Chicken, Tamal (mashed) and Tomato

Cook chicken fully, then purée smooth or finely shred and moisten with breast milk, formula, broth, or a vegetable purée so it isn't dry. Pairing it with a vitamin-C food can help the body use its iron. As an iron-rich first food, it's a good early option.

A tamal is made from corn masa, usually steamed in a husk or leaf. For a baby, the softest plain masa works best. Prepare it without added salt, and skip lard-heavy or seasoned versions. Soft, smooth masa can be offered on a spoon or as a thick scoop. Check the fillings: many tamales contain cheese, meat, or chili that you would log separately.

Choose a ripe, soft tomato. Peel off the skin (it can bunch up and be hard to chew), scoop out the seedy core, and mash the flesh or stir it into a purée. If offering a piece to hold, give a soft finger-length strip of peeled flesh. Cherry and grape tomatoes are a round choking shape, so always quarter them lengthwise into small pieces and never serve them whole or halved.