, and the least ingredient is listed last. packaged baby foods,
Choose foods without added salt, sugar and little like custards, baby juice, desserts
or no saturated fat and no trans fats (hydrogenated and teething biscuits.
or partially hydrogenated).
• Make sure the safety seal is not broken. Do not use the food in the jar if you do
not hear the lid pop, or if the safety seal button is up.
• Throw away any baby food that is past the “best before” date.
• Do not feed baby directly from the jar. Put the amount of food baby will eat at
one meal into a dish, and feed from the dish. Throw out any leftover food from
the baby’s dish after baby is finished eating.
• Casseroles and combination dinners may contain less meat than you expect.
Choose a meat in broth. Examples are beef or chicken in broth.

Unsweetened applesauce

Pureed carrots,
peas and fruit

16
 This package contains
more wheat flour
than all the other
ingredients.

Label reading
Ingredients Label:
Use the Ingredient label to see if
• there are ingredients you want to avoid, The ingredient flax
for example salt or sugar meal is the smallest
• there are ingredients baby is allergic to amount of ingredient
in this package.
If you are not sure you can call the 1-800 number
listed on most packages.

Nutrition Facts Label: Dietary This ingredients label lists trans fats
Guidelines used for label information do not such as hydrogenated vegetable oil,
and vegetable oil shortening. Do not
apply to children under 2 years of age. Use feed your baby foods that contain
nutrition fact labels to understand what is in trans fats.
the package and to make healthy food choices.

Serving Size — is a suggested serving for adults.

A serving for a baby may only be one or two
crackers at a meal or snack.

% Daily Value — the percentage of the total

recommended daily amount of each nutrient
(fats, carbs, proteins, major vitamins, and minerals)
for the serving size stated on the package, based
on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. The % Daily Value
numbers are not recommendations for a baby.

Total fat — for the serving size listed; includes

saturated fat and trans fat. Choose foods that
contain little or no saturated fat per single serving
and no trans fat. In this example the suggested
serving is 6 crackers. A suggested baby sized
serving would be about 2 crackers. Most saturated
fats and trans fats are unhealthy fats. Babies do
need healthy fats and cholesterol in their
diets for proper growth and development. Healthy
fats to choose from are plant based oils such as
canola, olive, sunflower and the fats found naturally
in whole milk products such as full fat milk and
cheeses. Check out the ingredients label.

Sodium (salt) and Sugar — Choose packaged Fibre — is important for everyone, including
foods with little or no amounts of sodium (salt) babies, to keep bowel movements regular.
and sugar. Look at the ingredient list to see where There are no guidelines for how much fibre
sodium and sugar are listed. If sodium and sugar a baby should have. Fibre is found naturally in
are listed as one of the first three ingredients, the fruit, vegetables, lentils and whole grains. Fibre
product is not a healthy choice. supplements are not recommended for a baby.
17
 Remember
You are a role model for healthy
choices for baby. Make eating out
a time for you and baby to enjoy
healthy foods together.
Eating out with baby
You can enjoy a meal out with Most foods in restaurants and fast food
baby from time to time. Planning ahead courts are not suitable for baby but with
will ensure baby has healthy foods to eat careful planning you can order from the
no matter where you go. menu. Ask the server questions about
Before leaving the house, pack enough ingredients used to prepare the meal and
food for baby to cover the time you then select items appropriate for baby.
will be out. To be really prepared, pack Most restaurants and fast food kiosks
a little extra in case you do not return have a microwave and may be willing to
home in time for baby’s next meal. Use reheat baby’s food.
an insulated lunch bag containing a Good choices to order from a menu
small freezer pack. This keeps food at a include simple dishes like:
proper temperature and prevents it from • broiled meats
spoiling. • baked potato, pasta, rice
• steamed vegetables with no added salt
Tips for eating out with baby or fat
1. Bananas are the perfect pack-up-and-go These foods are easily mashed, minced or
fruit or try soft pieces of fruit you can diced depending on the texture of food
mash with a fork. baby is currently eating.
2. Leftovers like cooked vegetables and/or Baby does not need foods containing
meat can be cut into appropriate sized unhealthy fats, sugar and/or salt.
pieces, heated and placed in a thermos
to maintain proper temperature. Avoid foods like:
3. Pack small, reusable containers with • deep fried potatoes or fried vegetables
a serving of yogurt or unsweetened (unhealthy fats)
applesauce.
4.. Take along dry, unsweetened cereal or • breaded or fried meats
unsalted, whole wheat crackers. (unhealthy fats)
5.. Handy items to take with you include a • cakes, cookies, pies and ice
bowl and spoon to feed baby, a fork for cream (high in sugar)
mashing food and a reusable cup for a
drink of water, especially if you plan on
sharing your food.

18
Food Safety Tips
Be clean • When cooking food for baby, make sure
• Wash hands with warm, soapy water food is cooked to safe temperatures.
Use a meat thermometer to test the
before preparing baby’s food.
temperature.
• Clean all surfaces and equipment with hot
water and soap before and after preparing Ground meat 165ºF / 74ºC
baby’s food.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables under running Beef and pork 160ºF / 71ºC
water. Scrub fruits and vegetables that
Poultry 165ºF / 74ºC
have a firm skin under running water.
• Wash your hands and baby’s hands and Fish 145ºF / 63ºC
face before eating.
Leftovers and 165ºF / 74ºC
Casseroles
Separate foods
• Separate raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs • Homemade baby food can be reheated in
from foods that are ready to eat. This will the microwave or in a double boiler. Be
help prevent the spread of bacteria. careful when heating in the microwave,
as there are hot and cold spots. Stir and
• Use one cutting board and one set rotate the food often for even reheating.
of utensils for raw meat, poultry, fish
and eggs and another for ready-to- • Always test the temperature of food
eat foods such as fruits, vegetables and before feeding baby. It should be luke
breads. Wash cutting boards and utensils warm, not hot.
thoroughly after each use.
• Do not place cooked food on dishes that Chill
have held raw meat, poultry, fish or eggs.
• Prepared foods, including infant formula,
should not be left at room temperature
Cook and reheat for more than one hour.
• You can thaw food in the refrigerator, in • Homemade baby food or commercially
a microwave or in a sealed container that prepared baby food that has been opened
is submersed in cold water. It is not safe may be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
to thaw food on the counter at room • When freezing homemade baby food put
temperature. it into ice-cube trays or drop spoonfuls
onto a cookie sheet, cover and place in
freezer. Once the food is frozen, empty
the cubes or spoonfuls into a plastic
freezer bag and label the contents with
the name and the date the food was
prepared.

Homemade baby food

ready for the freezer
19
 Questions and answers on allergies
Q. What are the signs of a Q. What should I do if my baby
food allergy? shows severe or sudden
A. Possible signs of an allergy are: allergy symptoms?

• a rash or hives A. Babies who show severe or sudden

allergy symptoms need immediate
• throwing up, diarrhea, or emergency care. If any of the
stomach pain following severe symptoms appear,
• clear, runny nose that lasts take your baby to the nearest
a long time emergency department right away.
Telephone 911 for an ambulance
• watery or swollen eyes if the symptoms start immediately
• poor growth or quickly become worse.
Signs include:
Q. What should I do if my baby • difficulty breathing
shows signs of a food allergy? • unable to swallow
A. If you think baby has an allergy, do the • swelling of the tongue or
following. in the mouth
• Stop feeding the food you think • swelling inside the throat
caused the allergy. This is why it
is so important to introduce only
one new food at a time. If you have concerns about food
allergies and specific foods to avoid
• Make an appointment with your you can contact Health LINK
baby’s doctor.
Alberta. See contact information
• You may need to see a children's on the next page.
allergy specialist.

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Contacts
If you have questions about feeding baby solid foods, contact:

• baby's doctor • registered nurse

• nurse practitioner • registered dietitian
• community/public health • registered community
nurse nutritionist

Or call Health LINK Alberta at

• Edmonton 408 LINK (5465)
• Calgary 943 LINK (5465)
• Outside of the Edmonton and Calgary local calling
areas call 1 (866) 408 LINK (5465)

Acknowledgements
Thank you to the partners who researched, created, provided their expertise and reviewed
the content of Feeding Baby Solid Foods - From 6 to 12 months of age:
• Provincial Infant/Preschool Subcommittee of the Alberta Public/Community Health
Nutritionist’s Committee.
• Registered dietitians, registered community nutritionists, public health nurses, pediatric
occupational therapists, and dental hygenists for thoughtful insight and thorough review.
Alberta Health and Wellness would also like to acknowledge:
• Parents who provided photos of their • Dietitians of Canada. Practice-based
infants mastering the skill of eating healthy Evidence in Nutrition (PEN). Knowledge
solid foods. Pathway Topic – Food Allergies. www.
dieteticsatwork.com/pen. March 23, 2007.
• Calgary Health Region’s “3 Cheers for the
Early Years” initiative © Calgary Health • Health Canada. Exclusive Breastfeeding
Region 2006, for providing food texture Duration 2004 Health Canada
graphic photos. Recommendation.
www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition.
• Dental Program, Capital Health, Primary
Care Division, Community Health March 23, 2007.
Services for providing the information
on baby’s dental care.

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 NT0057 March 2008
ISBN 978-0-7785-6669-4