Timeframe for Pregnancy and Amount of Food for Infants:
As your baby approached nine months, they may start craving a variety of different foods beyond breast milk or formula. At this age, they are exploring new tastes and textures every day. While some babies may prefer certain foods like fruits, vegetables, or finger food, others may shy away from new experiences. Here are some strategies to help ensure your baby is getting a balanced and nutritious diet during this stage:
Feeding frequency and milk intake:
- Feed your baby about 2 to 4 times a day, including breast milk or formula and solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends around 720 mL (24 ounces) of breast milk or formula per day at this age [1].
- As your baby starts eating more solids, the frequency of milk feeds should gradually decrease to around 3-4 times a day, but they should still be a major source of nutrition [3].
Recommended solid foods:
- Offer two to three solid meals daily, with meal times gradually shifting towards more finger foods to promote self-feeding skills [1][3].
- Include a variety of soft, nutrient-rich foods, such as:
- Soft fruits like mashed avocado, banana pieces, and berries that have been mashed or halved to reduce choking risks [1][5].
- Cooked and soft vegetables like steamed broccoli florets or mixed vegetable soups [4][5].
- Protein sources like scrambled eggs, soft lentils, meatballs, yogurt, and mild cheeses [3][4].
- Whole grains such as toast, soft pasta, or rice mixed with vegetables [1][4].
Tips for picky eaters:
- Offer small portions of various textures and flavors repeatedly, as repeated exposure helps acceptance [3][5].
- Encourage self-feeding with easy-to-grasp finger foods to boost interest and independence.
- Incorporate familiar flavors mixed with new foods, like mashing vegetables into favorite dishes or serving broccoli in toddler-friendly forms like broccoli tots [5].
- Maintain patience and a positive mealtime environment to reduce feeding stress.
Sample daily feeding schedule:
| Time | Feed Type ||----------------|---------------------------|| Wake-up | Breast milk or formula || Breakfast | Scrambled eggs and toast || Mid-morning | Breast milk or formula || Lunch | Avocado on crackers || Mid-afternoon | Breast milk or formula || Dinner | Pasta with meatballs || Before bed | Breast milk or formula |
By following this approach, you can ensure your baby is getting essential nutrients from breast milk or formula while also gradually introducing a variety of solid foods to their palate and feeding skills. As always, consult with a pediatrician or dietitian for personalized advice based on your baby's growth and preferences [1][3].
- disclaimer: The enrichment data is a general guideline and may not apply to every individual child's needs. Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your child.
Additional Tips:
- Introduce infant cereals around 6 months old and gradually increase the quantity as your baby gets accustomed to the texture.
- Offer finger foods that are easy for your baby to grip and chew, like cooked spaghetti, cooked peas, and finely chopped fruits or vegetables.
- Puree or mash foods whenever possible, making it easier for your baby to swallow and taste new flavors.
- Maintain a positive and encouraging atmosphere during mealtime to make feeding a pleasant experience.
Fun and easy-to-make recipes for picky eaters:
For more nutritious and delicious recipes for your baby, be sure to check out "5 Ayurvedic Jad Лоо Live Cooking" and "18 Picky Eater Baby Food Recipes" on our website!
References:
[1] Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, American Academy of Pediatrics (2014).
[2] Infant and Toddler Nutrition, World Health Organization (2016).
[3] Feeding Your Baby: From Breast Milk to Family Foods, Mayo Clinic (2018).
[4] Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, American Heart Association (2011).
[5] Solid Foods for Baby: MedlinePlus (2019).
Resources:
- 8 Techniques to Improve Oral Motor Skills
- Calming Colors for Autism Children
- The Silent Struggle: How Anxiety Affects Speech in Adults
- Sleep Regression in Older Kids: Causes and Strategies to Cope
- "Your Brain": The Brain Gym Exercises
Join our community of Moms, Dads, and caregivers; access expert advice, parenting resources, and inspiring stories here:
- To promote growth and development during the health-and-wellness phase of parenting, it's essential to incorporate science-backed feeding strategies, like offering a variety of soft, nutrient-rich foods such as cooked broccoli, mashed avocado, and scrambled eggs.
- Parents can make mealtime a pleasant experience by maintaining a positive atmosphere, encouraging self-feeding skills with finger foods, and introducing familiar flavors mixed with new ones to gradually expand their baby's palate.
- For nutrition-focused recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, check out resources like "5 Ayurvedic Jad Лоо Live Cooking" and "18 Picky Eater Baby Food Recipes" available on our website.
