The first year of your baby’s life is a time of rapid growth and change. Between 6 and 12 months, your little one needs more energy and nutrients than ever before to grow strong, healthy, and smart. It’s an exciting time as you start introducing solid foods into their diet—but it can also feel overwhelming as you figure out what to feed them and when. In this blog, we’ll talk about what you can feed your baby when they turn 6 months and older.

At 6 months, breastmilk is still your baby’s main source of nutrition, providing all the essential nutrients they need. But now, it’s time to start adding solid foods to their diet. This is a big milestone! But remember, your baby’s stomach is still tiny, so they’ll need to eat small amounts of food throughout the day—often, but in frequent, small portions.

While breastmilk or formula should remain the main source of energy, you’ll want to start offering a variety of nutritious foods. The key here is balance. Along with grains like rice and oats, and starchy foods like potatoes, introduce your baby to a range of colorful vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Make sure to include healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado), and don’t forget animal-based foods like dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry. These foods are packed with protein, iron, and vitamins—important building blocks for your baby’s growth and development.

One thing to keep in mind is that babies at this stage can be a little picky with their food. If they refuse a new food or spit it out, don’t worry—this is totally normal. Just try again in a few days. You can also make the food more appealing by mixing it with something they already like, or even adding a little bit of breastmilk for familiar flavor. The key is to keep offering variety, so they get the full range of nutrients they need.

Introducing a wide range of foods is crucial because each type of food brings its own unique set of vitamins and minerals. The more variety your baby gets, the better their chances of getting all the nutrients they need for healthy growth. Plus, introducing different flavors and textures now can help prevent picky eating later on!

If you’re looking for new, healthy, and tasty recipes to try, Tracy Davies’ book Babies + Toddlers World Recipes is a great resource. It’s filled with easy-to-make, nutritious recipes from around the world. From Asian to British, African to Mexican, you’ll find exciting ways to feed your baby with a variety of wholesome foods, all packed with the nutrients they need to thrive.

So, if you want to make sure your baby is getting a healthy, well-rounded diet from 6 months onwards, check out Tracy’s book. It’s a great way to add some new flavors and nutrients to your baby’s meals while keeping things simple and delicious!