French Bread Bites

Lightly toast bread so it holds together, then cut it into finger-width strips your baby can grip. Toasting helps it firm up instead of turning gummy in the mouth. Most bread contains wheat, so introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction. Choose lower-salt bread when you can.

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.

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.

Use a fully ripe banana so it mashes easily between two fingers. Peel it and offer it as a smooth mash on a spoon, or hand over a finger-length strip the baby can hold with a bit poking out of the fist. A firm or under-ripe banana is harder to manage, so soften it by mashing.

Stir a small drizzle of olive oil into a smooth purée or soft mash to add calories and richness. Use it as a cooking fat for vegetables or grains, or fold a little into the finished food just before serving.