Blueberry and Chia Patties

A whole blueberry is a small round shape, so do not serve it whole. Squish each berry between your fingers until it bursts, or cut it into quarters. Mashed blueberry stirred into yogurt, oatmeal, or another purée works well too. Choose soft, ripe berries.

Hard-cook the egg until both white and yolk are solid, then mash it smooth, or offer a well-set scramble or a soft omelet. A small amount, about a third of an egg, is plenty for a first taste.

Cook oats with plenty of liquid into a smooth, thick oatmeal. Use breast milk, formula, or water, and thin it as needed so it's easy to swallow. Iron-fortified baby oat cereal works well here too.

Cinnamon is a warm, sweet-smelling spice that adds flavor without any sugar. Stir a small pinch of ground cinnamon into oatmeal, mashed banana, apple or pear puree, or plain yogurt. Always mix it fully into a moist food rather than serving it as loose dry powder.

Chia seeds must always be soaked first, never given dry. Stir them into milk, water, or a fruit puree and let them sit until they swell into a soft gel, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Mix the gel into oatmeal, yogurt, or mashed fruit. Dry seeds soak up liquid and can clump, so soaking is the key step.