8 Months Old Baby Food Ideas

Your eight-month-old baby is at a stage where he is curious about everything. With a tooth or two, your baby must be grinning its way to becoming a toddler. By eight months, babies master the art of gulping down mashed food, and slowly, they even start chewing on solid foods. Your baby is in the growing stage right now. Hence, you must ensure that the foods you give him help develop his chewing skills and meet his dietary requirements. Read this article to find out what food for an 8-month-old baby is most suitable.

Video: Food Ideas for 8-Month-Old Baby

8 Months Old Baby Food Menu

Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Milestones

A wholesome diet comprising carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for a growing eight-month-old baby. Many natural food substances offer the right mix of these nutrients. Typically, foods that 8 month old can eat should include one or more of the following.

1. Fruits

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and other micro nutrients. Apart from the regular fruits like apples, bananas, papayas, chikoo, etc., you can also include some fruits like kiwi, strawberries, pomegranates, etc. Fruits that are cut in the shape of long cubes make for excellent finger foods for babies. So, cut the fruits in different shapes and give them to your child.

2. Vegetables

At eight months of age, your baby can start making a switch from mashed vegetable puree to small cubes of steamed vegetables. You can incorporate a variety of vegetables into your baby’s diet. Add the veggies to khichdi or make a steamed vegetable bowl. You can slowly introduce vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green peas, and pumpkin can be slowly introduced into his diet.

3. Fish

Fish is a very nutritious food that can be given to babies as young as eight months. Fish like tuna, salmon, rohu, etc., that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are very good for the growth and brain development of babies. Fish can be given to babies in the form of puree or as soup.

4. Tofu/Paneer

Tofu or paneer is made out of soy milk and cow’s milk respectively. They are rich in protein and very good for developing babies. Tofu can be given to babies who are lactose-intolerant or are allergic to paneer.

5. Chicken

Chicken is believed to be one of the healthiest foods for babies. It can be typically started at the age of seven months and is usually given in the pureed form or as soup. The broth or the juice in which the chicken is cooked is also nutritious for babies.

6. Cheese

Cheese made out of pasteurised milk is a great source of calcium for growing babies. The processed cheese available in the market makes for a great snack for babies to munch on. You can give cheese to your baby but, give it in limited quantities as too much of anything could result in an upset stomach.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a wholesome food as they contain good fats and healthy proteins. You can give a boiled egg to your baby in bite-sized pieces. Some babies are allergic to eggs, so you must watch out for any warning signs of allergy in babies.

8. Yoghurt

Thick yoghurt made from cow’s milk can be given to babies, especially in summer. There are many fruit-flavored yoghurt available in the market that make for excellent snack options for babies. They not only provide good bacteria for the gut but also serve as a great source of essential vitamins and minerals.

9. Solid Protein 

Protein sources include beef, lamb, poultry, fish, eggs, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and tofu. You can include these as broth or light mince in your baby food recipe.

10. Whole Grains 

Rice, quinoa, barley, bulgur, oats, millet, wholewheat goods (bread, tortillas, pittas, pasta, and couscous), and rye products (bread, tortillas, and pittas) should be given once a week as they have high arsenic content. 

11. Breastmilk Formula

The closest formula to breast milk has been made out of skimmed cow milk for ages. However, with the advancement of technology and the growing realisation about the importance of breast milk, we now have breast milk banks and donors that are very helpful for non-lactating mothers. If you’re facing breastmilk shortage, you can use stored breast milk-based formulas available at several breast milk banks or pharmacies.

12. Avocado

 Avocado can be given to a baby as soon as they are ready to eat solid food – after 6 months. Avocados that are ripe and full of nutrients are soft and a great snack for your 8-month-old infant. These wonders are full of healthy fat, which gives you and your baby energy and aids in absorbing other nutrients.

Foods to Avoid for 8-Month-Old Baby

Certain food items must be avoided to be given to an 8-month-old baby. The list of these foods is given below:

1. Packed Fruit Juice 

Fruit juice isn’t much better than sugar water in terms of nutritional value because it doesn’t include the fat, protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, or fibre that growing babies require. The foundation of a baby’s nutrition during the first year of life should be breast milk or formula, yet it might drown sensitive appetites. Too much juice can lead to chronic stomach issues, including diarrhoea and tooth decay.

2. Cow’s Milk

Babies under 1-year-old should avoid cow’s milk because it can be difficult to digest, even though it may be excellent for an adult’s body. The best milk sources are breast or formula because cow’s milk lacks many minerals (such as iron and vitamin E) a baby needs to grow and thrive throughout the first year of life.

3. Processed and Smoked Meats

Since most smoked or cured meats (such as bacon and bologna) are heavy in sodium and animal fat, they should ideally never be given to infants. Likewise, with most smoked seafood.

4. Foods Not Pasteurised

You should never give your newborn unpasteurised (raw) dairy products, juice, or cider, just as these items were off-limits when you were expecting. They may contain harmful bacteria that can give newborns and young children potentially fatal illnesses.

5. Almond or Peanut Butter

Delicious, nutritious, and rich in protein! Every child loves peanut or almond butter, but how early the parents introduce it to their children will vary. In the event that there is a nut allergy in the family, it would be a good idea to undergo an allergy test. Peanuts can cause choking. If you do decide to give peanuts to your infant, you can make peanut butter by blending the nuts into a smooth puree and giving it to the child in small doses. This must be strictly adhered to for all youngsters under the age of one.

6. Chocolate

Because it contains caffeine, chocolate is one of the foods least safe for infants. You wouldn’t ever want to give your baby caffeine, right? Additionally, chocolate should only be consumed in moderation when your infant turns one year old as it has high sugar content.

7. Citrus Rruits or Berries 

Although berries and citrus fruits are necessary for our bodies, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, oranges, and limes, among other fruits, have high levels of acid and vitamin C that can upset the stomach and even cause diaper rashes. To avoid allergic reactions or stomach trouble, waiting for about a year or juice the fruits and diluting them well is advised.

8. Raisins or Grapes

Grapes should not be given to infants until they can properly chew their food and are old enough to avoid choking. Even when sliced into small pieces, grapes might be stuck in your baby’s food pipe due to their firmness, size, and peel.

9. Honey

Honey is prohibited for the first year due to the possibility of containing Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmful to babies. Although harmless to adults, these spores can induce baby botulism in babies under 1 year old. This dangerous condition, which seldom results in death, can inhibit sucking, impair appetite, produce lethargy, and even lead to pneumonia and dehydration. So, don’t offer your sweetheart, honey, until the child turns one.

Also Read: Your 8 Months Old Baby Growth and Development

How Much Food Should a Baby Eat at This Stage?

Most often, eight-month-old babies feed actively, but sometimes they may throw tantrums while eating and get distracted away from food due to their new-found mobility. Babies who start crawling by this age, usually feed on the go as they show more interest in exploring the things around them. A typical eight-month-old baby should have three solid meals and two snacks, along with at least two sessions of breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Food Schedule

Here is a sample food schedule for an eight-month-old baby.

• Morning- Wake up and nurse for a few minutes (about 200 ml)
• Breakfast – 1 cup of pureed veggies or anything else in breakfast
• Mid-morning Snack – Half a cup of fruit/yoghurt/boiled vegetables
• Lunch- 1 cup of cereal
• Nap time
• Evening Snack – Breast milk or formula milk (about 200ml)
• Dinner – 1 cup of porridge/pureed veggies/cereal
• Night – Breastfeed before putting him to bed

Also Read: Toys for 8 Months Old Baby

Video: Diet Plan for a 8 Month Old Baby

A Sample Food Chart/Meal Plan for an Eight-month-old Baby

Here is a sample chart that you can use as a guideline for your eight-month-old baby.

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6

Diet for a 8 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7

Video: 8 Month Baby Food Recipes

Food Recipes for an 8-month-old Baby

Apart from the regular pureed foods your baby is now used to, you can try some of these new recipes to tickle your baby’s taste buds. Here are some interesting baby food recipes for 8 months babies. These are Indian homemade baby food recipes for an 8-month-old:

1. Broccoli Soup Recipe

Broccoli is nutritious and tastes delicious too. Here is how you can make broccoli soup for your baby.

Ingredients

• Butter -1 teaspoon
• Broccoli florets – 1 cup
• Pepper powder – A pinch
• A pinch of salt

How to prepare

• Add the butter in a pan and allow it to melt.
• Add broccoli florets to it and sauté for a few minutes.
• Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook.
• Once the broccoli cools, blend it to make a fine paste in a blender.
• In another pan, add some butter and add the broccoli paste to it. Allow it to cook, and add the salt and pepper powder to it. Feed the baby once it cools down.

2. Fish Puree Recipe

If you love eating fish, your little one will like it too. Learn the recipe for fish puree. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious!

Ingredients

• Cleaned and prepared fish
• Water – 1 cup

How to prepare

• Boil the water in a vessel.
• In a small vessel take the chopped fish and place this vessel inside the vessel containing water.
• Allow it to cook. The colour of the fish should change to white once it cooks completely.
• Grind the cooked fish to puree and add the salt and jeera powder to taste.

3. Apple Ragi Porridge Recipe

Ragi, also known as finger millet or nachni is high in proteins, calcium, and iron. It also helps a baby gain weight; apples are always good. So include ragi in your baby’s diet by making yummy apple and ragi porridge!

Ingredients

• Grated apple – 1 cup
• Ragi flour – 1 tablespoon
• Ghee – 1/2 teaspoon
• Water – 1.5 cups

How to prepare

• Take the ragi flour in a bowl and slowly add the water to it. Mix it well, making sure that no lumps are formed.
• Heat some ghee in a pan and add the ragi mixture to it.
• Stir continuously till you see the bubbles forming.
• At this stage, add the grated apple pieces to the porridge.
• Allow the apple pieces and ragi to cook well. If the porridge turns thick, dilute it with water and bring it to the required consistency.
• Once it is cooked, turn off the flame and add a drop of ghee before giving it to your child.

4. Suji Upma Recipe

Upma is a healthy breakfast and is enjoyed by both adults and kids. So how about introducing this tasty breakfast to your child? Learn the recipe here –

Ingredients

• Suji – 1/2 cup
• Finely chopped veggies (of your choice) – 1 cup
• Curry leaves – 5-6
• Ghee -1 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Water- 2 cups
• Salt- 1/4 teaspoon

How to prepare

• Heat one tablespoon of ghee in a pan and roast the suji until it turns brown. Once done, transfer it to a large dish and keep aside.
• Next, heat some ghee in the pan and add the mustard seeds to it.
• Once the mustard seeds splutter, add a cup of vegetable and cover it with a lid, allowing the vegetables to cook.
• Then add 2 cups of water and salt to taste.
• When the water comes to a boil, add the suji and stir continuously to make sure no lumps are formed.
• Cover the pan with a lid for some time. Add a teaspoon of ghee then switch off the flame. Feed once it cools a bit.

5. Carrot Wedges Recipe

Carrots are nutritious and are very good for the eyes. Carrot wedges are a perfect finger food which you can give to your little one as a snack. Here’s how you can make carrot wedges.

Ingredients

• Carrots (cut into wedges) – 1 cup
• A pinch of salt
• Pepper powder – A pinch
• Ghee – 1 teaspoon

How to prepare

• Boil the water in a pan and add the carrot pieces when it comes to a boil.
• Allow it to cook to a biting consistency. Then turn off the flame.
• Heat the ghee in a pan, add the carrot pieces to it, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the salt and pepper powder and mix well.
• Switch off the flame and allow it cool. Once it cools, give it to your baby.

Feeding Tips

Keep these tips in mind while feeding your 8-month-old baby:

• Remember that breast milk or formula milk should remain the primary source of nutrition for an eight-month-old baby. Besides starting with solid food, doctors recommend one or two sessions of feeding for babies up to one year of age.
• Avoid giving cow’s milk to your baby, until he turns one.
• If there is a history of any food allergy in the family, especially for dairy products, watch out for the signs of allergy in your baby. Also, speak to your doctor about the possibilities of your child inheriting such allergies.
• Avoid giving deep fried foods to your little one. Try to incorporate steamed fruits and vegetables in his diet.
• Always feed the baby in a particular position and location every day. This develops a strong connection in their mind between food and the place where they are being fed. For example, if you make your baby sit on a high chair to feed him solids, he will associate it with food.
• Keep the consistency of the food a little grainy and do not mash it completely. It will help your eight-month-old baby to transition from mashed to solid foods.
• Avoid adding salt and sugar in food if your baby is below one year of age. Many doctors advice against the use of both, as it puts unnecessary stress on the kidneys.
• Eight-month-old babies usually get easily distracted while feeding, as they develop mobility and are curious about things around them. When your baby refuses to eat anything, try to feed in small quantities at different times.
• Babies tend to gag or choke while nibbling on finger food. They may also accidentally bite a large chunk of food. Parental attention is very important while your baby is chewing on solids.
• Prepare and store baby foods in steel or glassware. Avoid the use of plastic as it contains harmful chemicals that have a likelihood of entering the food.

At eight months of age, babies move around quite a lot and spend a lot of their time and energy in exploring the things around them. To ensure that your baby stays active and doesn’t get exhausted, you must ensure that he eats healthy food. So plan your baby’s food chart well in advance after consulting with a nutritionist. Include fresh fruits and steamed vegetables in his diet – it will provide him with much-needed nutrition, and he will get into the habit of eating healthy foods.

Disclaimer:

1. Each child is different, so use these meal plans as a trusted guide. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences/requirements.
2. Never force-feed a child.
3. While preparing the 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 slowly increase the liquids’ thickness 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 feel 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 has an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.

FAQs

Can I Give Eggs to an 8-Month-Old Baby to Eat? 

Yes. You can feed eggs to your baby in the following manner: One hard-boiled or scrambled egg can be pureed or mashed to be given to babies from six months onwards. You can add breast milk or water to make the mixture more liquid. Scrambled egg bits make great finger food around the age of eight months. 

How Do I Serve Spaghetti to My 8-Month-Old Baby?

Cut tubular or long kinds of pasta in half, or serve macaroni, ravioli cut into quarters, or noodles that have been diced. Continue serving complete portions of the spaghetti or, tubular pasta if a baby has trouble taking it up. Doing this will improve their biting, chewing, and grinding abilities.

How Much Infant Formula Can 8-Month Old Drink? 

Every day, your 8-month-old should continue to consume 24 to 32 ounces of formula or breast milk.

How Should You Cut Food for an 8-Month-Old Baby?

At this age, babies probably have a greater interest in table foods. Any meal that the rest of the family consumes can be fork-mashed, chopped up, blended, or ground. Table foods should be cooked longer, until extremely soft, and then chopped or shredded into little portions your infant may safely handle. Solid foods for 8-month-old can be avoided as it is difficult to digest.

Also Read: Food Ideas for 9 Months Old Baby