When your baby hits the age of 6 months and can sit up on their own, this is usually the prime time to start introducing solid foods. If they’re putting all sorts of things up to their mouth, it’s a good sign they’re eager to try it too.

But what foods should you start with? Foods that are high in nutrients are the ideal way to go. While there’s no particular order for what you should start with, these are the best first foods to introduce to your baby.

Avocado

Avocado has that lovely creamy texture that makes it easy to serve. Plus it’s full of key vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. You can peel it, mash it up, and spoon-feed your baby, or cut it into long slices to let them self-feed.

Banana

Contrary to popular belief, giving babies fruit to start with on solids doesn’t mean they will only prefer sweet things. Bananas are rich in healthy carbs as well as vitamins and minerals like potassium. When you serve a banana to your baby, make sure it’s ripe with brown spots. This means it will be easier to digest. Mash it or cut it into pieces to let the baby give it a try.

Egg Yolk

Rich in nutrients and easier to digest, egg yolk is another good food to start with feeding baby solid foods. It has choline which helps brain development and is incredibly nutritious all around. You can poach the yolks or gently cook them with a little butter, making sure the yolk is a little soft and runny for better digestion.

Peas

For green foods, peas are a smart choice. They are high in resistant starch to help fuel good gut bacteria. This legume might be small, but it is mighty as far as nutrition is concerned. Some babies aren’t keen on the taste, but you can puree them with a little breastmilk to make them more palatable.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is low in nitrates and is a nutritious food that babies tend to love. You’ll need to roast it in the oven for an hour first, it is also the perfect food for everyone to enjoy at the table together. Mashing it with a little butter helps the beta-carotene convert to vitamin A, and may even be more enjoyable for your new solid food eater.

Whichever first foods you feed your baby, let them try only one at a time. You’ll want to wait 3 to 5 days to see if there are any allergic reactions. If all seems well, you can give the baby another new food to try. In a short time, you’ll soon see your baby trying and hopefully loving all kinds of delicious and nutritious foods!