First solids for infants

First solids for infants refers to the initial, nutrient-rich foods introduced to babies around 6 months of age, typically starting with single-ingredient purees. Common first foods include iron-fortified infant cereal, mashed fruits like banana or avocado, and pureed vegetables like sweet potato or peas. This practice is universal, with cultural variations in the specific ingredients chosen.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

These foods are generally moderate in calories and designed to be gentle on a developing digestive system. They are often a key early source of iron and zinc, especially iron-fortified cereals, and provide essential vitamins like A and C from fruits and vegetables.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	40 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	7 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0.5 g
Sodium	20 mg
Iron	5 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Folate	50 mcg
Phosphorus	60 mg

Per 1 tablespoon (15 g) of iron-fortified infant cereal mixed with 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of breast milk or formula · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The introduction of solids is a major developmental milestone, not just for nutrition but for exploring new textures and flavors. Nutritionally, it's a critical period to prevent deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia, which is why iron-rich foods are often prioritized.