Starting solids with your baby? It’s exciting… and a little overwhelming. But let me tell you something, you don’t need fancy pouches or a pantry full of specialty baby snacks. What you do need is a smart, simple grocery list for babies that makes shopping easy and feeding feel doable—whether you’re starting with purées, baby-led weaning, or a mix of both. That’s why we created this ultimate food list for babies—to make your next grocery trip easier and your feeding journey more confident.

And bonus: we’ve included a printable grocery list for babies to help you stock up on the essentials.

Need help getting started with baby-led weaning? Check out our post:
👉 Baby Finger Foods: The Ultimate Beginner Guide

When Can Babies Start Solids?

Most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months—when they can sit up with support and show interest in food. Always check with your pediatrician, especially if you’re introducing allergens or new textures.

Curious about how your baby’s gag reflex plays into all this?
👉 Read: Gag Reflex vs. Choking – What Every Parent Needs to Know

The Ultimate Food List for Babies (By Category)

Here’s a categorized breakdown of baby-safe, age-appropriate foods for babies 6 months and up. We’ve also flagged some favorites that double as great additions to your grocery list for kids as they grow.

🥣 Grains & Starches

• Oats (quick or rolled)
• Iron-fortified baby cereal
• Quinoa
• White or brown rice
• Whole grain bread (cut into strips)
• Pasta (small shapes or overcooked for BLW)
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes

Sweet potato is a baby favorite!
👉 See: Easy Sweet Potato Baby Finger Food Ideas for Healthy Snacking
👉 See: The Most Delicious Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes for Your Baby

🥦 Vegetables

• Carrots (steamed)
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin
• Butternut squash
• Peas
• Spinach (cooked and chopped)

Looking for inspiration?
👉 Brussels Sprouts for Baby: When + How to Serve Them Safely

🍎 Fruits

• Avocado (perfect first food!)
• Banana
• Mango
• Pear
• Apple (steamed or grated raw)
• Blueberries (flattened for under 12 months)
• Strawberries (quartered)
• Watermelon (seedless strips)

Need easy ideas for avocado?
👉 10 Easy Avocado Purees for Babies

Also make sure to check:
👉 First Fruits for Baby: The Smart (and Surprising) Way to Start

Got a mango lover?
👉 Mango for Baby-Led Weaning: How to Cut, Serve & Store

🍗 Proteins

• Chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
• Turkey
• Beef (ground or very tender pieces)
• Egg yolk or scrambled eggs
• Lentils
• Chickpeas (mashed)
• Tofu
• Beans (soft and mashed)

Don’t miss this one:
👉 Easy Chickpeas Recipe for Babies

🧀 Dairy (After 6–8 Months)

• Whole milk plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• Cottage cheese
• Ricotta
• Mozzarella (low sodium)
• Cheddar (grated or sliced thin)

🛑 Avoid cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months, but small amounts in cooking or yogurt is okay. You can check out this hemp milk recipe as an alternative.

🥜 Allergens (Introduce Early, One at a Time)

• Peanut butter (thinned with water or breast milk)
• Tree nut butters
• Egg
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Soy

Below is a simplified grocery list for babies you can screenshot for your next store run. You can also download it here

🚫 What to Skip (At Least for Now)

Not all foods are baby-friendly, especially in the first year. Some are unsafe, others are just unnecessary. Here’s what to leave off your grocery list for now:

❌ Foods to Avoid Before 12 Months:

• Honey – Risk of botulism (even in baked goods)
• Cow’s milk as a drink – Okay in cooking, but not as a main drink until age 1
• Added sugar – Skip sugary cereals, yogurt with flavors, juices
• High-sodium foods – Processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks
• Whole nuts or nut pieces – Choking risk (use smooth, thinned nut butters instead)
• Uncooked or undercooked eggs, meat, or fish – Must be fully cooked
• Unpasteurized dairy or juices – Risk of bacteria
• Choking hazards like:
  • Whole grapes
  • Raw carrots
  • Popcorn
  • Hot dog slices (unless cut into safe shapes)

📝 Tip: If it’s super chewy, sticky, or round — pause and modify it first.

Final Thoughts

Creating a solid food list for babies takes the guesswork out of grocery shopping and meal prep. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency, exposure, and balance. Your baby will surprise you with what they like (and what they toss on the floor).

So whether you’re stocking up for the week or prepping freezer meals in advance, this guide (and the linked articles) will keep you covered.

➡️ Want more no-stress baby feeding tips and real-mom advice?
Bookmark www.babyfoodfaves.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for daily ideas.