By 9 months, your baby has most likely started to explore solid foods. This is an exciting time for both baby and parents. At this stage, your baby may be a pro at eating cereals and is ready to adventure into a broader rainbow of foods.
Although breast milk and formula will remain the main nutrient for your baby until their 1-year-old birthday, the solid foods you do introduce must be nutrient-dense. Between 9-12 months of age, your baby needs a variety of foods that are rich in iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods should be served to your baby soft, mashed, or pureed. If your baby is ready to begin experimenting with finger foods, it is essential to remember that hard foods like apples should be steamed (never boiled) to soften. Also, be sure to cut food into small, manageable pieces to avoid choking.
It may seem like a challenging task to decide exactly what foods your baby needs at this time. Check out our list below for an assortment of fruits, veggies, grains, dairy, and protein your baby can start trying, as well as a few meal ideas!
Foods for 9-12-Month-Old Baby
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Pears
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Cherries
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Plums
- Avocado
Veggies
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Pumpkin
- Squash
Grains
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Pasta
- Teething Biscuits
- Toast
Proteins
- Lean Meats
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Fish
- Beans
- Lentils
Dairy
continue to avoid cow’s milk until your baby turns 1-year-old
- Cheese
- Yogurt
Aim to include 3 meals a day that supports your baby’s breast milk or formula intake. You can start adding 2 snacks a day as necessary.
Let’s take a look at a few meal ideas in addition to breast milk/formula for your little love.
Breakfast
- Oatmeal with fruit
- Boiled egg yolk
- Mashed Bananas
Snack
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Teething biscuits
- Fruit smoothies
Lunch
- Pasta
- Veggies and Quinoa
- Lentil Soup
- Tofu and Veggies
- Beans and Rice
Dinner
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Stew and Mashed Potatoes
- Macaroni and Cheese with Veggies
Foods to Avoid
Your baby’s belly is still quite small and becomes full easily. As parents, you want to make sure your baby’s tummy is being filled with food that is beneficial to growth and development. With that in mind, be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods. Even at this young age, babies are beginning to establish eating habits. So, we want to make sure food choices are always healthy.
Mealtimes may be messy and it may seem like barely any food is being consumed, but rest assured, your baby naturally knows what he or she needs. Make feeding a fun, positive, and exploring experience for your baby by offering a variety of foods and textures. Enjoy this new stage in your baby’s development and remember: all babies are different. Feeding is not a one size fits all experience.