Hummus

Choose or make a plain, no-salt hummus. Its smooth, spreadable texture suits early eating: offer it on a preloaded spoon, spread a thin layer on a soft strip of toast or steamed vegetable, or stir a spoonful into other purées. Because hummus contains tahini, sesame is an allergen here, so offer it as a single new food the first few times.

Smooth, on a spoon or thinly spread on a soft strip.

Keep using plain, no-salt hummus as a dip and a spread. Let your baby scoop it with soft vegetable sticks or strips of toast, or spread it on soft finger foods. If a batch is very thick or sticky, loosen it with a little water, breast milk, formula, or plain yogurt so it is easier to manage. Still keep added salt out.

Smooth dip or spread; thin if very thick or sticky.

Hummus works well as a toddler dip, sandwich spread, or sauce stirred through soft pasta or grains. Homemade or low-salt versions are best, since many store brands are high in salt. Offer it with soft vegetable sticks, strips of bread, or alongside a meal. Thin a very stiff batch slightly so it stays smooth and easy to swallow.

Dip, spread, or sauce; thin a very stiff batch.