Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby's Dietary Diversification
The dietary diversification is a crucial step in the development of your baby. It marks the transition from breastfeeding, infant formula or breast milk to solid foods. But at what age should the first foods be introduced to the infant? What quantities, which foods, and in what order? Here is a complete guide to diversify your baby's diet with peace of mind.
At what age should food diversification begin?
Pediatricians and the World Health Organization recommend starting food diversification around 6 months of age. However, some breastfed babies or those fed with formula milk may be ready as early as 4 months, with pediatrician approval.
It is essential to not start too early so as not to disturb the still fragile digestive system, and not to excessively delay the introduction of foods, which could increase the risk of food allergy.
How to know if baby is ready?
Here are the digestive and behavioral signs that your infant is ready to discover new foods:
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He holds his head well and sits with support (in a high chair position)
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He shows interest in your food
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He opens his mouth when you offer him a teaspoon
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He is beginning to make chewing movements
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He seems to have a greater appetite after nursing or bottle feedings
Which foods should be introduced first?
For a gradual introduction adapted to their immune system, start with pureed cooked and blended vegetables, such as:
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Carrot, zucchini, sweet potato, potato
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Cooked fruit compotes without added sugar (apple, pear, banana)
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Gluten-free infant cereals
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Then, from 6-7 months: animal proteins (chicken, fish, cooked egg yolk)
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Around 8-9 months: starches (rice, semolina, quinoa), legumes (lentils, peas, beans)
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Also introduce infant dairy products such as plain yogurt, cottage cheese, petit suisse, suitable for infant nutrition
Introduce only one new food at a time to monitor any allergic reaction or sign of eczema, digestive disorder or food refusal.
The essential equipment for baby meals
To promote food autonomy and the pleasure of eating:
Discover our custom silicone meal set: ideal for every baby meal, from vegetable puree to homemade jar.
Foods to avoid at the beginning
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Honey before 1 year (risk of botulism)
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Cow's milk as the main drink
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Sugary, salty or ultra-processed products
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Whole dried fruits, pieces too hard (risk of choking)
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Certain major allergens if family history (peanuts, raw eggs...)
Practical tips for good diversification
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Start little by little, with small amounts
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Note reactions or preferences of your baby
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Offer a varied diet rich in nutrients
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Add healthy fats (rapeseed oil, butter) for essential fatty acids
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Let baby eat with their fingers (ideal in BLW – baby-led weaning)
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Continue breastfeeding or infant formula bottles, especially up to 1 year
Bonus: Download your dietary diversification chart
To better plan the introduction of foods, download our summary table:
[Cliquez ici pour recevoir votre PDF gratuit]
Conclusion: every child is unique
The infant's dietary diversification is a sensory adventure, not a competition. Each child develops their eating habits at their own pace. The important thing is to support them with kindness, to offer them varied flavors and to create a positive relationship with food.
For playful and practical baby meals, explore our personalized meal sets in silicone and bamboo, designed to gently diversify the diet.
