SmartStart Food Database
50+ First Foods for Baby
Browse, search, and filter foods by category, age group, or allergen status. Every food includes preparation tips and nutritional highlights.
Showing 51 of 51 foods
Avocado
6+ moRich in healthy fats essential for brain development. Good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6, C, and E.
FruitsBanana
6+ moNatural energy source with potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Easy to digest and gentle on baby's stomach.
FruitsBlueberries
6+ moLoaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The deep color indicates high levels of anthocyanins for brain health.
FruitsMango
6+ moExcellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. Natural sweetness makes it appealing to most babies.
FruitsPear
6+ moGood source of fiber, vitamin C, and copper. Gentle on digestion and rarely causes allergic reactions.
FruitsApple
6+ moGood source of fiber and vitamin C. Contains quercetin, an antioxidant that supports immune health.
FruitsStrawberries
6+ moRich in vitamin C (more than oranges per serving), manganese, and folate. High in antioxidants.
FruitsPeach
6+ moGood source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Contains beta-carotene for eye and skin health.
FruitsWatermelon
6+ moHydrating with high water content. Contains lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
FruitsPlum
6+ moGood source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Prunes are well-known for supporting regular digestion.
FruitsSweet Potato
6+ moExcellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Supports immune function and eye health.
VegetablesCarrot
6+ moRich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), essential for vision and immune health. Also provides vitamin K and potassium.
VegetablesBroccoli
6+ moHigh in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron. Contains sulforaphane, a compound with antioxidant properties.
VegetablesZucchini
6+ moLow-calorie source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Mild flavor makes it easy to combine with other foods.
VegetablesButternut Squash
6+ moRich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Excellent source of beta-carotene for developing eyes and skin.
VegetablesGreen Peas
6+ moSurprisingly protein-rich for a vegetable. Good source of iron, zinc, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K.
VegetablesSpinach
6+ moIron powerhouse. Rich in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. Supports blood health and bone development.
VegetablesCauliflower
6+ moGood source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Contains choline, important for brain development.
VegetablesBell Pepper
6+ moOne of the richest sources of vitamin C. Red peppers have the most nutrients. Also provides vitamin A and B6.
VegetablesBeetroot
8+ moRich in folate, manganese, and potassium. Contains nitrates that support healthy blood flow. The vibrant color indicates high antioxidant content.
VegetablesOatmeal
6+ moExcellent source of iron (especially iron-fortified varieties), fiber, and B vitamins. One of the best first grains for babies.
GrainsRice
6+ moGood source of energy and B vitamins. Choose varieties other than white rice occasionally for added nutrition. Limit to 1-2 servings per week due to arsenic content.
GrainswheatBread / Toast
6+ moSource of iron (especially fortified bread), B vitamins, and energy. Whole grain varieties provide more fiber and nutrients.
GrainswheatPasta
6+ moGood energy source with iron and B vitamins. Choose fortified or whole-grain varieties when possible. Easy to pair with vegetables and proteins.
GrainsQuinoa
8+ moComplete protein (all essential amino acids). Rich in iron, magnesium, and fiber. One of the most nutritious grains for babies.
GrainswheatPancakes
8+ moDepends on recipe — banana-egg pancakes provide protein, potassium, and healthy fats. Add oats for iron and fiber.
GrainsChicken
6+ moExcellent source of protein, iron (especially dark meat), zinc, and B vitamins. Supports muscle and brain development.
ProteinsBeef
6+ moTop source of heme iron (most easily absorbed form), zinc, and B12. AAP recommends iron-rich foods like beef as one of baby's first foods.
ProteinsfishSalmon
6+ moRich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA + EPA) critical for brain and eye development. Excellent source of protein, vitamin D, and B12.
ProteinseggsEggs
6+ moComplete protein with all essential amino acids. Rich in choline (brain development), iron, vitamin D, and B12. The yolk is especially nutrient-dense.
ProteinsLentils
6+ moExcellent plant-based source of iron, protein, and fiber. Rich in folate and potassium. Budget-friendly and versatile.
ProteinsTurkey
6+ moLean protein source rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Lower in fat than many other meats while still providing essential nutrients.
ProteinsfishWhite Fish
6+ moLean protein source with iodine and selenium. Lower in mercury than larger fish. Good introduction to seafood.
ProteinssoyTofu
6+ moComplete plant protein with calcium (if calcium-set), iron, and manganese. Good option for introducing soy allergen early.
ProteinsshellfishShrimp
6+ moExcellent source of protein, iodine, zinc, and selenium. Low in mercury. Introduces the shellfish allergen early as recommended.
ProteinspeanutsPeanut Butter
6+ moRich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. LEAP study showed early introduction (4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by up to 86%.
ProteinsnutsAlmond Butter
6+ moRich in vitamin E, healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium. Good source of plant-based protein. Introduces tree nut allergen early.
ProteinsBeans
6+ moExcellent source of plant protein, iron, zinc, and fiber. Budget-friendly and versatile. Pair with vitamin C for better iron absorption.
ProteinsLamb
6+ moRich in heme iron, zinc, B12, and selenium. Higher in iron than chicken. Good option for diversifying protein sources.
ProteinsdairyPlain Yogurt
6+ moExcellent source of calcium, protein, and probiotics for gut health. Full-fat dairy is important for brain development in the first 2 years.
DairydairyCheese
6+ moConcentrated source of calcium and protein. Also provides phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin A. Important for bone and teeth development.
DairydairyCottage Cheese
6+ moHigh in protein and calcium with less sodium than many cheeses. Contains casein protein which is slowly digested, keeping baby full longer.
DairydairyButter
6+ moSource of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Provides healthy fats needed for brain development. Use in moderation as a cooking ingredient.
DairydairyWhole Milk
12+ moRich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and fat. After 12 months, provides essential nutrients for growth. Choose whole milk (not reduced fat) until age 2.
DairywheatBarley
6+ moRich in fiber, manganese, and selenium. Contains beta-glucan fiber that supports digestive health. Good source of iron and B vitamins.
GrainsMillet
6+ moGluten-free grain rich in iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Good source of B vitamins and antioxidants. Easily digestible for babies.
GrainsAsparagus
8+ moRich in folate, vitamins A, C, and K. Contains prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
VegetablesCorn
8+ moGood source of fiber, thiamine, and folate. Contains lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. Provides energy from natural carbohydrates.
VegetablesTomato
6+ moRich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene (powerful antioxidant). Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene availability.
VegetablesMushrooms
10+ moOne of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D (especially if sun-exposed). Contains B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants.
VegetablessesameTahini
6+ moRich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Ground sesame seeds are easily digestible. Important for early introduction of sesame allergen.
Proteins