22-Month-Old Baby’s Food – Ideas, Chart and Recipes

Navigating the feeding journey with a toddler presents a unique set of hurdles for first-time parents. Between 18 and 22 months, toddlers are brimming with energy and curiosity, making meal times an adventure. However, they can also be discerning eaters, often favoring familiar tastes over new ones. Encouraging a balanced diet in the face of their preferences can feel like an uphill battle. If you find yourself grappling with a 22-month-old toddler’s palate, fear not. This article offers a plethora of strategies and nutritious recipes tailored to engage and nourish your toddler. Read on for some 22-month-old food ideas.

Nutrient Requirements of a 22-Month-Old Child

Proper nutrition is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby. As parents, you should make sure that your baby gets all the essential nutrients that your body requires for proper physical and mental development. The various nutrients that a 22-month-old baby needs and the role that each nutrient plays in the baby’s growth and development are as follows:

1. Proteins

Protein plays a vital role in the development of body tissues and muscles. It helps in the formation and repair of tissues and muscles of your growing baby. Toddlers should have about 55 grams of protein per day. So, include dairy products, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, lentils, etc. in his diet.

2. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates give toddlers the energy to stay active all day. Carbohydrates also promote healthy brain development of a child. A growing toddler should have six portions of carbs daily. To meet your baby’s carbohydrate requirements, you can give him whole grains, bread, cereal, pasta, rice, corn, wheat, etc.

3. Fats

Fats are essential for the development of a toddler’s brain. Fats also help in muscle movement and build up of cells. So do not hesitate in feeding healthy fats to your child. You can give ghee, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and butter to your baby. Toddlers should get about three teaspoons of fats a day.

4. Vitamins

Vitamins play a crucial role in body metabolism, bone and tissue repair, immunity development, etc. Hence, it is an essential nutrient for a growing baby. You can give milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables to a baby. Toddlers should have at least 1 cup of cooked vegetables and 1 cup of fruit per day.

5. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D

Vitamin B12 are important for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and brain function. It is not present naturally in plant foods. Hence, vegans should give their toddlers B12 supplements after consulting a doctor. Foods containing vitamin B12 can also be provided, like dairy products, meat, and fish. The body manufactures vitamin D with sunlight being the main catalyst. Make sure your toddler gets enough sunlight exposure in the early morning or evening.

6. Minerals

Minerals are vital for various body functions. Iron, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, copper, chloride, sulphur, zinc, selenium, etc. are minerals that a toddler requires for healthy development. Minerals are found in dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, nuts, dried fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

7. Dietary Fibre

Dietary fibre is essential for good digestive health. Fibre makes food move through the bowel and thus stimulates bowel movements. Sources of fibre-rich foods for toddlers include unpeeled apples and pears, bananas, berries with seeds, and whole grains like oats, and yoghurt.

8. Water

It is important for a toddler to stay hydrated. Water makes up around 60% of the average body weight. Toddlers between the age of 1 and 3 years need 1.3 litres of water per day. The child’s fluid intake can also consist of other liquids like soups, juice, and milk. However, water is the best choice.

How Much Food Does a Toddler Need at 22 Months?

A 22-month-old toddler has a stomach which is around the same size of his clenched fist. Hence, you cannot expect your toddler to eat quantities of food similar to that of an adult. Keep the meal portions small. On an average, a toddler needs 1000 to 1400 calories of food per day, depending on their size, age and level of activity. This would include around 80-85 grams of whole grains, 1 cup of vegetables, 1 cup of fruits, 2 cups of milk (450 to 500 ml), and about 55 grams of meat and beans.

Best Foods for a 22-month-old Baby

Here are some wholesome and nourishing food ideas for your 22-month-old toddler:

1. Stuffed Vegetable Parathas

Make tiny, palm-sized parathas stuffed with paneer, carrots, cauliflower, or boiled potatoes. Serve with a small dollop of ghee. This will provide a host of nutrients including essentials carbohydrates, fibre and more to babies for their overall development.

2. Cheese Dosa

Make regular dosa and add grated cheese to it. Your child will love it. However, make small-sized dosa for your little one, and he will finish it in one go. Cheese provides calcium which is important for bone health. Ensure that your baby is not allergic to dairy.

3. Vegetable Idlis

Instead of plain idlis, make vegetable idlis by adding grated carrots, mashed peas, spinach, or cabbage to the batter and then steaming it. This assortment of vegetables that give your baby ample Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 essential for the growth of hair, nails, etc, along with fibre.

4. Appam with Vegetable or Chicken stew

This dish is different from the standard fare and is also nutritious. Chicken stew and vegetable stew along with appam, made of rice batter, can be a complete nutrient package for your baby. Stew contains a good amount of fibre, which can regulate the baby’s digestive system.

5. Vegetable Khichdi

Rice and lentils both are good for a toddler. And a khichdi with vegetables will be more beneficial. This is a nutritious staple in most Indian households and kids will love it too when served warm. Rice and lentils both have useful proteins which are great for baby’s development.

6. Vegetable Fingers with Hummus

Toddlers love hummus and it has many benefits for a child. It helps in the brain and retinal development of a toddler. It is also a good source of iron and your child will relish some cooked veggie fingers with the hummus dip.

7. Seasonal Fruits

Give your toddler seasonal fruits that are easily available in the market. This ensures that they get a variety of nutrients from different fruits. Different fruits have several nutritional benefits that can be associated with good health. A good dose of folic acid can help create red blood cells and fibre can soothe the baby’s digestive tract.

8. Meal Combinations

Try usual meal combinations like chole with bhature, palak paneer with roti, dal rice with okra curry, dosa with tomato chutney, etc. Each of these food items come with their benefits like chole is rich in protein, palak is rich in fibre, etc. This can help your baby develop his muscles and grow up healthy.

9. Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes, Onions and Cheese

Make scrambled eggs with sautéed tomatoes and onions. Serve with grated cheese on top. Eggs are rich in iron, fat and protein which is essential for a growing baby.

10. Finger Sandwiches

Finger sandwiches with soft cheese, cucumber and carrots are tasty and nutritious for toddlers. Cucumber and carrots are a good source of fibre. Ensure you peel the skin off the cucumber before you give it to your baby.

22-Month-Old Baby’s Food Chart/Meal Plan

Below is a 22-month-old baby’s food chart – Indian:

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 1

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 2

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 3

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 4

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 5

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 6

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 1, Day 7

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 1

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 2

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 3

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 4

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 5

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 6

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 2, Day 7

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 1

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 2

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 3

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 4

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 5

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 6

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 3, Day 7

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 1

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 2

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 3

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 4

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 5

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 6

Diet for a 22-month-old – Week 4, Day 7

The above food chart for 22-month-old baby can also be tweaked according to the family’s food preferences.

Food Recipes for 22-Month-Old Baby

Here are some nutritious recipes for 22-month-old toddlers:

1. Dal, Rice and Vegetable Khichdi

This makes a tasty and healthy dinner for a 22-month-old.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons of moong dal, a pinch of turmeric, 3 tablespoons of rice, 1 small carrot, diced, some washed and chopped spinach, peeled diced potatoes, ½ teaspoon ghee and water.

How to Prepare

Soak the rice and dal together for ½ an hour. Put the rice and dal along with carrots, turmeric, and water into a pressure cooker. Cook the khichdi for about 3 whistles until it is soft and mushy. Allow it to cool. Add some mustard and cumin seeds and serve.

2. Vegetable Masoor Dal Soup

Masoor dal cooks very quickly and is high in proteins. Your toddler can easily digest it.

Ingredients

1 small carrot, diced, ½ an onion, finely chopped, 1 small potato, cubed; ½ teaspoon ghee, water, 2 tablespoons masoor dal.

How to Prepare

Add ghee to a pan and heat it on low flame. Add chopped onions and sauté until transparent. Add the carrot and potato and sauté for a few minutes. Add the masoor dal and water. Bring it to a boil. Cook for roughly 20 minutes until the dal is cooked and the vegetables become soft. Puree this mixture in a food processor. Serve warm.

3. Mixed Vegetable Soup

This dish is flavorful and nutritious for toddlers.

Ingredients

5-6 spinach leaves, 2-3 beans, 1 small potato, a teaspoon of peas, 1 clove of garlic, ½ a carrot, water, ½ teaspoon ghee.

How to Make

Chop the vegetables and pressure cook them with water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 whistles until vegetables are soft. Add the ghee and blend the mixture until smooth. Vegetable soup is ready.

4. Strawberry milkshake

Toddlers find this nutritious milkshake very tasty.

Ingredients

1 cup of washed strawberries, 150 ml milk, a teaspoon of yoghurt, a teaspoon of sugar.

How to Prepare

Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Strain out the seeds and serve.

5. Bread Pizza

This dish is flavourful and healthy for toddlers.

Ingredients

Bread slices with edges cut off, grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, green and yellow capsicum chopped into small pieces, grated carrot, peas.

How to Prepare

Toast the bread and lightly butter it. Add the grated cheese evenly over it. Sauté the vegetables until they are cooked. Spread them over the grated cheese. Melt the cheese in an oven for a few minutes. Bread pizza is ready.

Feeding Tips

Here are some feeding tips for a 22-month-old:

• The diet for a 22-month-old baby should include fruits and vegetables. Cut the fruit into small pieces and chop vegetables and cook them until soft to avoid choking.

• Keep the portions small. Do not try to feed your toddler too much food.

• If the toddler does not want to eat more, accept her wishes and don’t force her to eat. Babies have a mechanism that prevents them from overeating. If you overfeed the toddler, it interferes with their ability to stop when full.

• Toddlers may have to be offered new foods at least 7 to 10 times before they decide to try it. So, be patient and introduce new foods 1 spoon at a time.

• Toddlers are messy and tend to play with their food. Do not let that worry you. Put the food on a plate in before the baby. Let her have her fill. Clean up later.

• 22-month-olds should drink full fat cow’s milk. They can have 100 to 150 ml twice a day.

• Make sure your toddler is getting adequate amounts of iron and calcium in her diet. If you are concerned about nutritional deficiency, talk to your doctor about vitamin supplements.

• Let the toddler sit at the table and eat with the family. This will encourage her to eat better and try new foods.

• Give your toddler 2 to 3 different options to try for the main meals. Toddlers decide on their likes and dislike depending on the colour, texture and taste of the food.

• Toddler meal plans are just rough guidelines. Each toddler is unique and has different tastes and nutritional requirements. What works for one toddler may not necessarily work for another.

FAQs

1. How can I encourage my 22-month-old to eat healthy foods?

Make mealtime enjoyable by involving your toddler in food preparation and offering choices within healthy options. Be patient and persistent, introducing new foods gradually and modeling healthy eating habits yourself.

2. What if my 22-month-old is a picky eater?

Picky eating is common among toddlers, but persistence and creativity can help. Keep offering a variety of nutritious foods, and don’t force them to eat. Offer small portions and praise their efforts when they try new foods.

3. How can I ensure my 22-month-old gets enough nutrients?

Focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Offer snacks that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and consider incorporating fortified foods or supplements if needed. Monitor their growth and consult a pediatrician if you have concerns about their nutrition.

So, this was all about food for a 22-month-old baby as well as the 22-month-old food schedule. Toddler’s appetites vary vastly. They could change based on growth, teething, and developmental milestones. Hence, the food intake of different toddlers should not be compared. If you feel that your toddler is not getting adequate nutrition, talk to the paediatrician about it.

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.

References/Resources:

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

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

3. 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

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

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

6. Feeding your baby: 1–2 years; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-1-2-years

7. Mealtime Routines and Tips; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/mealtime-routines-and-tips.html

Also Read: 

19 Month Old Food
20 Month Food Ideas
Food Ideas for 23 Month Old
Food and Recipe Ideas for 24 Month Old

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