What was your baby’s first food?

I’m starting my baby tomorrow on her first solids. She’s 5 months old and very strong. Sitting in her high chair perfectly straight- she’s got great neck control. Loves to reach and grab. The doctor said she’s good to start.

I wanted to start her on carrots- boiled and pureed. My mom said I should really be starting on cereal because it’s bland… but then I read that the cereal “first food” is a very American thing and pretty much any food in pureed form is fine as long as there is no added salt/sugar, spices (for right now).

To me, this is a really really big deal. Her dad is incredibly picky. The definition of a beige eater (he’d tell you that too- “the more beige the better”). He loves his processed foods, chicken nuggets, French fries…. Don’t get me wrong. He eats “grown up” food too, but very limited with the flavors he likes. He mostly enjoys salt and garlic powder. (How he married somebody that mixes smoked paprika and cinnamon on roasted carrots is still something I’m trying to figure out).

Neither of us want our daughter growing up with her dad’s pallet.

What should baby’s first food be?