The first stages of parenting can be quite a challenge for any couple, especially when it comes to feeding the baby. Amidst a range of new experiences and sleepless nights, the time has flown past and your baby is nine months old now At this stage, you do have more options and choices in terms of food. Your baby can not enjoy a full adult diet yet but can definitely be around at the time of the family meal. It is necessary to keep in mind that pediatricians recommend continuing breastfeeding for at least a year and not stopping it all of a sudden.
This is also the period when the baby has started enjoying soft solid food types and the baby food recipes for 9-month-olds can contain small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Like an adult, it is important to serve the baby with a wide range of fruits and vegetables of varied colors and textures. Carbohydrates like bread and cereals will form the basic foundation of the 9-month baby’s food list and the inclusion of protein in the form of chicken, fish, and eggs is also very important. The two forms of liquid intake during this period should be milk and water. Try to form a schedule regarding the meal and snack times of the day and stick to it as best as possible.
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While serving the range of foods is important, the baby will need some time to adjust herself to the flavors. It is important for the parents to have patience and allow some time for the baby to start with the whole range of recipes. Teething can also occur at this stage which can reduce the baby’s appetite due to the discomfort. Make sure that you provide her with sufficient nutrients that are needed for growth. Similarly, there are a few items that should be avoided from the food menu for a 9-month-old baby and they are listed under.
- Fast food like chips, burgers, doughnuts, pastries, biscuits, sweets, and chocolates are not suited for a nine-month-old baby. These items are high in salt, sugar, and fat content and low in the nutrient aspect.
- Fruit juices, soft drinks, and flavored varieties of water and milk should be avoided as they can lead to obesity, loss of appetite, and tooth decay.
- Food and drinks containing caffeine should not be fed to the baby and these include coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
- Honey and cow’s milk are also to be avoided from the 9-month baby’s food list till she hits the one-year mark.
Let us now take a look at some of the ideal baby food recipes for 9-month-olds, which can be easily cooked at home.
Fruit puree
A puree made from fruits like apples, bananas, and pears is a perfect dish for the baby at this stage. Peel the apple and pear and boil them to make the soft. Add the bananas and mash them together to prepare the puree. Various berries and dates are also the right kind of fruits to feed the baby. You can also provide raw fruits like mangoes and papayas as finger foods for a 9-month-old at this stage by cutting them into small pieces. Make sure that you only include properly cleaned seasonal fruits in the baby’s diet.
Sweet potato risotto
This is a healthy dish that will provide the right combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Boil some brown rice separately and chop the potatoes and tomatoes into small pieces. Add the chopped vegetables to a pan along with a small amount of butter or olive oil and cook until they are soft. Add the rice to the mixture and stir until the items are thoroughly mixed. You can also add a small portion of grated cheese to add to the flavors. This dish can also be included in the 9-month baby’s food list by using oatmeal instead of rice as oats are rich in fiber content and minerals.
Fish and vegetable stew
This dish brings the goodness of fish and vegetables together in a 9-month baby’s food list. Cut vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes into small pieces and wash them. Add de-boned and minced fish into boiling water and cook it thoroughly. Add the vegetables and heat under medium flame with continuous stirring until the ingredients become soft and the item is ready. You can also add some amount of olive oil or butter to the recipe. Instead of fish, it can also be prepared with chicken.
Scrambled egg
Easy to prepare and rich with protein, scrambles egg is an ideal finger food for a 9-month-old baby. Use butter or olive oil to cook the egg and you can add some vegetables like tomatoes and broccoli to make the dish more nourishing. Make sure that the egg is cooked thoroughly and no part is left soft. Apart from the scrambled version, boiled eggs are also a very good food item for the baby. If you are trying boiled eggs for the first time, start with the yolk and after the baby gets used to it, offer the white portion.
Semolina
This is a very good dish that is easily digestible and easily prepared, making it one of the best options on the food menu for a 9-month-old baby. Fry the semolina in butter or olive oil and once it is brown, add water. Add grounded nuts along with chopped or pureed dates to bring in the sweet taste. Keep the mixture thin as it will thicken further as it cools down. You can also prepare another variation of this dish with vegetables like carrots, beans, and potatoes. Add a slight amount of salt and turmeric to bring flavor to the dish. Semolina is a good choice as cereal beyond rice and oats.
Pasta
Rice or wheat pasta is another good choice as a cereal and it also makes the finger food for a 9-month-old baby. Cook the pasta sufficiently to make it soft. Chop up vegetables like carrots and cauliflowers and boil them sufficiently. Pour some butter into a saucepan and add the pasta and the vegetables along with a small amount of salt. Stir until the mixture is well-cooked and soft enough for the baby to handle. You can also add some cheese to the menu to bring in some additional flavors.
These are some baby food recipes for 9-month-olds that provide the right balance of nutrients for the baby. So before you start, here are a few points worth noting down.
- Make sure you offer things that are soft and steer clear from items like nuts, grapes, raisins, and other items that can lead to choking.
- Try to eat along with the baby at this stage as much as possible. She will learn a lot of things while watching you eat.
- Offering snacks and desserts to the baby is fine but make sure that they are natural and healthy.
- Keep looking out for signs that will tell you that the baby does not want to eat anymore. The appetite of the baby will also depend on the environment and the amount of physical activity.
For a parent, this is the right stage to build the right foundations of the baby’s diet so that she can practice healthy eating habits throughout the later stages of her life.
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