What to feed my 1 year old?

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone! You’ve managed to keep a little human alive for an entire year, and now it’s time to think about their diet. But what should you feed your beloved offspring? Fear not, dear reader; we have put together a guide that will help you navigate the murky waters of baby nutrition. From pureed peas to finger foods, here’s everything you need to know about feeding your one-year-old.

The Basics

Before we dive into specifics, let’s go over some basic principles:

  • Breast milk or formula is still essential for the first twelve months of a child’s life. It provides all the nutrients they need while their digestive system develops.
  • Around six months old, start offering solid food, but continue with breast milk or formula as well.
  • Between nine and twelve months old, gradually decrease the amount of milk they drink until they’re down to around two cups per day (if still breastfeeding).
  • Every child is different – don’t stress too much if yours isn’t following exact guidelines.

Now that we’re clear on that, let’s move onto more exciting topics!

Purees

Purees are probably where most parents start when introducing solid food.

Fruits and Vegetables

Mashed banana was likely one of the first solids your little one tried – it’s sweet and easy for them to eat. But there are plenty more fruits and vegetables out there worth exploring!

Here are some others worth trying in puree form:

  • Avocado
  • Pear
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potato
  • Apple

While buying pre-made jars can be convenient at times (no shame!), making them yourself can be fun! Plus, you’ll know exactly what they contain.

To make each purée: wash/peel/fruits/vegetables -> chop into small pieces -> boil until soft (or steam) -> blend/mash -> add water or formula/breast milk to thin out.

Meat and Fish

Introducing Iron-rich meats is often recommended for purees during this stage especially if the baby is being breastfed as they transition from breast milk which already contains iron. Aim for one of these per day:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Turkey

Fish can also be used in puree form at this age, ensure you research to find low mercury varieties because mercury exposure may affect brain development.

Here are a couple examples:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna (Light)

Finger Foods

As your child grows more teeth (both kinds!), finger foods become not only an option but inevitable! They are encouraged at 8+ months old. However, remember that choke hazards still exist – steer clear of hot dog chunks, whole grapes, popcorn etc.

The classics:

  • Cheerios/O-shaped cereal
  • Cooked pasta
  • Cubed cheese
    (Also known as ‘crack’ by many parents. Try and wean them off when possible)

Fruits and Vegetables

Now that your tot has had some time with purées,it’s time for interpretation instead!

Some favorites include easily held/ eaten slices/wedges/sticks of fruit/vegetable like:

  • Avocado slices/wedges
  • Soft pieces of cooked carrots & sweet potato.
  • Banana/pineapple chunks
  • Strawberry/blueberry halves

And below are the ones we call it cheating:

  1. Freeze Dried Fruits: freeze dried fruits such strawberries sold by brands such as gerber melt so quickly in their mouths and provide nutrition (in a fun way) which cannot possibly go wrong!
  2. Squeezy pouches: These pouches contain different combinations including vegetables & protein . Its twist / cap nozzle allows the baby to suck out of it right away. Ultimate hack for traveling and also an instant lifesaver in case of picky eaters!

What’s off-limits

At this stage, there are some restrictions:

  • No honey until 1 year old: Honey contains botulism spores which can be harmful to babies whose digestive systems are not yet fully developed.
  • Limit salt intake: A baby’s kidneys aren’t able to handle too much sodium so keep packaged/prepared foods low as they contain high amounts (even natural meat).
  • Up until age two avoid unpasteurized cheese, raw or undercooked eggs/meat/fish.

In closing…

Bear in mind that every child is unique – what worked for our milo may not work / might even break [little] Jonesie. Not everything needs be homemade – improvising when situations arise show you’re a skilled parent! Some newbie moms find feeding babies nothing short exhausting due to fear of choking among other things but looking back got through their hurdles just fine with patience and laughter here &there. Don’t overcomplicate it; All our diligent efforts will pay off eventually through them outgrowing us into terrific adults…hopefully!!

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