A first foods checklist that remembers the messy details.

What belongs on a first foods checklist

A useful checklist does more than name foods. It captures the date, texture, response, amount, and notes. Those details are the difference between "I think we tried egg?" and an actual record.

The CDC and AAP recommend introducing foods other than breast milk or formula at about 6 months, when the baby shows developmental readiness. The tracker is built around that practical reality.

• Foods tried and foods still untouched.
• Preparation form: puree, mashed, soft finger food, mixed dish, or other.
• Response: loved, liked, neutral, refused, or possible reaction.

Start simple, then widen the plate

First foods do not need a magical order. Once baby is ready, variety across food groups matters more than performing the perfect launch sequence.

Keep notes boring and specific

Good notes sound like: "two bites, mashed avocado, no reaction by bedtime" or "vomited once about one hour after yogurt, called pediatrician." Boring notes beat vague panic every time.