100+ First Foods for Baby Led Weaning - Califf Life Creations (2024)

We did it! My baby tried his 100+ first foods in 5 months. We started solids with baby-led weaning when he was 6 months old and he has now, at 11 months old, eaten over 100 different foods. These include fruit, vegetables, spices, meat, fish, and bread.

Of course, at less than a year old, breast milk (or if you choose formula) must still be a baby’s primary source of nutrition. This is according to the AAP (American Association of Pediatrics). The introduction of solids is an important part of a baby’s early life when they are developmentally ready.

This includes affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through these links that Califf Creations will receive compensation that is of no extra cost to you. This helps cover the costs of Califf Creations.

Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods

Babies are likely ready when they can do all of the following, which is typically around 6 months old.

• Sit up without support
• Hold head steady
• Reach out and grab items
• Bring objects to their mouth accurately
• Make chewing movements with mouth

Importance of Variety in First Foods

I’m not going to promise that feeding a large variety of healthy first foods will save you from having a picky eater. I do strongly believe that it is less likely though. The more they are exposed to different foods early on, the less “scary” they will seem which makes them more likely to eat them. Eating variety early on is also a great way to ensure that your child is getting the maximum nutrition out of the solids that they eat.

For more on picky eaters click here.

Serving 100+ First Foods

As my son fed himself all these first foods he was able to really explore the different textures and tastes on this journey. Most foods that I’ve served him, especially the earliest ones, were cut into a “french fry” shape about the size on a finger. That way my baby could hold one end and chew the other. Other foods were in “nugget” form, large enough that he had to take bites and chew on it. Even for a baby’s first foods, you don’t have to feed purees if you choose baby-led weaning.

Now, I did feed my son some purees as first foods. However, I still wanted him to feed himself. We used special spoons that “grip” the purees and, once he learned to drink from a straw, reusable pouches.

My Baby’s 100+ First Foods

These are the first 100+ foods my son ate in the order that I introduced them.

NOTE ON ALLERGIES: My family has no history of allergies and therefore introducing many foods early was recommended by my pediatrician (like nuts). If your family has a history of allergies, please consult your pediatrician about introducing high allergy foods.

1. Avocado
2. Sweet Potato
3. Mashed Potato
4. Penne
5. Pancake
6. Banana (and Banana Pancakes)
7. Peach (raw and baked)
8. Cinnamon
9. Pear (raw, baked, and in fruity breakfast recipe)
10. Butternut Squash (grilled and in pancake form)
11. Zucchini
12. Spinach (in nugget/cake form and later in eggs)
13. Carrot (steamed and in “tot” form)
14. Red Pepper
15. Strawberry
16. Watermelon
17. Cantaloupe
18. Prune
19. Asparagus
20. Yogurt
21. Whole Wheat Bread
22. Butter
23. Croissant
24. Eggplant
25. Peas
26. Green Beans
27. Eggs
28. Apple (and homemade applesauce)
29. Corn
30. Quinoa Black Bean Burger
31. Rainbow Veggie Fritter
32. French Fries
33. Couscous
34. Blueberries
35. Oat/Blueberry Muffin
36. Avocado/Banana/Oat Muffin
37. Raspberry
38. French Toast
39. Puffs
40. Honeydew Melon
41. Garlic
42. Black Beans
43. Teething Wafer
44. Onion
45. Yellow Squash
46. Cheddar Cheese
47. Ricotta
48. Brown Rice
49. Yogurt
50. Veggie Burger
51. Pot Sticker
52. Sausage
53. Pizza Crust
54. Cucumber
55. Spaghetti (with my Homemade Sauce)
56. Parmesan Cheese
57. Tomato
58. Ground Chicken Loaf
59. Black Bean/Corn Nugget
60. Hamburger
61. Tortilla
62. Mac and Cheese
63. Pepper Jack
64. Broccoli Cheddar Nuggets
65. Ham
66. Lentils
67. Pineapple
68. Guacamole
69. Chorizo
70. Lasagna
71. Turkey Burger
72. Chipotle
73. Cheerios
74. Pork Loin
75. Baby Back Rib Meat
76. Bacon
77. Lo Mein Noodles
78. Cauliflower
79. Chicken
80. Mango Chia Parfait (from a restaurant)
81. Homemade Teething Biscuit
82. Chickpeas
83. Wild Rice
84. Walleye
85. Romaine Lettuce
86. Salmon
87. Tabouli Salad
88. White Kidney Beans
89. Fettuccine Alfredo
90. BBQ Sauce
91. Grapes
92. Peanut Butter
93. Salsa Meatloaf
94. Mango
95. Chicken Nuggets
96. Yogi’s
97. Snack Bar
98. Baked Ziti
99. Brisket
100. Baked Beans
101. Corn Bread
102. Banana Bread
103. Avocado/Pear Bread
104. Oatmeal
105. Papaya
106. Kiwi
107. Shrimp
108. Brussell Sprouts
109. Red Cabbage
110. Bok Choy

Love that Variety!

Lots of different textures and tastes! There have also been different seasonings and marinades that I didn’t include in this list. Basically, if we ate it, baby ate it. I wasn’t going to include every herb and spice that I used and chose to only include some of the bolder ones (like chipotle). If you are interested, some other herbs and spices were

• Basil
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Black (and White) Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Paprika
• and MORE!

You can also find more baby-led weaning ideas by following me on Instagram. I love sharing about my creations and my son exploring food, especially in my stories. If you ever see something I share and want the recipe, feel free to contact me and I’d be happy to share!

That’s it! My baby’s 100+ first foods. Here’s to the next 100 and (hopefully) a healthy diet for life.

Have any questions? Ask me in the comments below. I’d also love to hear what your babies first and favorite foods are/were!

Follow Me!