When to switch from baby food to regular food?

Awilda - posted on 01/29/2013

Any recommendations of how to start giving table food? My baby is 9 months and she only have two teeth. I tried to give her butter squash but she doesn’t like it. I don’t use any salt or anything else. I need advice.

Becca - posted on 12/02/2012

i would by 9 months just start with table food, my kid is 10 months and e had no problem at 9 months eating table food, :) it was a piece of CAKE!!!

Anon - posted on 07/13/2012

Teach baby to eat butter. Lard or butter will make your child strong and cunning. Feed him leaves and weed from the ground and the child will forever resent you.

Stacy - posted on 11/23/2008

Yes!!! My pediatritian told me that by nine months they should start on chuncks of food so they can start using their tongues. I was told it helps with speech development. I had problems with the third foods though, Donovan didn't want anything to do with it. I moved on to the Graduate foods by Gerber and its been smooth sailing. I was also told at my well baby that by nine months they should be using a cup. Didn't know that one either. Hope this helps!

Michelle - posted on 11/22/2008

I would switch him. Last time I was at the pediatrician with my son which I believe was a month ago she said we could start switching to regular food. She said at the 1 yr old appt some kids are still on baby food and other kids are eating cheeseburgers and pizza.

Aimee - posted on 11/17/2008

My baby has never liked baby food and I just puree everything that we eat and he loves it. Our doctor says this is actually better for him that what is in the baby food, not to mention cheaper. We actually gave the baby spanish rice tonight and he loved it...the more flavor a food has, the more he wants to eat it... and since he is only 15lbs at 10 months he need the extra calories...(he is a breastfed baby, who would live at my boobs if he could). Good luck.

Jennifer - posted on 11/17/2008

Thanks for the list of suggestions Sandra. Today I fed Reagan some of my homemade butternut squash soup (made with cinnamon) and he loved it. Couldn't get enough. Normally if I am spoon feeding him he doesn't want it. I think it's the fact that there's flavour in the food I make versus baby food.



I just watch that I'm not giving him salty food or fast food (no fries or chicken fingers but potatoes and chicken is fine). That's really the only limitation I have now. He loves it.

Sandra - posted on 11/17/2008

Morgan, the list is fairly endless on what your 6+ month old can eat. Barring a family history of food allergies, baby can eat anything, except honey and things she can choke on. Self-feeding is highly recommended, so foods like pastas, vegetables, fruits, breads, and more are suggestions, as well as meats such as meatloaf, fishes, and other seafoods.



Breakfast ideas can be scrambled eggs, waffles/pancakes, french toast. Lunch, perhaps sandwiches like grilled cheese or PB&J, fish sticks and pasta, veggies. Dinner, pretty much anything. You don't have to cook anything "special", meaning you don't have to restrict spices or other seasonings unless they specifically disagree with baby. Just make your food as normal and scoop a few tablespoons onto baby's tray and let her enjoy. Self feeding promotes baby learning about color, texture, and social interaction, as well as leaving mama and daddy able to eat warm food! :D



Enjoy, have fun, relax, experiment, and you will have a baby/toddler that loves all kinds of foods.

Morgan - posted on 11/17/2008

I was going to ask you all the same question. Any suggestions on what to fix my little girl? I know she wants table food, but I am not a cook at all, so i'm having a hard time!

Sandra - posted on 11/17/2008

There are no rules on this. We've never given "baby food" to any of our four children. We go right to table foods at 6 months. They have flavor with spices, baby can self-feed, and it's virtually free. Nope, baby food is not necessary, nor is it even recommended anymore! Throw out the jars and have fun!

Talia - posted on 11/16/2008

Oh, heck yeah! It's hard not to second guess everything. I used to worry so much about every decision, but then I just decided to stop worrying and just watch my baby for cues. You're his mommy, so you know better than anyone else in the world what his needs are :)

Jennifer - posted on 11/15/2008

Thanks. You know what it's like when you just aren't sure.

Talia - posted on 11/15/2008

Yep! My daughter stopped wanting purees a few months ago. We've been feeding her 3 full meals of 'real' food ever since, and she's perfectly fine :)

If he'd rather have finger foods, that's what you should feed him.