4 to 6 Months Food Chart | Solids to Give Baby 4-6 Months Old

Introducing Solid Foods to Babies 4 – 6 Month Old Baby Solid Food Charts for babies age 4 – 6 months

Introducing solid foods to your little one is a huge milestone that lays the foundation for healthy eating habits.

This is one stage that I know can be a very nerve wracking and scary for many parents. One of the most important things to remember is that there is no gold standard “right way” of starting baby on solid foods. I have compiled solid food charts to help you have an idea of what foods are safe, healthy and nutritious for your baby as you both begin the journey into solid foods. Remember, many pediatricians are recommending that babies start solids at 6 months of age

Click to Print

More about what your 4-6 month old baby can eat

AGE/STAGE: Babies 4-6 Months

The AAP recommends that an infant not be started on solid foods until after 6 months of age. Many pediatricians still start babies on solids around 4 months of age. This chart accommodates all ages and stages up to 12 months.

CEREALS

Rice and Oatmeal cereals are the least of the allergenic grains and thus most babies are started out with those cereals. You don’t HAVE to start with cereal – try avocado instead or banana.

FRUITS

May be served raw after 8 months old or earlier if the fruits are soft and baby does not have digestion troubles – bananas and avocados do NOT need to be cooked ever.

VEGGIES

Always serve cooked until after 12 months old or when baby can chew well enough so that no choking hazard is present.

PROTEIN

Always serve cooked with no pink areas – NEVER give a small baby/child raw meat or fish

DAIRY

NEVER replace breast milk or formula until after 12 months of age – serious health risks are possible. Never give a child under the age of 2yrs old low fat or skim milk products; whole milk is necessary.

When thinking about starting baby on solid foods and introducing solids to baby, a good rule of thumb is to “Watch the Baby – Not the Calendar”. This is true when introducing solid foods (complementary foods) for both breastfed and formula fed infants. Just because baby has turned 4 months old does not mean she must be introduced to solid foods.

How much will your 4 month – 6 month old baby eat at his first meal?

Babies will probably only eat 1/2 of a tablespoon portion of food the very first times you begin solids. Don’t expect your baby to “finish” a meal; remember this is a new experience for your baby. As your baby gets older and is eating more solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes. Also, keep in mind that breast milk and/or infant formula are providing for the total nutrition of your baby at this stage.

Read How Much Food Should My Baby Eat page for more information.

Many parents find their babies will push the food out of their mouths on the first few tries. This is normal however it may also indicate that your baby is not yet ready for solid foods. Only you know your baby and will be able to decide if baby is truly ready for solids.

A baby’s tummy is the size of his fist – remember this as you are feeding him; it doesn’t take much food to make a “meal”!

Breast-Fed Baby Growth Charts from the World Health Organisation – Reflecting Breast-Fed Babies Growth Patterns

The charts presented are general guidelines with solid baby foods that are age appropriate. They may seem somewhat conservative in nature compared to guidelines from other sources. We show age-ranges for different foods and we have researched and compiled these charts from various medical authorities such as private pediatricians, the AAP, the AAFP and the WHO. Feel free to print the chart and ask your Pediatrician about the listings and recommendations. Our visitors say their pediatricians are impressed with our Chart’s suitability and accuracy of listings.

Click here for a printable “no ad” version of the complete solid food introduction chart

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.