Fruits and Vegetables for Baby

If baby’s been reaching for your dinner plate, it may be time to introduce solid foods into your child’s diet. But before you buy stock in rice cereal and mashed bananas, try serving your gardener-in-training these fresh, safe picks you can grow in your backyard.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid food at the six-month mark, though some babes might be ready as early as 4-months old. Signs include being able sit up without support, the ability to grab, mimicking eating and showing interest in your food. Talk to your doctor before changing your child’s diet and introduce new foods slowly to watch for allergic reactions.

Bland food doesn’t necessarily mean “safe food.” If you’re breastfeeding, it’s likely that your child has already had a taste of the herbs and spices from your food. When adding solids to your child’s diet, it’s fine to sprinkle a little cinnamon in the applesauce or mix a little rosemary in with the mashed potatoes—as with any new introduction, start small and watch for any allergic reactions.

Peas are full of fiber and vitamins A, C, B and K. And fresh pea puree or mash from your garden tastes (and looks) better than its canned alternatives.