Foods Ideas for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

Getting children to eat healthy food is not an easy task. If you have a child, you know taking care of him is a lot of work. From making sure that you provide him with the best nutrition to ensuring that he meets his milestones on time – as a parent you have a lot to stress about. One important task is deciding meals for your little one. You will need to work nutritious foods in his diet from early on for his healthy growth and development and to develop healthy eating habits in him. If you want to know which foods you should include in your baby’s diet, read on!

The Best Foods for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

If your baby is between 17 and 20 months old, he must be growing at a rapid rate. He will need the right kind of nutrition for his proper growth. A well-balanced diet that is rich in proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals is important for him. If you want to know which foods you should include in your child’s diet, read on!

1. Grains

Grains are super-healthy and can be included in your baby’s diet. You can add different grains like rice, millet, barley, etc., in his diet. Rice is the least allergenic grains and that is why it is recommended as one of the first foods for babies. Millets are a rich source of B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, and barley can provide your munchkin with Vitamin A, folate, and protein. You can also include quinoa in his diet as it is rich in iron, calcium, fibre, and protein. However, before including these grains, do check with your baby’s paediatrician first.

2. Vegetables

Now that your baby is a little older, you can introduce veggies to him. Veggies like pumpkins and carrots are a great source of Vitamin A, so include these in his diet. Apart from these, you can also give him boiled peas, edamame beans, and cucumber.

3. Fruits

You can include citrus fruits such as oranges and sweet lime and other fruits like apples, bananas, berries, and pears. If avocados are easily available in your area, make them a part of your child’s diet too. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and are a must-include in a growing child’s diet.

4. Nuts

Dried fruits and nuts can help your child gain healthy weight. You can start off by giving your toddler small pieces of almonds and walnuts (nicely chopped) either in a meal or on the side. These nuts should be chopped well as your little one might end up choking on them. You can also powder them and add it to his glass of milk.

5. Milk

If your little one is above 12 months of age, include a glass of milk in his daily diet. But if your child is lactose intolerant, consult a paediatrician with regards to the inclusion of milk in his diet.

6. Other Dairy Products

Cheese, clarified butter, butter, cottage cheese, and yoghurt can also be given as a snack to toddlers. You can also include these in his meals. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and protein and will keep your child full.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a versatile food and can be included in a child’s diet, but it’s best to start them after your child turns two years of age. Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelette would make for a great breakfast option. Eggs are high in protein, low in cholesterol, and good for overall health. So make them a part of your baby’s diet.

Foods That Should Not Be a Part of Your Toddler’s Diet

Given below are some foods that should not go into your child’s daily diet if he is between 17 and 20 months old.

1. Added sugars

Foods high in added sugars, such as sugary snacks, candies, desserts, and sweetened beverages, should be limited. These provide empty calories and can contribute to dental cavities and unhealthy weight gain (1).

2. Salty foods

Processed foods like chips, crackers, and canned soups often contain high levels of sodium, which can be detrimental to a toddler’s developing kidneys and may contribute to high blood pressure later in life.

3. Foods high in saturated and trans fats

Limiting foods like fried foods, processed meats (e.g., hot dogs, bacon), and commercially baked goods can help reduce the intake of unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease (2).

4. Food that are choking hazards

Foods that pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, large chunks of meat or cheese, hard candies, and raw vegetables, should be avoided or prepared in a way that minimizes the risk of choking (3).

5. Highly allergenic foods

While it’s important to introduce a variety of foods to toddlers to help prevent food allergies, certain foods like peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, soy, and wheat should be introduced cautiously, especially if there is a family history of food allergies.

6. Caffeine

Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas, should be avoided as they can negatively affect a toddler’s sleep patterns and may lead to irritability and other behavioral issues (4).

7. Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, and fish

These foods may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and should be cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

8. Foods with artificial additives and preservatives

Processed foods containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives should be limited as they may have negative effects on behavior and overall health.

A Sample Food Chart/Meal Plan for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

Preparing meals for your baby won’t be difficult if you have a meal plan at your disposal. Given below is a sample food chart for babies between the ages of 17 and 20 months. You can use this sample meal plan as a guide and give it your own twist. Check out the plan below –

Source: http://www.shishuworld.com/18-month-baby-food-chart-toddler-food-chart-meal-plan-for-18-monthsbaby/

Homemade Food Recipes for a 17-to-20-month-old Toddler

For your almost 2-year-old baby, you are free to give anything he is willing to eat. So, do not be afraid to experiment. Your infant will enjoy all kinds of food made with a little less spice. Here are some simple and delicious recipes for you to try.

1. Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A and can be used to make pumpkin dip which your child can enjoy with apples or cucumbers. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients 

• 1 canned pumpkin
• ½ tsp salt to taste
• ½ tsp pepper
• A dash of lemon (additional ingredient)

Method

1. Take all the ingredients together in a bowl and whip them well.
2. Serve with slices of apple or cucumber.

2. Risotto Primavera

This is a perfect meal for an 18-month-old. This Italian dish is packed with vegetables and protein and makes for a good lunch option.

Ingredients 

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 small leek (thoroughly washed and finely chopped)
• 2 tsp of olive oil
• A small portion of risotto rice
• Vegetable or chicken stock (as needed)
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas
• 1 small carrot (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp of butter
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice
• A block of parmesan cheese

Method

1. Take the butter in a pan and sauté the leek and onions for about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the rice and stir and let it cook until the rice turns translucent.
3. Add a bowl full of stock and stir frequently till it is completely absorbed and cooked.
4. Add more stock, stir, and cook the rice gently till it is tender.
5. Once the rice is cooked, grate some parmesan cheese and garnish it on top before serving.

3. Mediterranean Salad

Lightly tossed vegetables and greens mixed with some lemon dressing are a smart option for a quick meal.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/3 cup of vinegar
• 1/2 an onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper, red (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 8 black olives (canned)
• 1 cup of cilantro (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper (ground)
• 1 cup of feta cheese crumbles
• 1 lemon (medium)

Method

1. Take the cooked quinoa and keep it aside in a bowl.
2. Take some olive oil in a pan and toss some onions, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro in it.
3. Add the quinoa and veggies to a bowl and sprinkle some feta crumbs on top.
4. Sprinkle some lemon juice and serve.

4. Oatmeal With Banana

This breakfast recipe packs in fibre and vitamins. It will also keep your child full for long.

Ingredients Needed 

• 1 small cup of rolled oats
• 1 small cup of almond milk or water
• 1 banana (sliced)
• 1 tsp of cinnamon

Method

1. Cook the oats slowly with some almond milk in a pan. Stir occasionally.
2. Once it’s nice and soft, add a dash of cinnamon for a slight sweetness.
3. Before serving, add chopped bananas on top.

5. Avocado on Toast

Avocado is rich in healthy fats and can meet your child’s requirements for healthy fats. It tastes delicious too. Check the recipe below –

Ingredients 

• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 banana (if required)
• 4 slices of bread (whole wheat)
• Some cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper as per taste

Method

1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Then scoop out the flesh and mash it in a bowl until its creamy.
2. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for taste.
3. Toast the bread slices and spread the mashed avocado on them.
4. Season with slices of banana or shredded cheese.

6. Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1 small whole-wheat tortilla
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 2-3 tablespoons cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 2-3 tablespoons cooked and mashed black beans
• 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped cooked vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach)
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Butter or oil for cooking

Method

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato, black beans, chopped vegetables, cumin, and paprika (if using).
2. Spread the sweet potato and black bean mixture evenly over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting into small, bite-sized pieces for your toddler to enjoy. Serve with a side of plain yogurt or guacamole for dipping, if desired.

Tips to Make Mealtimes Fun and Safe

We understand that getting babies to eat food served on their plate is not an easy job. The minute you don’t pay attention to your baby, the food on his plate will be on the walls and floor of the room and he will have a triumphant smile on his face. We know, this might stress you out, but calm down! We have a few tips that will make mealtimes fun for your little one. Have a look at them. We are also sharing some tips that will come in handy when you feed your little one.

• Getting babies and toddlers to eat food is not easy once they develop a taste. Most likely, your child will say ‘no’ to certain foods and throw tantrums when you try to get him to eat them. But you don’t have to force him. To get him to eat broccoli, try some clever ways. Make the food colourful so that your child can’t deny it. For example, instead of serving him boiled broccoli alone, you can give him two small broccoli florets, two thin slices of boiled carrot, and a few slices of cucumber. This way the food on his plate will look colourful and he will most likely be tempted to eat it.
• Refrain from setting a ‘clean plate’ rule for your toddler. Serve him two-three options and let him choose what he wants to eat. The more you set rules, the more he will defy them. So, take it easy with your kiddo.
• Try the reward system – it always works! By rewards, we don’t mean that you get him a toy car every time he finishes the food served on his plate. What we are trying to say is that you praise him whenever he does something good. For example, if he finishes the food on his plate, praise him a little. You can say, “Good job!” A little appreciation will go a long way in developing healthy eating habits in him.
• If you want your child to eat a particular vegetable, first, you eat it. Be a good role model; your child observes you and learns from you so in order to get him to eat something, show him how it’s done. Let your child learn the habit of healthy eating from you.
• To keep your little one interested in his meals, we suggest that you offer him a variety. Your baby may get bored of eating the same food daily, so introduce new foods. You can introduce different foods to your child to expand his palate and to make mealtimes interesting for him.
• Introducing new foods surely will keep your child interested. Having said that, we suggest that you introduce new foods in his diet gradually. If you want to make him try a particular food, give a small portion of it. And after having introduced that food, wait for at least three days before you introduce another food. This time period will help him develop a taste for that food and will help you identify any signs of allergy in him.
• When your little one is having food, monitor him closely to ensure that he doesn’t choke on his food. If you notice that he is choking on his food or is coughing slightly, help him spit the food.
• Serve small pieces of food so that your child can chew them easily. And let your take his time at mealtimes – let him child savour his meals.
• If you have a hectic schedule, consider meal planning in advance for your child. Decide what you will cook for him a day in advance or on weekends. You can also cut certain veggies and freeze them so that you can use them throughout the week.
• You can also start giving him small harmless cutlery such as spoons to help him learn how to eat with a spoon.
• Lastly, consult your paediatrician before introducing fish or heavy meat.
• For your baby’s healthy development, make sure he eats healthy food, which is rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

FAQs

1. What are some healthy snack options for my 17-to-20-month-old baby?

For your 17-to-20-month-old baby, you can try these tips regarding food for 17 month old. Opt for nutritious snacks that provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Sliced fruits such as bananas, strawberries, and kiwi are excellent choices, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes offer fiber and antioxidants. Consider whole grain crackers or rice cakes topped with nut butter or hummus for a satisfying snack that provides energy and protein. Additionally, yogurt or cheese cubes are convenient options rich in calcium and protein. Homemade muffins or mini sandwiches with nutritious fillings can also make for delightful and nourishing snacks.

2. How can I ensure my toddler is getting enough variety in their diet?

It’s important to ensure your toddler receives a variety of nutrients by offering a diverse range of foods. Aim to include a rainbow of fruits and vegetables in their diet to provide various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Rotate protein sources such as lean meats, beans, and lentils to offer different amino acids and minerals. Incorporate various grains like whole wheat, quinoa, and oats to provide fiber and essential nutrients. Introducing new foods regularly and encouraging exploration at meal times can help broaden your toddler’s palate and ensure they receive a balanced diet.

3. Are there any foods I should avoid giving to my toddler at this age?

While it’s essential to introduce a variety of foods, there are certain foods to avoid or limit for your toddler’s safety and health. Avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes, nuts, and hard candies. Limit the intake of added sugars, salt, and processed foods, which offer little nutritional value and may contribute to health issues later in life. Be cautious with allergenic foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish, and introduce them one at a time to monitor for any adverse reactions.

4. Can you provide some tips for introducing new foods to my picky eater?

Introducing new foods to a picky eater can be challenging but employing certain strategies can help. Offer new foods alongside familiar favorites to increase acceptance. Be patient and persistent, as it may take multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food. Get creative with presentation by arranging food in fun shapes or using colorful plates to make meal times more engaging. Additionally, involving your child in meal preparation and grocery shopping can build excitement and curiosity around trying new foods.

These were some of the many food ideas for 20 month old. There you go – you have everything you need to make mealtimes fun for your kiddo. You know what foods to include in your child’s diet and how to include them, so go on and offer him these foods. Make the foods suggested above for your kiddo and get him to eat nutritious foods. Trust us, your little one will be just fine!

References/Resources:

1. Fat: the facts; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/different-fats-nutrition/

2. Preventing Choking; Nemours Kids Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-choking.html

3. Caffeine and Kids; Familydoctor.org (American Academy of Family Physicians); https://familydoctor.org/caffeine-and-kids/

4. Serving Sizes for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Serving-Sizes-for-Toddlers.aspx

5. How Much and How Often To Feed; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/how-much-and-how-often.html

6. Healthy Eating for 6 to 24-month-old children; Family Health Service; https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/child/14727.html

Also Read:

18 Month Old Food Ideas
Food Ideas for 13 to 16 Month Old
Food Ideas for 4 to 6 Month Baby