Baby Food Diversification – Where to Start & Utensils: Guide 2026

🥣 Baby Food Diversification – Where to Start & Utensils: 2026 Guide

Food diversification is a key step in baby's development. Discover which foods to start with, at what age, and what utensils to choose to make mealtimes enjoyable and safe.

By Age

• Diversification at 4 months – only on medical advice, very smooth purees
• Diversification at 6 months – recommended age, vegetables, fruits, gluten-free cereals
• Diversification 8-10 months – lumpy textures, meat, fish, egg
• Feeding at 12 months – adapted family table, soft pieces

Where to Start?

• Vegetables – carrot, zucchini, sweet potato, green beans (smooth puree)
• Fruits – apple, pear, banana, peach (unsweetened compotes)
• Cereals – rice, corn, quinoa (gluten-free before 6 months)
• Proteins – white meat, white fish, well-cooked egg (from 6 months)

Essential Utensils

• Baby food maker – steam cooker blender, quick homemade purees
• Silicone baby spoons – soft, heat-sensitive, BPA-free
• Suction plate for baby – stays fixed to the table, separate compartments
• Silicone bib with pocket – catches fallen food, dishwasher safe
• Baby high chair – adjustable, with footrest, removable tray

BLW – Baby-Led Weaning

• Offer suitable pieces from 6 months (cooked vegetable sticks)
• Let baby explore textures at their own pace
• Always supervise during mealtimes

What the Experts Say

According to sante.fr, the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, then the gradual introduction of complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding until 2 years.

ONE Belgium advises against salt, added sugar, honey, and whole nuts before 1 year to avoid risks of allergy and choking.

Naître et grandir (Canada) recommends introducing allergenic foods (peanuts, egg, fish) from 6 months to reduce the risk of food allergies.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should food diversification begin? At 6 full months according to WHO, or at 4 months on medical advice if baby shows signs of readiness.

Which vegetable should be given first to baby? Carrot and zucchini are ideal to start with — mild taste, easy-to-blend texture, well-tolerated.

Should baby purees be salted? No — baby's kidneys cannot eliminate salt before 1 year. Cook without salt until 12 months.

Which high chair to choose for diversification? A chair with an adjustable footrest, removable tray, and a 5-point harness — stable sitting position is essential for safe swallowing.