What stage of feeding is baby in at 7-9 months?

As baby becomes more familiar with solids, they can begin transitioning to table foods. This typically happens around 8-9 months.

What types of food can I give baby once they have transitioned to table food?

Give baby a variety of foods that are either mashed or cut into bite-sized pieces. Different textures and shapes should be provided. A few suggestions for food to give to baby include:

• Sweet potatoes

• Green beans

• Peas

• Well-cooked pasta

• Soft fruits

Avoid giving baby heavily salted, buttered, or sweetened foods.

Is there anything I should not do when starting to give baby solid foods?

Do not feed baby solids from a bottle unless their healthcare provider suggests otherwise. This can drastically increase the amount of food baby eats at each feeding and cause gagging. Learning how to sit up, to use utensils, and rest in between bites are good feeding habits to develop.

Watch for signs baby is ready for solid foods and tips to make transitioning to solids easier.

Give baby soft, mashed, or well cooked food that is easy to swallow. Present food in small pieces to prevent choking. Baby should try one new food every three days to help detect potential food allergies.

Feeding Milestones at 7-9 Months

• In a highchair, holds and drinks from bottle

• Begins to eat thicker pureed and mashed table foods

• Enjoys chew toys that can massage sore and swollen gums during teething

• Stays full longer after eating

• Starts to look and reach for objects, such as food that is nearby

• Shows strong reaction to new smells and tastes

Appropriate Foods at 7-9 Months

• Breast milk and/or formula

• Pureed foods

• Yogurt

• Soft, mashed foods like baked potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Soft, bite-sized foods like: – Mashed, hardboiled egg yolk – Small pieces of ripe banana – Small pieces of pasteurized cheese – Soft breads – Soft, cooked carrots

Feeding Tips at 7-9 Months

• When first introducing thicker purees, mix with a thin puree

• Vary thinner purees and thicker purees

• Majority of baby’s nutrition should still come from breast milk or formula

• Allow your child to play with food and get messy

• Don’t feed baby foods with added salt and preservatives

• Alternate giving baby a straw to drink from and helping baby with an open cup

• Try alternating feeding baby with spoon and letting them try to feed self