Safe Foods & Age-Appropriate Guidelines

• Start with single-ingredient, pureed foods for infants (4-6 months), introducing new foods one at a time.
• For toddlers, cut foods into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking (avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hot dogs, or large raw vegetables).
• Check food temperature—avoid microwaving unevenly to prevent burns.
• Avoid added sugars, honey (for <1 year), and highly processed foods.
• Introduce allergenic foods gradually under guidance (peanut, egg, fish, dairy) while monitoring for reactions.

Feeding Techniques

• Always supervise feeding—never leave a baby or toddler unattended while eating.
• Feed infants in a semi-upright position to reduce choking and ear infections.
• Encourage self-feeding gradually for toddlers but stay nearby to prevent choking.
• Practice paced bottle feeding to avoid overfeeding and support digestion.
• Introduce a cup for liquids around 6 months, using sippy or open cups under supervision.

Healthy Feeding Habits

• Feed on a consistent schedule appropriate for age.
• Encourage self-regulation—stop feeding when the child shows fullness cues.
• Model healthy eating behaviors to encourage trying new foods.
• Keep mealtimes calm, seated, and focused—avoid distractions like TV or toys.

Safe Feeding Environment

• Use high chairs or booster seats with proper harnesses for infants and toddlers.
• Ensure chairs are on flat, stable surfaces with no tipping hazards.
• Check for small objects, cords, or hazards near feeding areas.
• Keep pets and distractions away from infant feeding spaces.

Common Mistakes & Nuances

• Feeding in a reclined or unsafe position that can cause choking or reflux.
• Ignoring age-appropriate portion sizes and textures.
• Allowing infants to fall asleep while bottle-feeding (risk of tooth decay and choking).
• Over-reliance on distractions to get children to eat, instead of modeling calm mealtime habits.
• Failing to check food temperature, freshness, or allergen content.

Additional Resources

• 💜 AAP Infant & Toddler Feeding Guidelines
• 💜 CDC Infant & Toddler Nutrition
• 💜 Back to Resources Hub