Baby feeding glossary
Plain-language baby feeding terms
These definitions explain the terms used across BabyBites guides. Each definition links to a primary US health or regulatory source and is general education, not individualized medical advice.
Complementary foods
Foods or drinks introduced in addition to breast milk or infant formula when a baby is developmentally ready, usually at about 6 months. They complement rather than immediately replace milk feeds.
Primary source: CDC: When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
Developmental readiness for solid foods
A group of observable skills used alongside age when considering solid foods, including sitting with support, controlling the head and neck, bringing objects to the mouth, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out.
Primary source: CDC: When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
Baby-led weaning (BLW)
An approach to complementary feeding in which a developmentally ready baby self-feeds appropriately prepared finger foods. Families may also combine finger foods with caregiver-led spoon-feeding.
Primary source: HealthyChildren.org: Baby-Led Weaning: Is It Safe?
Texture progression
The gradual introduction of food textures and consistencies as a child develops eating skills. Suitable textures may include smooth, mashed, lumpy, ground, finely chopped, and soft finger foods.
Primary source: CDC: Tastes and Textures
Responsive feeding
A caregiving approach that notices and responds to a child’s hunger and fullness cues. The caregiver decides what and when to offer while allowing the child to decide whether and how much to eat.
Primary source: CDC: Signs Your Child Is Hungry or Full
Major food allergen
In the United States, one of nine foods identified in federal labeling law: milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Primary source: FDA: Food Allergies—What You Need to Know
Allergen cross-contact
The unintentional transfer of a food allergen to another food. Unlike deliberate ingredients, cross-contact may occur through shared equipment, surfaces, utensils, or preparation areas.
Primary source: FDA: Food Allergies
Gagging
A protective feeding reflex that helps move food forward and is commonly noisy. Gagging is not the same as choking, although caregivers should learn the difference from a qualified first-aid source.
Primary source: HealthyChildren.org: Baby-Led Weaning: Is It Safe?
Choking hazard
A food or object whose shape, size, or texture can block a child’s airway. Examples include whole nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, and hard raw pieces of fruit or vegetables.
Primary source: HealthyChildren.org: Choking Prevention
Iron-rich food
A food that supplies iron, a nutrient babies need as complementary foods begin. Examples include iron-fortified infant cereal, meat, beans, and lentils prepared in a developmentally appropriate texture.
Primary source: CDC: Foods and Drinks to Encourage
Apply these terms in context in the BabyBites feeding guides. Ask a qualified clinician about a particular child’s feeding, allergy, development, or health needs.