At what age can combination foods be introduced?

Combination foods can typically be introduced around 12 months of age as infants start developing the ability to chew and digest a variety of foods. At this age, a child’s digestive system is more mature, allowing them to handle complex textures and mixed ingredients.

Introducing combination foods at this stage also aligns with developmental milestones where a child is learning to explore new tastes and textures. By 12 months, many children are transitioning to a diet that resembles that of the rest of the family, which includes more complex meals and a wider variety of flavors. This age marks a significant shift in dietary recommendations, as it moves beyond pureed foods to include more whole foods, which can be combined for enhanced nutrition and flavor.

Other options suggest earlier introductions, which might not align with the child’s readiness for such foods and could present a risk for choking or gastrointestinal discomfort. It's important to consider both the child's developmental readiness as well as nutritional needs when introducing combination foods.