Fish and Vegetable Sticks

Cook the fish all the way through, never raw or seared. Choose a low-mercury fish and remove every bone by running your fingers through the flesh. Flake it small and mash it smooth, or stir the flakes into a purée. Introduce it on its own and wait a few days before adding another new allergen.

Steam, roast or boil broccoli until a fork slides through it easily, and serve it warm. A whole soft floret gives a handy stalk to hold while the bushy top is easy to gum. The florets should be fork-soft, not crisp. You can also mash or purée cooked broccoli.

Cook carrots until very soft, so a fork slides through with no resistance. Steam, boil, or roast, then serve as a smooth purée or a soft mash. For self-feeding, offer soft-cooked finger-length batons. Raw carrot belongs only as fine shreds. Skip added salt.

Potato is always cooked, never raw. Boil, steam, bake, or roast until very soft, then mash to a smooth purée or offer a finger-length soft-cooked wedge. A little breast milk, formula, or water loosens a stiff mash. Skip salt.

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.