Step 1: First tiny taste
Offer a small taste of mashed or finely cut soft date. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.
Date
Overview
Date is a typical complementary fruit around 6 months when your baby shows readiness for solids. Offer it as a single new food.
Preparation
Remove the pit. Mash ripe soft date, or soak or cook firm dried dates until they are soft enough to mash. Do not offer whole firm dried dates to young infants. Always supervise eating.
Three-step introduction
Step 2: Larger offer
If tolerated, offer more of the same preparation at a later feed.
Step 3: Include regularly
Serve this food regularly in age-safe textures.
FAQ
When are babies usually ready for solid foods?
Complementary foods are typically introduced around 6 months of age, when the baby shows developmental readiness (for example, sitting with support, good head control, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out). Introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended.
Do I need to introduce foods in a certain order?
For most children, there is no required order for first foods. Fruits, vegetables, meats and other proteins, and other food groups can all be part of complementary feeding around 6 months.
How should I prepare dates for a baby?
Remove the pit. Mash ripe soft date, or soak or cook firm dried dates until they are soft enough to mash. Do not offer whole firm dried dates to young infants. Always supervise eating.
Sources
- WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age (2023)
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- FAO/WHO — Risk assessment of food allergens: Part 1 (Codex priority allergen list)
- FDA — Food Allergies (major food allergens / Big 9)
- CDC — Infant and Toddler Nutrition FAQs