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Top 25 First Foods for Babies 6 to 12 Months | Baby-Led Weaning & Puree Guide
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A Complete Baby-Led Weaning & Puree Guide
Starting solids is one of the most exciting and important stages in your baby’s development. Between 6 to 12 months, your little one is ready to explore new textures, tastes, and nutrients. Whether you're choosing baby-led weaning or starting with purees, the goal is to nourish your baby with safe, nutritious, and easy-to-digest foods.
At GoGo Tots, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best first foods for babies 6 to 12 months, broken down by nutritional category. Let’s help you feel confident and prepared during this new feeding adventure.
🥣 Iron-Rich First Foods for Babies
Iron is essential at 6 months to support brain development and healthy growth. Here are top iron-rich foods:
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Iron-fortified baby cereals (rice, oatmeal, multigrain)
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Pureed meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
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Cooked lentils and beans (mashed)
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Hard-boiled or scrambled egg yolks (fully cooked)
📝 Pro Tip: Iron is best absorbed with a source of vitamin C—pair baby cereal with mashed fruit!
🥦 Best Vegetables for 6 to 12 Month Olds
Soft, colorful veggies are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals:
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Sweet potatoes
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Carrots
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Peas
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Broccoli and cauliflower
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Pumpkin, squash, zucchini
Steam until very soft, then mash or blend into purees. Offer small pieces for baby-led weaning.
🍎 Top Fruits for Baby’s First Year
Introduce fruits gradually and in soft, mashed forms. Great choices include:
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Bananas (mashed)
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Avocados (rich in healthy fats)
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Apples, pears, peaches (steamed or very ripe)
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Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries (mashed or blended)
🍓 Did You Know? Berries can be introduced early—just monitor for any allergic reactions.
🥚 Easy Protein Options for Babies
Protein helps build muscle and support cognitive development:
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Tofu (soft, diced)
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Full-fat plain yogurt
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Cottage cheese
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Flaked cooked fish (e.g., salmon or cod)
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Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs
Start with small amounts and follow safe feeding guidelines for allergens.
🍞 Healthy Carbohydrates & Whole Grains for Babies
Whole grains offer long-lasting energy and digestive support:
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Soft-cooked pasta
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Quinoa and brown rice
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Whole grain bread (toasted into strips)
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Baby-friendly pancakes and muffins (low sugar/salt)
🥑 Best Healthy Fats for Baby Brain Development
Fats are key for your baby’s growing brain:
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Avocados (mashed or sliced)
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Olive oil or avocado oil (mixed into purees)
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Nut butters (thinly spread or stirred into cereal/yogurt)
🥄 Always introduce nut products carefully and in age-appropriate ways.
✅ Feeding Safety Tips for Babies 6–12 Months
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Begin with single-ingredient foods and wait 2–3 days before introducing a new one.
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Watch closely for any signs of food allergies.
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Avoid honey, whole nuts, added sugar, salt, and choking hazards like raw carrots or whole grapes.
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Encourage self-feeding with safe baby-led weaning foods around 8–9 months.
💡 Final Thoughts from Us
Feeding your baby is about more than nutrition—it’s a chance to build connection, explore new things together, and create a lifelong love of healthy eating. Whether you're pureeing, spoon-feeding, or trying baby-led weaning, you're doing great!
At GoGo Tots, we’re here to support modern parents with smart baby gear like our premium leather stroller straps, designed to keep outings smooth and hands free—so you can focus on your little one.
🛍️ Shop GoGo Tots Stroller Straps
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