Baby-led weaning · age-specific guide
Anchovy paste on toast for 6–8 months
Practical prep ideas for babies 6–8 months old. Always supervise meals, watch for allergens, and adjust shapes to your baby's skills.
proteinChoking: lowIron-richProtein-rich
How to serve at 6–8 months
Fully cooked until tender; shred or offer finger-length strips without tough skins.
Lower-risk serving reminders
- Keep pieces soft and large enough to grasp for self-feeding.
- Avoid over-drying food; moisture helps safe chewing and swallowing.
- Stay nearby and watch paced bites even with lower-risk foods.
Allergen introduction checklist
- Introduce new foods in the daytime so you can watch for reactions.
- When introducing a new allergen, keep it as the only new food for that meal.
- If tolerated, repeat the food regularly in small amounts.
- This food is linked to one or more major allergens in the directory — start with a very small taste and monitor.
General feeding checklist
- Seat baby upright and stable for all meals.
- Model slow chewing and allow baby to control pace.
- Stop and reset if baby is upset, tired, or over-stuffed.
Readiness signs to check
- Baby can sit upright with minimal support during meals.
- Hands and mouth coordinate for bringing food to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex is reduced, so food is not immediately pushed out.
- Interest in self-feeding and opening mouth for food cues is visible.
Pause and seek advice if
- Coughing is persistent or distress does not settle quickly during meals.
- You notice repeated vomiting, rash, swelling, wheeze, or breathing changes after a food.
- Baby struggles with swallowing progression over multiple meals despite texture adjustments.
- There is a known medical condition affecting feeding, growth, or airway safety.
Allergens to be aware of
Fish
Other ages: 9–11 months · 12–24 months