Food diversification: where to start and what to avoid?

What is food diversification?

Food diversification is the stage where babies begin to discover foods other than breast milk or infant formula. It's an exciting stage but one that raises many questions for new parents.

At what age should you start?

The WHO recommends starting food diversification around 6 months. Some pediatricians may recommend starting between 4 and 6 months depending on your baby's development. Always consult your doctor before starting.

Which foods should you start with?

Start with simple, easily digestible foods:

• Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, green beans, sweet potatoes (in smooth purée)
• Fruits: apple, pear, banana, peach (in purée or mashed)
• Cereals: rice, corn (gluten-free initially)

How to introduce new foods?

Introduce one food at a time, waiting 3 to 5 days before introducing a new one. This makes it easy to detect any potential allergies or intolerances. Protect baby's clothes with our bamboo and organic cotton bibs & swaddles.

Which foods to avoid before 1 year old?

• 🚫 Honey (risk of botulism)
• 🚫 Added salt and sugar
• 🚫 Whole nuts (choking hazard)
• 🚫 Cow's milk as a drink (before 1 year old)
• 🚫 Cured meats and overly salty dishes
• 🚫 Raw or smoked fish

BLW (Baby-Led Weaning)

BLW is an alternative approach where babies eat appropriately-sized pieces of food themselves from the start, without going through purees. It promotes autonomy and exploration of textures. Talk to your pediatrician to see if it's suitable for your baby.

Practical tips

Be patient and kind. Your baby may refuse a food up to 15 times before accepting it. Never force them and make mealtimes a moment of pleasure and discovery! Find all our essential baby accessories for everyday life to make mealtimes easier.