**Soft, chilled foods are good options once your baby is ready for solids.** At around six months, readiness includes holding her head steady while sitting upright, bringing food to her mouth, and swallowing it. Chewing her fists alone doesn’t establish readiness. [NHS feeding guidance](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/)

Here are some practical choices:

| Food | How to prepare it |
|---|---|
| **Ripe banana** | Peel and offer a soft, finger-length piece, or mash it if she’s still learning to handle textures. |
| **Ripe peach or pear** | Wash, peel, remove the stone/core, and cut into soft finger-length slices. Cook firm pears first. |
| **Apple** | Peel, core, and steam or simmer slices until soft. Cool completely before serving. |
| **Carrot or sweet potato** | Peel, cut into finger-length sticks, and steam or boil until easily mashed with a fork. Cool completely. |

These are suitable first-food examples from the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/). For cooked foods, the [CDC recommends a texture soft enough to mash easily with a fork](https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-what-and-how-to-introduce-solid-foods.html). You can refrigerate prepared portions for a cool sensation; keep them soft.

**Avoid hard raw apple or carrot as teethers.** Pieces can break off and cause choking. Whole grapes, whole nuts, and dried fruit are also choking hazards. Sit her upright in a high chair and stay within reach, watching throughout—even soft foods can cause choking. [CDC choking guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/choking-hazards.html/)

For sore gums, avoid letting her chew directly on food frozen solid, which can hurt tender gums. If she hasn’t started solids yet, a clean, cool damp washcloth or gentle gum massage with a clean finger can provide relief. [American Academy of Pediatrics teething advice](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/teething-pain.aspx)