Publication
Fun first foods: An easy guide to introducing solid foods (Revised 2011)
When can my baby eat...?
The table below shows foods which may be unsuitable for your baby before 6 months, and when they may be introduced. There is particular advice for babies from families with a history of allergies (see page 3). This is marked with * in the table.
Food |
Under 6 months |
Over 6 months |
Cow’s milk and dairy products (cheese, fromage frais, custard, milk sauces and yoghurt) |
No |
Yes* |
Cereals that contain gluten, e.g. wheat, rye, barley and oats , so avoid rusks, pasta, bread, flour, and gluten containing breakfast cereals including porridge until 6 months |
No |
Yes* |
Follow-on formula |
No |
Not needed – continue breastfeeding or using formula |
Citrus fruits and juices (oranges, grapefruit) |
No |
Yes* but juices diluted and kept to meal times |
Soft berry fruit (raspberries and strawberries) |
No |
Yes* |
Fish and shellfish (e.g. prawns) |
No |
Yes* |
Eggs |
No |
Yes* and ensure they are always well cooked |
Nut pastes, nut butter and ground nut oils |
No |
Yes* |
Whole nuts and seeds |
No |
Not until 5 years as risk of choking on nuts |
Soya products, e.g. tofu, soya yoghurt |
No |
Yes* |
*Yes, but if you have a family history of allergic disease see the advice on page 3.
Some foods are unsuitable for babies under one year because they pose a health risk. These are honey, liver pâté and soft mould-ripened cheese such as brie.
If you think your baby may have reacted to a food, contact your health visitor or doctor. Write down what happened and avoid giving that food again unless advised to do so.