What foods can an edentulous infant try?

Foods for Edentulous Infants

Timing and Developmental Readiness

For infants without teeth, begin introducing smooth, thin purees between 4-6 months of age (preferably at 6 months), starting with iron-fortified infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, then progressing to pureed vegetables and fruits. 1

• Ensure the infant demonstrates good head control and ability to sit with support before introducing any solid foods 1
• Confirm the extrusion reflex (tongue-thrust reflex) has disappeared before starting purees 1
• Teeth are not required for consuming appropriately textured foods—infants can manage purees and soft foods with their gums 2

Recommended First Foods (4-6 Months)

Iron-Fortified Cereals

• Start with iron-fortified rice cereal as the first food, providing approximately 1 mg/kg per day of needed iron 1
• Mix cereal to a smooth, thin consistency using breast milk or formula 1
• Two or more servings daily of iron-fortified infant cereal can meet iron requirements 1
• For infants with severe eczema or known food allergies, rice is considered higher-risk for FPIES; consider starting with lower-risk vegetables instead 1

Lower-Risk Vegetables (Smooth Purees)

• Broccoli, cauliflower, parsnip, turnip, pumpkin 2
• Begin with smooth, thin purees and progress to thicker consistency as tolerated 2
• These vegetables are high in iron and support nutritional needs 2

Moderate-Risk Vegetables (After Tolerating Lower-Risk Foods)

• Squash, carrot, white potato 2
• Green beans (note: legume category, slightly higher risk) 2

Progression at 6 Months

Fruits (Pureed)

• Lower-risk fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, plum, watermelon, peach, avocado 2
• Moderate-risk fruits: Apple, pear, orange 2
• Introduce vitamin C-rich fruits to enhance iron absorption from cereals 3
• Continue expanding variety of pureed fruits as tolerated 2

High-Iron Foods

• Continue iron-fortified cereals as primary iron source 2
• Breast milk or iron-fortified formula should remain the primary nutrition source 1

Progression at 8 Months (When Developmentally Appropriate)

Soft-Cooked Proteins

• Pureed or finely mashed lamb (lower-risk protein) 2
• Pureed or finely mashed beef (moderate-risk protein) 2
• Offer soft-cooked, bite-and-dissolve textures that can be managed without teeth 2

Additional Grains

• Fortified quinoa cereal, millet (lower-risk) 2
• Fortified corn cereal, wheat, fortified barley cereal (moderate-risk) 2

Critical Safety Considerations

Foods to Avoid Completely

• No fruit juice before 12 months of age—offers no nutritional benefits and increases risk of diarrhea, malnutrition, and dental caries 2
• Never give whole grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, or hard candies—these are choking hazards even for older children 4
• Avoid honey before 12 months due to botulism risk 2

Texture Modifications for Safety

• All foods must be smooth purees or very soft, mashable consistency 1
• Thin purees with breast milk, formula, or water to appropriate consistency 2
• As infant develops (around 8 months), progress to thicker purees and soft, bite-and-dissolve textures 2

Choking Prevention

• Always supervise meals and ensure infant sits upright while eating 4
• Never allow eating while walking, running, or playing 4
• Avoid distractions during feeding—no talking, laughing, or eating quickly 4

Feeding Strategy and Progression

Introduction Protocol

• Introduce one new single-ingredient food at a time 2
• Wait at least 4 days before introducing another new food to monitor for reactions 2
• If infant tolerates a variety of early foods, subsequent introductions can be more liberal 2

Normal vs. Concerning Responses

• Normal: Initial hesitation, facial expressions of surprise, small gagging episodes, mild stool changes 1
• Concerning (seek medical attention): Persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea with blood or mucus, skin rashes, hives, facial swelling, respiratory symptoms, lethargy 1

Nutritional Priorities

Maintain Adequate Milk Intake

• Breast milk or iron-fortified formula remains the primary nutrition source through 12 months 1, 3
• Formula-fed infants should consume 24-32 ounces daily during months 6-12 3
• Never allow formula intake to fall below 24 ounces daily 3

Iron Supplementation

• Exclusively breastfed infants may need supplemental iron (1 mg/kg/d) by 6 months 2
• Premature or low birth weight infants require 2-4 mg/kg/day iron drops starting at 1 month, continuing until 12 months 3

Avoid Nutritional Deficiencies

• Delayed introduction of new foods increases risk of iron deficiency and other nutritional deficiencies 2
• Limited food experiences can adversely affect food intake for years 2
• Consultation with a dietitian is recommended if multiple food restrictions are necessary 2