11 Months Old Meal & Food Ideas

By the time your baby is 11 months old, he will likely be able to eat independently. You can give your baby the same food as the rest of the family after mashing it or cutting it into small pieces to help him chew and digest it better. Be sure to watch over your child during meal and snack times to make sure he does not choke on any food. As your little one reaches the 11-month mark, their appetite and taste buds start developing rapidly. Is your 11-month-old getting picky with their meals? Don’t worry; with these delicious and healthy 11 month food ideas, your little one will beg for more. From purees to finger foods, we’ve got you covered.

Video: Food Ideas for 11-month-old Babies

How Much Can a Baby Eat at This Stage?

By the time they are 11 months old, most babies can eat various items like fruits, vegetables, and meat. Three meals and a snack alongside formula or breast milk are what an average 11-month-old baby needs each day. The meal and snack timings will depend on your baby’s daily routine and yours.

Also Read: 11 Months Old Baby Milestones

How Much Quantity Per Day?

Your baby’s appetite will vary depending on his activity level and growth spurt to a large extent. The following is an approximate estimation of the quantity of food your baby needs each day:

• Up to half a cup of cereal
• Up to half a cup of vegetables
• Up to half a cup of fruits
• Up to 3 tbsp of dairy
• Up to half a cup of mixed cereal
• Up to 4 tbsp of meat or other proteins

How to Check If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk or Formula?

While feeding your baby, a few concerns are bound to creep up every now and then. You might wonder if your child is getting enough milk or formula every day – here are some ways in which you can assess this:

1. Breastfed Baby

• If your baby appears content after every feed, it indicates he is getting enough milk.
• When you experience a let-down, it indicates that breastmilk is being replenished regularly.
• Check your baby’s urine and see if it is clear and odourless. That is a sign of a well-fed baby.
• Your baby has regular bowel movements.

2. Formula-fed Baby

• Convert your baby’s weight into pounds and multiply it by 2 and 2.5 to get two values considered lower and upper ranges for the formula your baby needs each day.
• As your baby approaches his first birthday, the formula feed will likely decline to just one big daily feed.
• See if your baby wets at least six diapers in a 24-hour period.

Best Foods for Your Eleven-month-old Baby

It is important to cultivate healthy eating habits in your baby right from an early age. So, watch for possible allergies and introduce your child to various foods. If you’re wondering what to feed 11 month old, here are a few safe options:

1. Fruits

A great source of vitamins and minerals, fruits should be an integral part of your baby’s daily diet. From apples to oranges to bananas and pears, let your baby try everything.

2. Poultry and Fish

Packed with proteins, fish and chicken can be extremely helpful in your child’s brain development and growth.

3. Cheese

Different types of cheese like cottage, cheddar, ricotta, and goat cheese can enhance the taste of your baby’s meals while satisfying daily protein requirements.

4. Pulses and Grains

Everything under this category can be offered to your 11-month-old baby. Switch between grains and pulses to give your baby some variety during mealtimes.

5. Dairy Products

Dairy items like yoghurt and curd are good for infants. Refrain from feeding your baby cow’s milk – that can be given only after the age of 1 year.

6. Leafy Greens

Leafy vegetables, especially greens such as spinach and fenugreek, are particularly beneficial to babies as they contain iron.

7. Vegetables

All kinds of vegetables are good for your baby. Make it a point to use three different vegetables – one at every meal – every day.

8. Eggs

Eggs, especially the yolk, are good for babies at this age. It is also easy for them to eat and digest.

9. Tofu

Tofu or bean curd is a great source of protein, calcium, and iron and can be mashed or blended to a smooth consistency for babies. You can add it to soups or stir-fries for added texture and flavour.

10. Yoghurt

Full of calcium, protein, and probiotics, yoghurt is an excellent food to support your baby’s digestive system. Choose plain, unsweetened varieties and mix them with fruits or cereals for added nutrition and flavour.

11. Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain high in protein, fibre, and essential minerals, like iron and magnesium. You can cook it with vegetables or fruits and blend it into a smooth puree for your baby.

As with any new food, introduce these foods one at a time and watch out for any signs of allergies or discomfort. With a wide variety of healthy and delicious foods, your baby will be well on their way to a lifetime of good eating habits.

Video: Diet Plan for 11 Month Old Baby

11-month-old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan

Creating a food chart/meal plan for your 11-month-old baby can help them get all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Well-balanced meal ideas for 11 month old should include a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Here is a sample meal plan for an 11 month old baby. We have included lunch ideas, breakfast ideas, snacks for 11 month old as well as dinner plans in the following samples:

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6

Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7

Video: 11-month-old Baby Food Recipes

Homemade Baby Food Recipes

1. Semolina (Suji) Halwa

Ingredients

• ½ cup semolina (suji)
• 1 cup of water
• ½ tsp powdered cashews/almonds (optional)
• ½ tsp ghee
• 1 date, pureed

How to Prepare

Warm the ghee in a pan and then roast the semolina in it. Keep stirring to avoid burning. When the semolina turns aromatic, add the water and date puree. Stir to prevent lumps, and if you are using the powdered dry fruits, you can add them in at this point. When the semolina appears cooked, turn off the heat. Keep the consistency of the halwa a little thin as it will thicken further while cooling.

2. Spinach and Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 cup pasta (penne or macaroni)
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 cup grated cottage cheese (paneer)
• Water as required
• Salt if required

How to Prepare

First, cook the pasta and ensure it is soft enough for your baby to eat easily. You can also mash it lightly if you want. Wash the spinach well and boil it for a while. Add the cottage cheese to it and cook for a few minutes till the raw smell and taste disappear. Cool this mixture and grind it to a smooth paste with a little water. You can also add in a little salt if required. Mix this with the pasta and serve it to your baby.

3. Creamy Carrot and Sweet Corn Rice

Ingredients

• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup boiled sweet corn
• ¼ cup carrot peeled and chopped
• ½ cup of rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• A bay leaf
• A pinch of pepper powder
• Water as required

How to Prepare

Heat the butter in a pan and sauté the onions in it until translucent. Add the cooked and boiled corn to this. Next, add the chopped carrots and pepper. Saute for a while and turn off the heat. You can cool this and roughly or smoothly grind the mixture depending on your child’s preferences. Boil water to cook the rice and add the bay leaf. Cook the rice till it is soft enough for your baby to eat. Stir in the mixture and remove the bay leaf. Serve it warm to your baby.

4. Apple Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 apple- peeled and grated
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 cup chicken minced or ground finely
• A pinch of pepper
• A pinch of thyme, finely powdered
• Some oil to grill/fry

How to Prepare

Mix the listed ingredients except for the egg yolk. Then shape the mixture into small nuggets. Beat the egg yolk well and brush it on the nuggets – you can also dip the nuggets in the beaten egg yolk. Shallow fry or grill the nuggets till the chicken is cooked well. Using olive oil can make the nuggets more crispy and flavorful.

5. Kidney Bean (Rajma) Soup

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• ½ cup kidney beans (rajma) soaked overnight
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato- finely chopped
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp butter
• A pinch of black pepper powder
• Salt if required
• Water as required

How to Prepare

Place a pressure cooker on heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and sauté it for about a minute. Then put in the onions and stir fry till they become soft. Then add the chopped tomato and sauté till it becomes pulpy. Add the soaked kidney beans to this and sauté for a few minutes. Pour in two cups of water and cook the beans well in the cooker till they are soft enough to mash. Blend the mixture to a soup consistency and boil it. Add the lemon juice and pepper along with some salt if you want. Serve in a bowl.

6. Spinach and Potato Mash

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)

How to Prepare

Heat ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the diced potato and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add cumin powder and coriander powder, and mix well. Now, add some water and cover the saucepan with a lid. Cook the potato on low heat until it becomes soft and tender (approximately 10 minutes), and then add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. Blend the mixture to a smooth consistency using a blender or a food processor and serve warm to your baby.

7. Lentil and Vegetable Khichdi

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils), washed and soaked
• 1/4 cup rice, washed and soaked
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas), chopped
• 1/2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• 2 cups water

How to Prepare

Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds. When the seeds start to splutter, add the soaked moong dal, rice, and chopped vegetables. Then, add turmeric powder and sauté it for 2-3 minutes. Now, add 2 cups of water and mix well. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on high flame for two whistles. Make sure to reduce the flame and cook for another 2-3 minutes, so it is nicely softened. Once the pressure is released, open the lid and mash the khichdi with a spoon. Serve it warm to your baby with some curd, or top it with desi ghee.

Foods to Avoid for 11 Month Old Baby

As your 11-month-old baby starts exploring new foods, it’s essential to be aware of foods that can harm their health. Here are six foods to avoid for your 11-month-old baby:

1. Honey

Avoid giving honey to your baby as it may contain botulism spores that can cause a life-threatening illness.

2. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds can be a choking hazard for babies, and some nuts, like peanuts, may cause allergic reactions.

3. Salt and Sugar

Avoid adding salt and sugar to your baby’s food, as their kidneys and taste buds are still developing.

4. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can be too acidic for babies and may cause stomach discomfort or diaper rash.

5. Shellfish

Shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and crab may cause allergic reactions in some babies.

6. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Always make sure eggs are cooked thoroughly before giving them to your baby.

Are you stressed about what can 11 month old eat? Don’t worry; always consult with a child specialist and a pediatric dietician before introducing new foods to your baby’s diet. By avoiding these six foods, you can ensure that your little one eats a healthy and safe diet supporting their growth and development.

Feeding Tips For Eleven-month-old Baby

Compiling an 11-month-old baby food list and using it as a reference can simplify things for you.

• Sterilise utensils like spoons, plates, bowls and glasses that you will use to feed your baby. You can immerse these in hot water for a few minutes and take them out when you are ready to serve the food.
• Every time you introduce a new healthy food, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of allergies. Also, be sure to give a gap of at least three to five days before introducing the next new food and only introduce one food at a time.
• Try to avoid sugar and salt in your baby’s food at least until the first birthday. Cow’s milk and honey are also not advised unless your baby turns one.
• Be sure to supplement your baby’s solid feeds with breast milk or formula based on your child’s demands.
• Check with your paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s feeding habits.

FAQs

1. How Much Water Should I Give to My 11 Month Old Baby?

At 11 months old, your baby may be ready for a small amount of water in addition to breast milk or formula. Offer water in a sippy cup or a bottle with a spout. Give them only a few sips of water at a time, and do not offer more than 4 ounces of water per day. Make sure to consult with your paediatrician before offering water to your baby.

2. How Much Milk to Feed My 11 Month Old?

At 11 months old, most babies still require breast milk or formula as their primary source of nutrition. They may also be ready to start trying solid foods. Offer your baby breast milk or formula at least four times a day, and offer a variety of healthy and nutritious foods. You can also introduce whole cow’s milk at this age if your baby is not allergic to it. Always consult the doctor about how much milk and other foods to feed your baby.

Your baby is growing up fast and starting to explore the world around him. So, this is the right time to introduce your baby to new foods one at a time and gradually get him to eat what the family eats. Just ensure that the food you offer your child is as healthy and home-cooked.

Disclaimer:

1. Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
2. Never force-feed a child.
3. While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
4. While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
5. Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
6. A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
7. Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
8. You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
9. If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.

Also Read:

Healthy Egg Recipes For Babies & Kids
10 Simple & Healthy Rice Recipes For Kids