The readers of Mothers Today they know that the organization of meals is key to ensuring the balanced diet of the whole family. However, when there is a baby in the family 9 and 12 months, many questions arise about which foods to introduce and how to do so safely. At this stage, the eating is essential for their development and growth, which is why we have developed a weekly menu which facilitates the progressive inclusion of new foods.
The evolution of feeding in babies from 9 to 12 months
From the 9 months, babies begin to experiment with different textures. During this period, the transition from purees to mashed foods and then to soft solids should be gradual.
In this quarter, it is recommended to introduce:
- Lean meats: Chicken, turkey and beef.
- White fish: Hake, sole.
- Vegetables: Skinned lentils, chickpeas and peas, well cooked.
- Various fruits: Red fruits and peaches should be avoided before the age of one.
- Soft vegetables: Except spinach and chard until 12 months due to their nitrate content.
Foods to avoid before the year
- Whole cow's milk: Breast milk or formula remains the basis of their diet.
- Sugar, salt and honey: Its consumption is not recommended for children under one year of age.
- Whole nuts: High risk of choking.
- Raw food: Eggs, meats and fish must be well cooked.
Weekly menu for babies from 9 to 12 months
Monday
- Breakfast: Breast milk or formula, applesauce with cereal.
- Lunch: Mashed potatoes, tomatoes, corn and beef.
- Snack: Orange and pear juice, accompanied by two baby-friendly biscuits.
- Price: Oatmeal soup with carrot.
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Breast milk or formula, cereal porridge.
- Lunch: Chickpea puree with vegetables.
- Snack: Apple juice and bread.
- Price: Pumpkin puree and rice.
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Breast milk or formula, apple and pear puree with cereal.
- Lunch: Mashed potatoes with chicken.
- Snack: Orange juice and half a banana.
- Price: Zucchini puree.
Adapting nutrition to breastfeeding
Although the baby begins to eat solid foods, the Breastfeeding or formula remains their main source of nutrition. It is recommended to continue with the breastfeeding on demand to ensure adequate growth and development.
Tips to ease the transition to solids
When the baby shows interest in food in pieces, it is advisable to:
- Offer soft, easy-to-chew foods.
- Allowing the baby to use his/her hands to grab food (Baby Led Weaning or self-regulated feeding).
- Introduce one new food per week to assess tolerance and prevent possible allergies.
- Always supervise meals to avoid choking hazards.
Importance of sharing meals with family
Eating as a family helps the baby acquire Healthy Habits, observing and imitating adults. It also helps the child become familiar with different flavours and textures.
Plan a varied weekly menu Not only does it make organization easier, but it also guarantees a complete and balanced diet at this stage of growth.