🍲 Best First Foods for Ghanaian Babies

Nurturing Little Ones with Our Rich Local Flavours

When it comes to introducing solid foods, choosing safe, nutritious, and culturally familiar options helps your baby ease into mealtime while building a taste for wholesome Ghanaian foods. Around 6 months, your baby is ready to begin this exciting journey — and you don’t have to look far for the best ingredients!

✅ Key Qualities of Good First Foods:

• Soft and easy to swallow

• Rich in iron, protein, and healthy fats

• Free from added salt, sugar, and strong spices

• Easy to digest and less likely to cause allergies

🍌 Ghanaian Baby-Friendly First Foods to Try:

1. Mashed Banana

• Naturally sweet, soft, and packed with potassium and energy.

• No cooking required — just mash with a fork and serve!

2. Avocado Purée

• Creamy, rich in healthy fats, and great for brain development.

• Mix with breast milk or warm water for a smoother texture.

3. Soft Cooked Mashed Sweet Potato or Yam

• A good source of fiber and vitamin A.

• Serve plain or mix with a little breast milk for easy swallowing.

4. Plain Rice or Brown Rice Porridge

• A gentle first cereal. Blend cooked rice with water or breast milk.

• Fortify with iron-rich fish powder or a spoon of Dr. Annie Dates Powder.

5. Millet or Hausa Koko (Mild Version)

• Rich in iron and fiber. Cook plain without pepper or sugar for baby.

• Optionally mix with dates powder or formula for flavor and sweetness.

6. Mashed Ripe Pawpaw (Papaya)

• Excellent for digestion and full of vitamin C.

• Soft, hydrating, and easy to mash.

7. Soft Cooked and Puréed Carrot or Pumpkin

• Bright, sweet, and filled with beta-carotene for vision and immunity.

8. Blended Kontomire (Cocoyam Leaves) with Rice or Potato

• A great way to introduce greens and iron.

• Steam and blend with rice or yam into a smooth purée.

9. Tilapia or Salmon Purée (Deboned and Cooked Softly)

• A gentle source of protein and omega-3 fats.

• Mix with mashed yam or rice for a balanced mini meal.

10. Plain Oats Porridge

• Easily digestible and a good source of energy and fiber.

• Mix with mashed banana or date syrup for sweetness.

🌾 Optional Fortifiers for Extra Nutrition:

• Dr. Annie Fish, Shrimp, or Chicken Powder

• Dr. Annie Dates or Chia Seed Powder

• Groundnut paste (from 8–9 months, and only if no allergy risk)

Tip: Introduce one new food at a time, and wait 3–5 days before trying another. This helps spot any allergies or sensitivities early on.