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Healthy Weight Gain Foods for Babies & Kids
While weight gain in children is a primary concern for most Indian mothers, it is important to remember that your aim should be to ensure a balanced diet that provides your child with all the nutrition she needs to grow and stay healthy. This will automatically help the child attain a healthy weight. Offer your child three healthy, balanced meals daily and healthy snacks in between. A varied diet also ensures that she gets enough nutrients, various vitamins, and all the minerals required for the overall development of her brain and physique. In this article, we shall see the best and most effective baby weight gain food.
Also Read: Best High Calorie Foods for Babies
Video: 8 Healthy Weight Gain Foods For Babies and Toddlers
Why Is It Important for Your Kid to Eat Healthy?
The initial years of life are important to build healthy eating habits in kids. When you introduce your child to healthy food habits at an early age, they are likely to stay with her for life. It will also ensure less fights and fussy faces during mealtimes as she grows up. It will make your life easy when you’re travelling or eating out. Whether she should form a liking towards junk food or fruits and salads is for you to decide at this stage – of course we know what you would rather have your child choose! Besides healthy eating, you should also ensure that your kids are active and have enough time to play, especially in the sun. This helps build immunity and ensures fewer doctor visits.
How to Increase Weight in Children?
As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study,the ideal weight for children Or teens can be measured using their BMI-for-age percentile growth charts. Some kids do not seem to gain weight, and there could be multiple reasons. One reason is the genetic constitution of the underweight child’s parents. The baby may share similar physical attributes if both the mother and the father are lean. Metabolism also plays an important part in a child’s weight gain pattern. If your child is otherwise active and healthy, she will eventually meet the weight milestone for her age.
You can consider keeping a food diary for your child, noting likes, dislikes, preferences and allergies, and preparing weekly menus to make mealtimes fun and tantrum-free. Here are a few tips you can try to boost weight gain in your child:
Ensure that the child gets adequate exercise and indulges in physical activities so that her appetite is healthy.
Focus on providing a healthy, well-balanced, and nutritious diet and don’t just concentrate on weight gain.
As the child grows, introduce her to sports such as swimming, cycling, etc. Active participation in sports will help her work up an appetite and also help develop her physique.
Also Read: High Fiber Rich Foods For Babies
Best Foods for Weight Gain in Babies and Toddlers
While planning meals for babies and toddlers, parents will need to keep the child’s nutritional requirements in mind. Children must consume a well-balanced diet that will provide substantial and healthy calories. Parents also need to make mealtimes interesting so that their child looks forward to it and doesn’t become a fussy eater.
Some parents feed sugar-laden sweets to increase weight in babies; however, it is unhealthy and will eventually do your child more harm than good. There are plenty of healthy options that you can turn to, to increase your child’s weight. Here are the best foods for weight gain in babies and toddlers that you should include in their diet:
1. Breast Milk
Let’s start off with the most obvious suggestion there is – feed your child breast milk! It is recommended that a baby is exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months after birth. This is the most nutritious, easily digestible, perfectly balanced, and healthiest superfood that can build your child’s immunity for life. It also fosters the bond between mother and child. If your baby is active, looks healthy, is free of allergies, passes 4-6 stools a day, and wets 6-8 diapers, it indicates that she is getting enough breast milk. After 6 months of age, you can introduce liquids and semi-solid foods to your baby’s diet along with breast milk.
2. Bananas
This fruit is rich in potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and carbohydrates. It is also loaded with calories, making it a great food for your baby to eat to gain weight. Mash bananas or serve them in a smoothie or shake. Steamed Kerala bananas can be mashed and fed to babies for great results. It can be a part of your baby bag while travelling and makes for a convenient snack.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are easy to boil and mash. They are tasty, nutritious, easy to digest, and healthy. They are also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and manganese – the best nutrients to help kids gain weight.
Sweet potatoes are also loaded with dietary fibre. You can make tasty purees and soups from this vegetable.
4. Pulses
Pulses are full of nutrients. They are rich in proteins, magnesium, calcium, iron, fibre, and potassium. After 6 months of age, you can introduce dals in the form of soup or daal paani, which is one of the most popular weight gain drinks for children.
You can also feed well-mashed khichadi. Moong daal is easily digestible and is a good option for babies. Cook pulses with rice and/or vegetables for a nutritious and fibre-rich meal.
Around 7–9 months is the appropriate time to introduce your baby to some more new flavours and textures. Start feeding semi-solids, chunky, and mashed food. You can start giving your baby homemade porridge or cereals available as a ready mix in the market. For homemade cereals, you can wash daal, millets, pulses, and rice and sun-dry them. Afterwards, mildly roast the same and grind these in the mixer. Prepare multiple powders and store in labelled bottles for quick meal options. Use as and when required.
5. Ragi
Also known as finger millet or ‘nachani‘, this superfood is perfect to boost weight gain and the development of the baby. It is rich in dietary fibre, calcium, iron, proteins, and various other vitamins and minerals.
It is easily digestible and can be introduced to babies in the form of idli, dosa, porridge, malt, or cereals. Toddlers can have the same in the form of their favourite cakes, cookies, and puddings (made healthier, of course!).
6. Ghee
Ghee or clarified butter has high nutritional value. Introduce it around the 8th month of your baby’s life. A few drops of ghee can be added to porridge or sprinkled on top of mashed khichadi or daal soup.
Homemade ghee from milk or malai (cream) is the best option for you if you are worried about adulteration. It is a great food to help your baby gain weight in a healthy way. Remember to use ghee in moderation as consuming it in excess can upset the baby’s tummy.
7. Dairy
It will be appropriate to add dairy products like yoghurt to your child’s diet after age one. Yoghurt provides fat and nutritious calories for healthy weight gain in the baby. It also improves digestion, increases immunity and helps with gastric troubles. It can be made interesting by making yoghurt smoothies or shakes with added chunks of fruits in them.
Packed milk, butter, cheese, etc., should be introduced after 12 months of age or after taking the paediatrician’s opinion. Butter and cheese make food interesting for toddlers and add to the fat content required for healthy weight gain. Add a dollop of butter or a slice of cheese to enhance the taste of a dish served to your child.
Cow’s milk should only be introduced to your baby after she turns one. Ensure you include at least 2 glasses of milk daily in your kid’s diet until she reaches her teens. Milk can be made interesting by adding dry fruits or health mixes available in various flavours in the market. Overeating or eating less of dairy products must be considered, as too much or too little can cause trouble for your child. If your child has lactose intolerance or gastric problems after consuming dairy products, please consult the paediatrician.
8. Eggs
This protein powerhouse should be introduced to your baby only after she turns one. Eggs are rich in saturated fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals; you can make several tasty dishes with them, omelettes, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, egg rice, or French toast being a few options.
Care should be taken to check for allergies and to procure good quality, disease-free farm eggs to avoid health issues. Families who prefer non-vegetarian food can introduce meat or fish to the child’s diet after consultation with the paediatrician.
9. Dry Fruits and Seeds
Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, apricots, cashews, raisins and seeds like sesame, pumpkin, flax, etc., provide kids with adequate nutrients to gain weight. They can be added to food in many interesting ways. Powder them and add to your child’s milk or sprinkle the powder on top of cereals. You can also simply give them a handful of nuts and seeds to eat.
Peanut butter or almond milk are other tasty and healthy options your child will love. Almond milk especially is ideal for kids who cannot drink cow’s milk due to a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. Dates syrup added to milk will make it an iron-rich food option for kids. It is often used as a weight gain drink.
10. Avocados
They are a rich source of Vitamin B6, E, C, K, folate, copper, dietary fibre, and pantothenic acid, and also have a high percentage of fat. Served as dips or spreads, avocados are an irresistible addition to any meal. You can even make a delicious and nutritious milkshake with avocados.
11. Chicken
Chicken is a rich source of easily digestible protein. Easily available and affordable, it helps your child build muscle mass and thus, gain healthy weight. Chicken is a versatile meal option and can be served in any form, be it in curries, as kebabs, or in salads too.
12. Tropical Fruits and Vegetables
Rich in natural sugars, essential vitamins, and immunity-building minerals, tropical fruits and vegetables are a must in every child’s diet chart. These include papaya, mangoes, and pineapples. Toss steamed vegetables in some butter or put together a colourful fruit salad for your child to tuck into at snack time.
13. Quinoa
This nutrient-rich grain is an excellent protein, fibre, and essential amino acid source. Cooked quinoa can be mashed or added to purees to increase calories and promote weight gain.
14. Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a nutritious, low-calorie snack. They are rich in carbohydrates, fibre, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for promoting weight gain in young children. Makhana can be roasted and crushed into a powder to sprinkle on dishes or given as finger food for toddlers.
15. Sattu
Sattu is a traditional flour from roasted grams (chickpeas or barley) commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is high in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. Sattu can be mixed with water, milk, or yoghurt to make a nutritious drink or incorporated into porridge or baked goods to increase calorie intake.
16. Nut Butter
Natural nut butter, such as almond or cashew, are packed with healthy fats and protein. They can be spread on toast, mixed into porridge, or used as a dip for fruits, providing extra calories and nutrients.
17. Coconut Milk
Full-fat coconut milk is a creamy and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk. It contains healthy fats that can help promote weight gain in babies and toddlers when used in cooking or added to smoothies.
18. Chia Seeds
These tiny seeds contain healthy fats, fibre, and essential nutrients. They can be added to yoghurt, smoothies, or oatmeal to increase calorie intake and provide a nutritional boost.
19. Nutritional Yeast
Often used as a cheese substitute, nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that offers a savoury flavour and is a good source of protein and B vitamins. Sprinkling a small amount of nutritional yeast on dishes can enhance the calorie content and provide additional nutrients.
20. Camel Milk
Camel milk is an excellent alternative to cow milk with unique nutritional benefits. It is rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Camel milk is also easier to digest for some individuals and may be suitable for babies and toddlers who have difficulty tolerating cow milk. It can be consumed as a standalone drink or used in recipes as a substitute for cow milk.
Remember, it is important to consult with a paediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional before introducing any new foods to your baby’s diet.
Age Wise Breakdown of Weight Gain for Kids
* Image Courtesy – www.parentinginshort.com
The weight gain pattern differs from baby to baby, and there is no absolute way to compare. However, doctors use a weight chart created on the basis of the average weight of Indian babies. Ideally, your child should follow the pattern, and her weight should be in a range similar to that indicated by the chart. Parents should refer to this chart as a general guideline only and to remember that the paediatrician’s advice is the best for any special requirement of your child.
1. Baby – 0 to 12 months
Your child will grow up fast in the first few months of infancy. Every month, your baby will gain weight and increase in height. You will be shopping for clothes quite often. Do ensure that your child gets enough sleep and is well fed, vaccinated as per schedule and is taken for regular check-ups. The baby is recommended to be exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months of her life and eventually introduced to other liquids or semi-solid foods while still being fed breast milk. Ideally, The baby should double her birth weight by 4-6 months.
2. Toddler – 12 to 36 months
This is an active phase in your baby’s life, and lots of development happens during this age regarding emotional and social growth. Your child will start exploring the world and will be exposed to other children in daycare or when you take her for a stroll in the neighbourhood. Immunity and food habits that were built up in the first year will now be even more important. The weighing scales will show fluctuations based on various factors and emotional state of mind, anxiety of separation from parents, new environments, and changes in diet and food habits.
3. Preschoolers – 4 to 6 years
The qualities, habits, and other developmental aspects the child picks up at this age will last for a lifetime. Your preschooler’s hectic schedules and active lifestyles will call for an increased calorie intake and a variety of nutritional food. On average, she will put on about 2 kilograms per year.
4. Children – 7 to 12 years
As she moves from being a preschooler into the age group of preteens, your child’s nutritional requirements will increase, and her weight gain will stabilise. She’ll gain about 3 kilograms per year during this phase. She will have the same food as other family members at this age.
Diet Chart for Children to Gain Weight
Diet charts can be in the form of weekly menus or meal plans that cover all the required nutrients to be included in a kid’s diet. They can be put up with interesting pictures of food on your refrigerator. You can ensure that both you and your child (if she’s old enough) participate in making the menu exciting and mealtime fun. Every week, you can introduce new food and expand the options available to your child.
The diet chart changes with every age group. Ensure you include portions of fruits, vegetables, dairy, starch, and proteins to make it a well-balanced meal.
How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy?
Your kid will follow in your footsteps. Therefore, you must lead by example for your child to follow healthy eating habits. For example, if you survive on packaged junk food, you cannot restrict your child from doing the same. Here are some things you can try to make your child develop a taste for healthy foods.
Healthy Eating Tips
Make mealtimes interesting and pleasant by introducing colourful plates, cutlery, music, etc. You can occasionally take your child outdoors to the park for a picnic meal.
Do not rush feeding time. Have patience, and, if required, have other family members take out the time to feed your child. Not only will this help foster healthy relations between them and the child, but it will also take some of the stress off of you, so that you can do other things as well.
Sometimes, kids refuse to eat. Don’t force-feed your child or get angry. Patience is key; you will have to try introducing the food on another day or another way.
Keep track of allergies the kid might develop. It could be to nuts, gluten, fish, or she could develop lactose intolerance. Seek immediate medical assistance, and do not try to resolve it through self-medication.
Have set mealtimes so that the child’s body cycle is set accordingly. Do not feed her in between mealtimes.
If at all your little one is hungry but it isn’t time for a meal yet, tide her over with healthy snacks, like raisins or fruits.
Overeating as well as eating too less, should be discouraged.
Keep your child well-hydrated. Often, it could be thirst that makes your child think that she’s hungry. Provide her with a glass of water if she complains of hunger at odd times or between meals.
Provide your baby with homemade meals. While travelling, stick to healthy options like fruits rather than junk or unhygienic food.
As your child grows, include her in choosing meal options and let her help you with cooking. She will be more accepting of the food served to her if she has a hand in choosing or preparing it.
Junk food gets a lot of positive marketing, making it quite appealing for kids despite all its negative effects. Healthy food, on the other hand, doesn’t get enough praise! Well, that’s up to you to change. When you take your child shopping for food and produce (which you should do regularly), tell her of all the advantages she can gain by choosing an apple over a chocolate bar. Make it fun and entertaining, just the way kids like it, so that the next time you go shopping, your child runs to the healthy foods section because she wants to!
Introduce new foods at weekly intervals along with her favourite foods. Appreciate her when she tries out something new.
FAQs
1. Do Children Gain Weight Before Growing in Height?
Yes, it is common for children to gain weight before experiencing a growth spurt in height. During periods of growth, the body undergoes various changes, and weight gain often occurs due to the body preparing for increased height. These changes include muscle mass development, bone density, and an increase in overall body size. Weight gain is a natural and necessary part of growth and is usually followed by a growth spurt in height. However, the timing and rate of growth can vary among individuals.
2. Why Is My Baby Not Gaining Weight Quickly?
There could be several reasons why a baby is not gaining weight quickly. Some possibilities include inadequate calorie intake, digestive issues, medical conditions, or poor feeding habits. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate steps to address the issue and help baby gain weight faster.
Do remember that maintaining healthy eating habits in children is more important than having them reaching a target weight. Let your child consume a healthy and wholesome diet, and she will eventually reach a healthy weight. If you are concerned about your child not putting on weight despite trying the above tips and foods, consult the doctor. He will be able to evaluate the situation and prescribe weight gain supplements for children if required.
References/Resources:
1. About Child & Teen BMI; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html
2. Nutritional Value of Milk; Food and nutrition; https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/EducationalContent/Food-and-Nutrition/Pages/milk.aspx
3. Yogurt, Greek, plain, nonfat; U.S Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/330137/nutrients
4. Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties; U.S Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171705/nutrients
5. Sweet potato, raw, unprepared (Includes foods for USDA’s Food Distribution Program); U.S Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168482/nutrients
6. Market Intelligence Report: Makhana; agrieexchange; https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/Weekly_eReport/Makhana_Report.pdf
7. Patient Education Resources; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; https://together.stjude.org/en-us/patient-education-resources.html
Also Read:
Best Finger Foods for Babies
Introducing Solid Food to Infants
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Foods to Eat & Avoid During Cold and Cough for Babies, Toddlers and Kids
If your bundle of joy has a cold and cough, it must be really hard for you to see him suffer. Your child may have a poor appetite during this time and he may even refuse to eat. But not getting adequate nutrition can slow down his body’s natural response to fight infection. You must make sure that he eats the right food to get him immune system back on track. Read this article to find out which foods you can give (and avoid) to your child when he has a cold or cough.
Video: Foods to Eat or Avoid During Cold and Cough for Babies and Kids
Recommended Foods for Cough and Cold for Infants, Toddlers and Children
Giving nutritious foods to a baby which can be digested easily by him would be the best option. Here are some foods you should include in your child’s diet if he has a cough or cold:
1. Breast Milk
If you have a newborn or a baby below six months of age, breast milk will be the only source of nutrition for him. Breast milk, being a good source of antibodies, can strengthen the immune system of a child. Check to see if your baby is congested before you start feeding your child, as congestion can prevent your infant from feeding adequately.
2. Barley Water
Suitable for infants who are at least six months old, barley water is a great remedy for fever, cold, and cough. However, it is not suitable for children with gluten allergy and caution must be exercised if a family member has such an allergy. This is because the allergy might have been passed on to your child and you could be still unaware of this fact.
3. Applesauce
Also known as stewed apples, these are easy-to-digest and can help a baby stay hydrated. They come in handy during a cough and cold as they replenish the body’s fluid supply.
4. Rice Water or Gruel
Recommended for babies who are above six months of age, rice gruel is a soothing home remedy for a cough and cold. Rice water boosts the immunity of a child thereby helping him combat any infection.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and strengthen the immune system. They also help the body in producing white blood cells. Sweet potatoes can be consumed in the form of porridge or you can mash and puree them for your little one aged six months and above.
6. Carrots
Carrots have medicinal properties and eating carrots can enhance the immune system and keep away bacteria and viruses. You can steam and mash the carrots to give it to your baby. You can also puree them or make carrot soup. However, give it your baby only if he is above six months of age.
7. Pomegranate Juice
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help subdue your child’s cold. Make pomegranate juice and add a bit of pepper powder and dry ginger powder to it. Give it to your baby if he is 6 months or older. This juice will help provide him relief from a cold and cough.
8. Moong Dal Porridge
Moong dal porridge is a wholesome and filling food for babies suffering from cold. It can be given during lunch or dinner. Suitable for children seven months and older, it is a soothing dish that you little one will enjoy.
9. Curd Rice
If your child is over eight months of age, you can feed him curd rice with a little seasoning of ginger and cumin seeds any time he is unwell. If your child has a cough or a cold, ensure that the curd you serve him is at room temperature and not too cold or sour.
10. Idli and Dosa
Steamed idli and dosa make great comfort food and can be given to kids when they are unwell and don’t feel like eating. You can give idli or dosa at any time of the day to your child if he is eight months or older. You can also offer chutney or some homemade jam as a dip.
11. Sabudana Porridge
Sabudana is also known as sago; it is a good source of starch and can give your child a dose of energy. As it easy to digest, it is a preferred choice for children when they are sick. You can make sabudana porridge, serve it with vegetables, or you can simply give the water. It is good for babies aged seven months or older.
12. Broccoli
Rich in antioxidants, broccoli is a good pick for combating infections. It energizes the body’s immune system and is suitable for children over eight months of age. You can make broccoli soup or puree for your little one. He will soon feel better.
13. Tomato Soup
Almost all of us like tomato soup; it is tasty and healthy. And the good thing is that it can be even given to children older than eight months of age. It constitutes a healthy dose of Vitamin C – you can mix some mashed rice in it before offering it to your baby.
14. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes taste delicious and can be quite filling for a baby. Made from boiled potatoes, they usually appeal to children of all ages and can be introduced from eight months onwards.
15. Dalia
Being soft food, it can be swallowed easily, especially if a child has a throat irritation or pain. It can be made without milk to speed up the digestion process when a baby is sick. Dalia can be given to babies who are eight months and older.
16. Citrus Fruits
Drinking orange juice or lemon juice can help prevent cell damage while easing congestion and thinning out mucus. Make the juice with lukewarm water and add a dash of honey. It is generally recommended for children who are one year or above.
17. Turmeric Milk
A little turmeric powder mixed in warm milk with a dash of pepper acts as a natural antibiotic and can cure a cold as well as throat infection in babies who are one year or above.
18. Mushroom Soup
The health benefits of mushrooms are plenty, and their ability to keep infections away is well known. You can give warm mushroom soup to your baby; it is great comfort food for toddlers with a cold and cough. It is usually given to children who have attained the age of one.
19. Poha or Beaten Rice
It is soft and can be chewed by babies easily. Poha is also easy-to-digest and makes for a filling meal, especially for a child who is unwell. You can give poha to your child if he is 1 year or older.
20. Tulsi Water
Tulsi or Indian basil can provide relief from a cold and cough. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in half a litre of water for about 5 minutes. Strain and give it to your child. You can give it to babies above 6 months of age.
21. Garlic Lentil Soup
Just like rice water, dal ka pani is good for babies. But if your baby has a cold and cough, you can give him garlic and lentil soup. Garlic has antiviral properties and can boost the immune system. Its antiviral properties can prevent infections and speed up the healing process.
22. Ajwain Water
Giving ajwain water can also relieve cough and clear chest congestion. Boil a tablespoon of carom seeds in water for some time. Let it cool then strain the liquid, then give it to your baby at regular intervals.
23. Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue for several hours. It is rich in nutrients like collagen, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Bone broth can be served independently or used as a base for soups and stews.
24. Soup With Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. For flavour and health benefits, you can add turmeric to soups, stews, and other dishes.
25. Oats
Oats are a good source of fibre, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of zinc, which is important for immune function. Serve warm oatmeal with cinnamon and honey for added flavour.
26. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a time-tested remedy for coughs and colds in adults and children. It is believed to reduce inflammation, soothe the throat, and provide essential nutrients that can help the body fight off infections. Chicken soup is easy to digest and provides much-needed hydration.
27. Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ginger tea can help to soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing and congestion, and ease nausea. Simply steep fresh ginger in hot water and add honey to taste.
28. Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can help to soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infections. Add a teaspoon of honey to warm water or tea for children over one.
29. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains live cultures that can help boost the immune system and fight infections. It is also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Choose plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit for flavour.
30. Berries
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system.
31. Cherry
Cherries are important for a healthy immune system. They are also a good source of fibre, which can help to reduce inflammation. Include cherry in your diet for good immunity.
32. Quinoa
Quinoa is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues. It also contains fibre and vitamins that can help to support a healthy immune system. Serve quinoa as a side dish for dinner.
These are some recommended food for kids during cold and cough, which you can give and relieve.
Foods to Avoid During Cold and Cough
You should avoid including certain foods in your child’s diet if he has a cold and cough. This is because some fruits and vegetables are likely to have a cooling effect and can lead to respiratory infections. These include:
1. Refined Sugar and Sweets
Too much sugar is not good for anyone, especially for babies and toddlers. Hence, sugar and sweets laden with sugar should not be given to a child with a cold or cough.
2. Dry Fruits and Nuts
Your child may find it hard to chew or swallow dry fruits and nuts if he has a cold or cough. There is also a risk of sticking pieces in his throat if he coughs while eating. So it’s best not to give dry fruits and nuts. However, you can give them in powdered form – add the powder to his milk and porridge when he is sick.
3. Spicy and Oily Foods
Spicy or oily food can irritate the throat and worsen your child’s cough and cold. Thus, it is best not to give them to your kiddo.
4. Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt can thicken mucus and worsen cough and cold symptoms. Avoid giving dairy products to children who are experiencing cold and cough.
5. Processed Foods
Processed foods like chips, crackers, and pre-packaged snacks are often high in salt and preservatives, dehydrating the body and worsening cough and cold symptoms. Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead.
6. Fried Foods
Fried foods are high in fat and can be difficult to digest, worsening cough and cold symptoms. Avoid fried foods instead of baked, grilled, or steamed foods.
7. Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like soda and juice can dehydrate the body and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Avoid sugary drinks and, instead, opt for water or herbal tea.
The above-mentioned food for babies in cold and cough should be avoided, and you will be good to go!
Tips to Feed a Child Suffering From a Cough and Cold
If your munchkin is unwell, he is bound to get cranky and may fuss while eating. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure he gets the required nourishment:
Babies six months and younger should be breastfed or given formula if they have a cold and cough.
Babies 6 months and above should have frequent small meals instead of big meals thrice a day.
If your baby’s doctor prescribes oral rehydration solution (ORS) to your toddler, give it to your child as and when required.
If your baby does not want to eat something, give him what he wants. Do not force-feed your sick child.
If your baby is above six months old, ensure he stays hydrated. Offer him different types of fluids. These can include water, milk, broth, and fresh fruit juice made with slightly warm water.
You should follow these general guidelines if your child is down with a cold or cough. However, if there are symptoms like wheezing or ear pain, it is best to consult a doctor immediately, as it can be an ear infection or something more serious. Also, do not introduce new foods when your baby is ill, as these can aggravate the symptoms or cause allergies, worsening the matter. Consult your doctor if your child’s condition doesn’t improve over a few days. Since dehydration is possible because of infections, keep an eye on your child; note these early signs to ensure you can get your child the help he needs immediately.
References/Resources:
1. Colds in children; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722603/; October 2005
2. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-limit.html; May 2022
3. Mayo Clinic Staff; Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403; June 2022
4. Sanu. A, Eccles. R; The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu; Rhinology; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/; December 2008
5. Rennard. BO, Ertl. RF, Gossman. GL, et al.; Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro; Chest; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/; October 2000
Also Read:
How to Deal with Dry Cough in Babies
Home Remedies for Children’s Colds and Flu
Cold and Cough Medicine for Infants and Children
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18 Months Old Baby Food Ideas – Diet & Chart Plan
If your little one is 18 months old, they won’t be happy with their regular glass of milk and plain biscuits. At this age, your little tot wants more options in foods. As your little tot is growing up, their tastes and preferences will evolve too. They will be more than happy if you offer them a variety of food. Introducing healthy snacks in their meal plan can go a long way in ensuring they meet their nutritional requirements as well as looks forward to mealtimes.
We have mentioned some 18 months baby food below that are beneficial for them, and they will love eating these foods. Let’s read below!
Nutrient Requirements of an 18-month-old Baby
The nutrients your child will need at this age include the following. Make sure you make food which is rich in these nutrients.
Iron: It is important to include iron-rich foods in your child’s diet to ensure that his immune system functions normally. Include veggies like broccoli, spinach, and kale regularly in his meals (1).
Fats: Your little one’s appetite would not be as high as it used to be earlier. Hence, it is important to ensure he gets the right amount of fat on a daily basis. A couple of servings of butter is a good way to make that happen. You can also give him ghee or butter (2).
Protein: Protein is an essential nutrient for a growing tot. It is important for the good health of your child’s skin, hair, nails, muscles, and bones. So make sure you include protein-rich foods in your child’s snacks and lunch. Some protein-rich foods that you can give to your toddler include dairy products, eggs, meat, nuts, beans, etc. Giving these foods in the right quantity will meet his protein requirements (3).
Calcium: Calcium is important for the development of teeth and bones. Some good sources of calcium include dairy products, broccoli, kale, etc. Milk is important for a growing child, so include milk in your child’s diet. While whole cream milk is highly recommended, supplementary products such as cottage cheese or kefir can be good too (4).
How Much Food Does Your Child Need at 18 Months of Age?
The quantity of food a toddler eats around this age is comparatively lesser than what he consumed earlier. Therefore, it is necessary to match a calorie intake of about 1.2 kilocalories than focusing on the quantity of food.
Best Foods for an Eighteen-month-old Baby
If you are looking for options in foods for your baby, you have come to the right place. Include the foods suggested below in your child’s diet.
1. Milk
If you still breastfeed your child, then it is well and good. But once a day, you can give him cow’s milk (5). Milk is essential for the healthy development of teeth and bones of your child, so make sure your little one drinks a cup of milk daily. He should learn to drink milk as well as water from a cup instead of a bottle now.
2. Fruits
Including fresh fruits in your child’s breakfast is a great way to make sure his body gets the essential nutrients. Don’t refrain from giving dry fruits as well as they are healthy too. Once in a while, you can give fruit purees, but don’t give fruit purees or fruit juices on a daily basis as they are not high in fibre and won’t be beneficial for your child’s health. Give him cut fruits every now and then.
3. Vegetables
You must include veggies in your child’s diet. If your child doesn’t like vegetables, you can make finger food for him. You can make baked carrot sticks or mashed potatoes. Also, include leafy vegetables in his diet.
4. Meat and Nuts
While this combination might seem weird, pairing both these foods together can meet your child’s protein requirements. You can give chicken or fish with soy chunks, sprouted beans, cashew nuts, and so on. You don’t have to do this everyday; having this combination every alternate day of the week should benefit for your child. But if you notice any signs of food allergy in your child, stop giving these foods together.
5. Bread
Avoid giving white bread to your kid as much as you can. Whole wheat bread should be your go-to option if you want to make sandwiches for him. You can also give him dry cereal or crackers instead of bread.
6. Ghee
Ghee is good for health and your child needs it in his growing years. So make sure you give him ghee daily. You can make parathas in ghee or even add it to khichdi. A dollop of ghee can be very nutritious for your child, so make it a part of his daily diet (6).
7. Jaggery
Instead of adding processed and refined sugar in your child’s food, add jaggery. Jaggery is good for health and can make anything taste delicious (7).
8. Water
We know water is not a food, but it is important for your child. Make sure that your little one drinks enough water daily. You can also give him other fluids. There are chances of your kid suffering from digestive issues and health problems if his water intake is not enough (8).
9. Cheese
Along with milk, you can also include other dairy products in his diet. Kids love to eat cheese and cottage cheese, so give these to your kiddo without worrying. Different varieties of cheese along with yoghurt provide probiotics and other nutrients that simple whole milk may not always do (9).
10. Whole Grains
The benefits of consuming whole-grain food items may not be visible instantly but they take place internally over time. Instead of giving him calorie-rich cereals or white bread, give him whole wheat bread or whole-grain cereals.
A Sample Food Chart for an 18-month-old Baby
Here is a sample 18 months baby food chart (Indian) you can use to plan healthy meals for your toddler. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or an expert before giving him something new. You can make some changes in this plan and create a meal plan that suits your 18-month-old toddler.
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
French toast with milk
Mid-morning
Mashed potato
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Strawberry yoghurt
Dinner
Sprouted moong (green gram)-oats cutlet with homemade date-tomato-mint chutney
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Besan (gram flour) dhokla + banana milkshake
Mid-morning
1 small glass of watermelon juice
Lunch
Palak paneer and paratha
Evening
Seviyan (vermicelli) kheer
Dinner
Mixed vegetable – paneer (cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Wheat pancake with chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Chikoo (sapota)
Lunch
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot raita
Evening
Milk + 2-3 whole wheat or multigrain biscuits
Dinner
Dal khichdi with plain lauki (bottle gourd) soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Appe with chutney and chikoo (sapota) milkshake
Mid-morning
Banana
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Apple-date milkshake (strained)
Dinner
Pulao with tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs or paneer (cottage cheese) ladoo with anjeer (fig) milkshake
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Homemade aloo (potato) chips with tomato chutney + milk
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet) dosa with potato sabzi and sambar
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Broken wheat porridge with almond or walnut powder and crushed raisins
Mid-morning
Guava
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) satva
Dinner
Methi (fenugreek) pithla with jowar (sorghum) roti
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Whole wheat pancake with milk
Mid-morning
1 small glass of pomegranate juice
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Banana-walnut milkshake
Dinner
Stuffed parathas with curd or lassi
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Rajgira (amaranth) puffs milkshake with chopped anjeer (fig)
Mid-morning
Aloo wadi
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Besan (gram flour) ladoo
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with coriander-tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer
Mid-morning
Carrot juice
Lunch
Palak paneer and paratha
Evening
Appe with coconut and dahi (curd) chutney
Dinner
Rajma (kidney beans) with toast and cheese
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Besan (gram flour)-jowar (sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Mid-morning
Boiled beet sticks
Lunch
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot raita
Evening
Murmura (puffed rice) chikki with milk
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) pulao with pumpkin soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Oats-strawberry smoothie
Mid-morning
Mini chilla with green chutney
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Dal pakoda with curd
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with coriander-tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Mid-morning
Moong (green gram) dhokla
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Murmura (puffed rice) chikki + milk
Dinner
Thalipeeth with white butter and buttermilk
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Seviyan (vermicelli) upma + elaichi (green cardamom) – saffron milk
Mid-morning
Apple-papaya chaat
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Sprouts bhel
Dinner
Chole puri + lassi
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Wheat-banana sheera
Mid-morning
Sooji (semolina) ladoo
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Plain curd with any fruit (except grapes and pomegranate)
Dinner
Vegetable cutlets with bean soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Banana pancakes + milk
Mid-morning
Almond or peanut ladoo
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Multigrain cookies with milk
Dinner
Dal dhokli with pumpkin-barley soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Multigrain muffin + a glass of milk
Mid-morning
Mixed fruit chaat
Lunch
Palak paneer and paratha
Evening
Jowar (sorghum) puff chivda with milk
Dinner
Curd rice with grated cucumber
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Sattu (barley)-apple porridge with milk
Mid-morning
Homemade mava barfi
Lunch
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot raita
Evening
Sooji (semolina) dhokla with coriander chutney
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)-wheat roti with dal methi
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Jowar (sorghum) idli + chutney + kesar (saffron) milk
Mid-morning
Guava cubes with black salt
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum) -wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Masala buttermilk with vegetable sandwich
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) or egg bhurji with roti and vegetable soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Cornflakes with milk and powdered walnuts and strawberries
Mid-morning
Paneer (cottage cheese) or boiled egg (chopped) with chaat masala
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Dalia (broken wheat) upma with milk
Dinner
Non-spicy pav bhaji with moong dal (green gram split) soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Almond-date milkshake
Mid-morning
Murmura (puffed rice) chikki
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Fruit custard
Dinner
Besan (gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla with curd and bean soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Poha with tomatoes and capsicum + chocolate-walnut milkshake
Mid-morning
Soya-wheat gur papdi
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Milk custard or egg custard pudding
Dinner
Rajma (kidney bean) chawal with tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
1 egg or paneer paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Papaya cubes with chaat masala and honey
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Seviyan (vermicelli) kheer
Dinner
Paneer cutlets or grilled fish with rajma (kidney bean) soup and grated carrot sticks
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs + multigrain toast + 1 glass fresh of orange juice
Mid-morning
2-3 whole wheat crackers with hummus
Lunch
Palak paneer and paratha + cucumber
Evening
Milk + 2-3 whole wheat or multigrain biscuits
Dinner
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot sticks
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Rajgira (amaranth) puff porridge with almond and walnut powder
Mid-morning
Boiled aloo (potato) and carrot chaat
Lunch
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot sticks
Evening
Apple-date milkshake (strained)
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) paratha with tomato soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
Poha (flattened rice) soaked in dahi with mashed banana
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Dahi (curd) with masala puri
Dinner
Methi matar malai with paneer (cottage cheese) pulao
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
Oats-apple smoothie
Lunch
Bajra (pearl millet) khichdi with lauki (bottle gourd) soup
Evening
Carrot phirni
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Dhokla + green chutney
Mid-morning
Peanut ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Cornflakes chivda
Dinner
White sauce pasta with mixed vegetable soup
Diet for a 18-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Omelette or besan chilla
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with cheese
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Lauki (bottle gourd) halwa
Dinner
Pongal with vegetable soup
Your little one should also have at least half a glass of milk every day.
Foods to Avoid or Limit for 18 Month Old
At 18 months, children are exploring new tastes and textures, but not all foods are safe or suitable for them. Here are the foods you should avoid for your 18-month-old (10):
Whole nuts and peanuts – choking hazard (you can give nut powders or smooth nut butters instead)
Hard, raw vegetables (like raw carrots) – may cause choking unless grated or steamed
Popcorn – high choking risk
Whole grapes or large fruit chunks – always cut into small pieces
Unpasteurised milk or dairy products – may contain harmful bacteria
Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or fish – risk of infection
Highly processed junk food – like chips, instant noodles, packaged snacks
Food Recipes for an 18-month-old Baby
Coming up with new breakfast ideas or novel plans for dinner can be difficult when you have to do it daily. So here are some 18 months baby food recipes that your child will love to eat.
1. Soybean Cutlets
You might have made bread cutlets often. How about this time you try something different? Make soy cutlets – your little one will love eating them.
Ingredients
Chopped onions – 1 cup
Oil – 2 tbsp
Chopped coriander leaves – 1 cup
Pepper – 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Chaat masala – 1 tsp
Garam masala – 1 tsp
Boiled and mashed potatoes – 4
Bread crumbs – 1 cup
Soybean dal paste – 1 cup
Method
In a large bowl, mix the soy paste, potatoes, spices, coriander, and some salt. Mix the ingredients well.
Now, make small balls of the above mixture and flatten them to make cutlets. If they are loose, keep them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Next, coat them with the crumbs.
Add some oil to a pan and shallow fry the cutlets from both the sides on a medium flame.
Serve with tomato chutney.
2. Besan Cheela
The versatility of this recipe is what makes it a great hit among children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Oil – 2 tbsp
Chopped coriander leaves – 1 small cup
Salt to taste
Water as required
Besan – 1 cup
Method
Take the besan and salt in a bowl. Add the coriander to it. Add water slowly and stir continuously to mix it well. Make sure no lumps are formed.
Heat some oil in a pan then pour a ladle or two of the batter on the pan – spread it evenly. Cook it well from both the sides – until it turns golden brown.
Serve with ketchup or yoghurt.
3. Banana Dosa
Banana dosa may sound strange but it tastes delicious. Here is how you can make banana dosas for your little one.
Ingredients
Ghee – 2 tbsp
Bananas – 2
Dosa batter – 5 cups
Method
Take peeled and mashed bananas in a large bowl. Add the dosa batter to this bowl and mix them well.
Heat some ghee in a pan and pour a ladle or two of the batter on to the pan, spreading it evenly to make a small circle. Add a little more ghee around the edges.
Cook the dosa on a medium flame then flip. Let it cook from both sides.
Serve with honey and let your child enjoy it.
4. Oats and Apple Porridge
This breakfast recipe can be made for the entire family in a single go.
Ingredients
Jaggery or honey – 2 tbsp
Chopped apple – 1
Milk – 2 cups
Instant oats – 1 cup
Method
Cook together oats and milk in a deep pan. Stir it continuously for a few minutes.
Turn off the flame when it starts thickening. Garnish with apple pieces before serving.
5. Spinach Moong Khichdi
Spinach moong khichdi tastes yummy and offers many nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
Ghee – 3 tbsp
Turmeric – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Garlic (crushed) – 3-4 cloves
Spinach leaves (chopped) – 1-2 cup
Rice – 1 cup
Moong dal – 1/3 cup
Method
Wash the rice and dal in two separate bowls and strain the excess water. Keep them aside.
Heat some ghee in a cooker. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds.
Once the colour of the cumin seed changes, add in the crushed garlic and spinach. Add in turmeric and sauté.
Then add the washed and soaked dal to the cooker, followed by washed and soaked rice.
Add 2-3 cups of water and let it cook for five whistles. Mash it properly and add some ghee before serving.
Tips for Feeding Your Eighteen Month Old
If your little one is a fussy eater and doesn’t eat what’s on his plate, here are some tips you can try to make him eat his food.
Lead by example – if you want your child to try a new vegetable or something else, eat it in front of him and say that it is delicious. When he sees you trying something new, he might be tempted to try that out.
Let your child play with food first. It is okay if he doesn’t eat a veggie – let him play. In a few days, he will eventually put that veggie in his mouth, and you never know he might actually love its taste.
Give him small meals but frequently. If you serve too much he might not eat it.
Offer new foods every week this will evolve his taste palate.
Teach him to chew his food properly.
Use attractive cutlery and make the dishes look appealing if you want to make your child eat something new.
FAQs
1. Can your 18-month-old tell when they are full?
Yes. 18 month old kids know when they are full and can convey the same to us. They may not say it directly but show signs, like spiting up what they can’t hold in their stomachs or refusing to eat any more.
2. Can you give rice to 18-month-old child?
Yes. Rice can be included in an 18 month old child’s diet. You can try cooking different rice recipes for them and encourage them to eat the same.
3. Is it okay to follow a fixed diet chart every day?
A diet chart is a helpful guide, but flexibility is important. Rotate foods and include variety to ensure your child gets all essential nutrients and doesn’t get bored.
It is hard to make a child eat something if he is not in the mood to eat. But we hope the food mentioned in the diet chart will be liked by your kiddo. The diet chart mentioned in the article is a sample diet plan. You can tweak it as per your liking. A better option would be consulting a doctor before making your child try anything new. So talk to your doctor and find out what is best for your 18-month-old. Work out a plan with your doctor and give the best to him!
Also Read:
16 Months Old Food
17 Months Old Food
19 Months Old Baby Food
20 Months Old Baby Food Ideas
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Understanding Baby Food Labels – Easy Guide for Parents on How to Read & Use
Are you an informed parent who makes their food choices by reading the ingredients and nutrition facts label at the back or the one who picks items from the shelves influenced by the front claims and discounts? Our point is that if you are being the latter, you are missing a load on your family’s health and safety by not reading food labels. With more and more consumers becoming health-conscious, manufacturers are getting one step ahead by tweaking information and convincing people to buy their ultra-processed products. This is where knowing how to correctly read food labels help so you can make an informed choice for your sunshine’s health and safety.
What Are Food Labels?
A food label or nutrition label is an important piece of information printed on the packaging of the product. It provides consumers with useful information about the product, from what it contains to how long it is safe for consumption so that consumers can make the right choice and safeguard their health. Almost all FMCG products are required to have labels, but the information and format may vary depending on the type.
Food labels at the front, side, or back of the packaging boast information, including:
The type of food
Manufacturers’ and marketer’s details and address
Ingredients
Nutrition information
Allergens and additives
Weights and measures of product
Manufacturing date
Validity for consumption
Directions for use and storage
Any nutrition and health claims
Things to Look Out on Nutrition Facts Label
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a nutrition facts label helps anatomise information about the vitamins, fats, calories, etc., per serving, making it easier for parents to compare the nutrition provided by similar products. For instance, if you are looking to buy tomato ketchup, you may compare the food ingredient list on food label, such as sugar content and calories, to make the right choice.
However, decoding nutrition facts labels can be tricky. Here’s what you should check in the nutrition labels for food. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6).
1. Serving Size and Calories
It’s important to pay attention to the serving size and the number of calories listed. These values are usually highlighted to show their significance and prevent unintentional calorie consumption.
For example, if a small bag of potato chips says it has 100 calories per serving, which may be 10 grams or 100 grams, you might think the whole bag is one serving. But sometimes, the bag actually contains more servings than you might expect. So, if you eat the entire bag, you’re actually consuming more calories than you realise.
2. Total Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy. The total carbohydrates include total sugars, added sugars, and fibre. Look for products with sugars, especially added sugars. If the quantity of added sugars is more, avoid that product.
3. Added Sugars Underneath the Section of Total Sugars
Many processed foods these days have added sugars in addition to natural sugar. Knowing the existence and amount of added sugar when you are concerned about your child’s health can help a lot when buying.
For instance, plain yogurt may contain 10 grams of Total Sugar per cup with zero Added Sugars. At the same time, a blueberry-flavoured yogurt may contain 20 grams of Total Sugar with 10 grams of Added Sugar.
4. Fats
Fats provide energy. In a label, the Total Fats indicate the amount of fat in a single serving of food. Total Fats are categorised under trans fats (bad for health), saturated fats (bad for health), and unsaturated fats (good for health). Avoid products with high trans fats or saturated fats.
5. Sodium
Sodium is an element found in salt. It helps with fluid balance is the body, but the excess can cause high blood pressure. Since foods also have naturally occurring sodium in them, look for foods with less sodium content.
6. Dietary Fibre
Dietary fibre plays a huge rule in maintaining gut health and bowel movement. It also helps lower cholesterol and the risk of colon cancer. Select foods that are rich in fibre.
7. Protein
From muscle and organ building to keeping the immune system intact, protein makes up most of the body. Select foods rich in protein.
8. The % Daily Value
The Daily Value (DV) tells how much of a certain nutrient you should consume daily. When you see a Percent Daily Value (%DV) listed on food packaging, it shows you the proportion of that nutrient present in one serving of the food compared to your daily requirement.
For example, if a food item has a Daily Value of 20% for iron, it means that one serving of that food provides 20% of the iron you need in a day. So, checking the %DV can help you understand how much of a nutrient you’re getting from the food you eat.
9. What to Limit and What to Take
Total Carbohydrate uncovers sugar and fibre content. You should buy food that has more fibre, vitamins, and minerals in its nutrition facts label and avoid that is low in calories and high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and added sugars.
The expert Dr. Minal Acharya says, “Consciously reading the food labels before making food purchases is an important aspect of healthy eating. As per the findings of the survey by the National Institute of Nutrition, most consumers prioritise brand name over nutritional value when making food purchasing decisions. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding the significance of reading and comprehending food labels to make informed dietary choices.”
Manufacturing, Expiration, Best-Before & Use-by Dates on Food Labels
Ever felt confused when sometimes it is ‘Best Before’ and sometimes it is ‘Use By?’ We’ve been there, too. Food safety labelling requires manufacturers to provide date for foods with a shelf life of less than 2 years to help consumers know when the food is safe and unsafe. Let’s break down the terminology.
1. Use By
Use by date on food labels refers to the date till which the food is safe to consume. Foods cannot be sold once the use by date passes. This type is usually used for perishable goods, like meat, fish, and dairy.
2. Best Before
According to Harvard, the ‘best before’ date tells you the date by which food is at its good quality if stored in the recommended way (3). Even after the best-before date, the food might still be okay to eat, but it might not taste as good or have all its nutrients.
Stores can sell products after the best-before date if they’re still safe to eat (7).
3. Packaged On
‘Packaged on’ or ‘Baked on’ is typically used for highly perishable goods like bread to indicate its freshness.
What Do Food Labels Claim?
Manufacturers often lure customers by making the front packaging attractive and adding claims like ‘100% cholesterol–free,’ ‘organic,’ ‘fat-free,’ ‘high fibre,’ ‘low sodium,’ ‘reduced fat,’ and more. Food and Drug Administration controls some of the common claims, and manufacturers must abide by the guidelines to make attractive claims (8) (9) (4).
‘Cholesterol-free’ means there’s no cholesterol in the product, but it could still have fat.
‘Fat-free’ means there’s very little fat, less than 0.15%.
‘Lite or light’ might just mean it’s light in flavour or texture, so it’s important to check the fat content.
‘Organic or certified organic’ means different groups check and approve it as organic, but their rules might vary.
‘Oven baked, not fried’ could still have fat from spraying or coating of oil.
‘Reduced fat or salt’ means it has at least 25% less fat or salt than the original, but it might still be high in those.
‘Sugar-free or no added sugar’ means it doesn’t have table sugar but could still have other sugars like stevia or be high in calories, salt, or fat.
How to Avoid Allergies By Reading Food Labels?
The authorities require manufacturers to mention food allergens that have been used or exposed in their products’ food allergy labels, even if the amount is minimal. Many children develop intolerance or allergies toward certain products. Reading this will help mitigate the instances.
Common food allergens as per the FDA include (10):
Milk
Wheat
Fish
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Shellfish
Eggs
Soybeans
Lupin
Sesame
The information can be presented in different ways, like:
Contains egg
Albumin (egg)
Whey protein
Contains casein – refers to the milk protein
May contain traces of – a warning if the food is prepared in the same equipment as with food allergens
May contain milk
If your child is allergic or intolerant to any of the food allergens or you have a family history of allergies, it is always better to consult your paediatrician or dietician to find out about the hidden ingredients and what foods to watch out for while label reading.
How to Use the Percentage % Daily Value on Food Labels?
As we mentioned before, the per cent Daily Value (%DV) shows you how much of that nutrient you’re getting from that food compared to what you need for the whole day. So, if you see something with a ‘20% DV’ for calcium, it means that serving gives you about a fifth of the calcium you need for the day.
Remember to check the percentage labelling of the characterising ingredient(s) or component(s) on the back of the product when comparing food labels. For example, a packet of cupcakes might say 45% milk solids, while another might say 75% milk solids.
Here’s the trick according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Harvard (3) (2):
If a food has 5% or less of the Daily Value for a nutrient, it’s not giving you much of that nutrient. In this, all the baddies like trans fats and sodium should come.
If it has 20% or more, it means it is high in that nutrient. Look for calcium and vitamins in this percentage.
Compare the % Daily Value for similar foods, and decide.
5% Daily Value or less
20% Daily Value or more
Aim for this percentage if planning a heart-healthy diet
Aim for this percentage if planning for good bone health and structure
Saturated fats
Calcium
Trans fats
Fibre
Sodium
Iron
Cholesterol
Vitamins A and C
Potassium
Guide to Reading Ingredient Lists for Healthier Food Choices
Manufacturers may play wisely when marketing products as ‘healthier’ and ‘less sugar’, all the while including a different form, like dextrose or monosaccharides, that may contribute to fats and sugars in products. Screenshot the chart below, keep this handy while shopping, and become a labelling wizard (7).
Saturated and other added fats
Sugars
Salt
(terms like ‘oven fried,’ ‘baked,’ or ‘toasted’ imply that fat is used in the food preparation)
(Look for ingredients ending in ‘-ose’ or ‘-tol’)
Beef fat
Sucrose
Sodium
Butter
Sorbitol
Rock Salt
Mayonnaise
Dextrose
Sea salt
Coconut
Fructose
Seasoning
Coconut oil or palm oil
Glucose
sodium bicarbonate
Cream
Brown sugar
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Vegetable oils and fats
Corn syrup
Garlic salt
Hydrogenated oils
Fruit juice concentrate/fruit paste
Onion salt
Egg
Deionised fruit juice
sodium metabisulphate
Mono-, di- or triglycerides
Disaccharides
sodium nitrate/nitrite
Full-cream milk powder
Honey
Stock cubes
Sour cream
Lactose
Celery salt
Lard
Malt
Meat or yeast extract
Dipping
Molasses
Baking powder
Shortening
Maple syrup
Booster
Copha
Monosaccharides
Xylitol
Golden syrup
Maltose
Mannitol
Raw sugar
Maltodextrin
Crystalline fructose
Galactose
Which Food Additives Can Affect Your Child?
Food additives are extra ingredients put into food to improve their taste, quality, or shelf life. Additives added directly to products come under the ingredients, often with their chemical names, like sodium chloride for salt, ascorbic acid for vitamin C, or Blue #2 or Yellow #5 for artificial colours. Indirect additives used in processing or packaging, like plastic, dyes, and different types of coatings, can severely impact a child’s health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy, ‘Food Additives and Child Health,’ has identified that many food additives may interfere with children’s hormones, growth, and development (11) (12).
Chemical
Food-related Use
Health Issues
Synthetic artificial food colours (AFCs)
Food colour commonly used in children’s processed foods and beverages
Impacts children’s behaviour and attention
Nitrates and nitrites
Preservative and colour enhancer for meats, fish, and cheese
Carcinogenicity, thyroid hormone disruption
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Plastic containers and beverage cans
Imbalances nervous and immune systems, changes puberty timing, increases body fat
Phthalates
Clear plastic food wrap
Increases obesity, affects cardiovascular function, affects male genital development
Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs
Grease-proof paper and paperboard
Decreased birth weight, supresses immune system, increases obesity
Perchlorate
Food packaging
Thyroid hormone disruption
Nutrition Labels on Front and Side or Back-of-Package
Before you get to reading food labels, you must know how the packaging of the product works.
1. Front of Packaging (FOP)
The front of the packaging is the influencing side of the product that prompts a purchase. Food manufacturers use eye-catching graphics and symbols to highlight their products’ health USPs, like ‘fewer calories’ and ‘low sugar’ to effectively target their customers.
2. Side and Back-of-Packaging
The side and back of packaging contains all sorts of information from ingredients and nutritional value label to allergy information, food license number, authority logo, and dates.
Nutrition Information Panels (NIP)
The nutrition information panel (NIP) is the tabular panel that includes food components — energy (kilojoules), total fat, saturated fat, protein, total carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and sometimes fibre and calcium—in a standard per 100 grams or 100 ml weight or serving sizes. Please remember that serving sizes may vary with brands when comparing labels. The best choices generally have less bad stuff like saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and more good stuff like fibre.
Shopping Tips for Food Products
Understanding nutrition labels is not rocket-science. We have simplified some wise shopping tips to ensure a healthier you:
Don’t get fazed by the front packaging and make decisions based on the food tags or claims at the front.
Take a quick look at the nutrition labels. Look out for details about energy, fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt.
Many labels use colours like red, amber, and green: green means good to go, amber means okay, and red means stop or be cautious. So, aim for more greens and ambers and fewer reds for a healthier choice.
Be sceptical of products with a long list of ingredients, as they may contain many additives.
FAQs
1. What are compound ingredients?
Compound ingredients are those ingredients that are made up by a mixture of other ingredients. For instance, in a chocolate chip ice cream, ingredients may include milk, sugar, chocolate, and so on. If the chocolate is sourced directly, it will be listed as it is; if it is made by mixing ingredients, then it could be listed as Ingredients: milk, sugar, chocolate (cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sugar).
2. How does the ordering of the ingredients list work?
Ingredients are always listed in descending order of weight, so the most used ingredient comes first. If sugar and butter come first before flour in a brownie’s ingredient list, it means it is likely to be a high-fat brownie (13).
Disclaimer:
The content provided in the article is for educational purposes only and does not intend to provide personal medical advice. The information is sourced from several food authorities in different nations. The nutritional advice for food preparation and packaging may vary with different safety standards and statutory bodies. It is requested to take the above information for broader educational purposes and consult the authority or a doctor for any doubts you may have regarding a medical condition. Refrain from replacing or disregarding professional medical advice with the information provided here.
The nutrition label on food packages is designed to help us make informed choices about what we eat and drink. By paying close attention to the ingredients and staying up to date and open-eyed on food claims, food label nutrition facts, and allergen information, you can save a lot of trouble and ensure a healthier version of you and your family.
References/Resources:
1. Food Labels; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/food-labels.html
2. How to Read Labels; FSSAI; https://eatrightindia.gov.in/how-to-read-label.jsp
3. Understanding Food Labels; Harvard T.H. Chan; https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-label-guide/
4. Reading Food Labels; Humana; https://kidshealth.org/HumanaLouisiana/en/parents/food-labels.html
5. Parent Tips: How to Use the Nutrition Facts Label; NIH; https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/downloads/nutritionlabel.pdf
6. Do You Eat Right; FSSAI; https://fssai.gov.in/upload/knowledge_hub/852185f89a7fc009c5Book_Do_You_Eat_Right_16_10_2020.pdf
7. Food labels; BetterHealth Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-labels#what-are-compound-ingredients
8. Nutrient Content Claims; FDA Reader; https://www.fdareader.com/blog/2018/12/13/product-claims
9. Title 21; Code of Federal Regulations; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A#101.13
10. Food Allergies: What You Need to Know; FDA; https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know
11. Food Additives: What Parents Should Know; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Food-Additives.aspx
12. Trasande. L, Shaffer. R. M, et al.; Food Additives and Child Health; AAP Publications; https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/2/e20181408/37584/Food-Additives-and-Child-Health?autologincheck=redirected; August 2018
13. Food labels; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/how-to-read-food-labels/
Also Read:
Best Healthy Foods for Kids
Essential Nutrients Your Baby Needs
Baby Foods You Should Give Your Child
Read more
14 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart, and Recipes
If your baby is turning 14 months in a couple of days, you might be looking for some food items that can be given to him. However, creating a 14 months baby food menu will not be an easy task for a parent. The feeding habits of your growing baby will have changed considerably since he turned one and now you will have to give it a lot of thought before feeding anything to your baby because this is the age when a child starts being picky. While introducing new foods to your 14-month-old baby, you must make sure that those foods meet his nutrient requirements. Read this article to know what to feed a 14-month-old baby.
Video: Food Ideas for 14 Month Old Baby
Nutrient Requirements of a 14-Month-Old Child
Your child is still in a growing stage and needs the best nutrition to keep his development on track.
1. Calories
Energy is the biggest requirement for kids who are 14 months old. Beginning with 1000 calories from the previous months, the daily requirement would plateau somewhere around 1200-1300 calories at this time.
2. Proteins
Our diet usually focuses highly on carbohydrates, which can leave the intake of protein on the lower side. But don’t ignore it. A 14-month-old kid requires around 13-15 grams of protein on a daily basis.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should be included in your child’s diet since they not only provide energy but give the brain all the support it needs to function and grow. Their requirement is the same as that of an adult, i.e. roughly 130-150 grams per day.
4. Dietary Fibre
Dietary fibre is important for your child’s good health. It helps in digestion and ensures proper bowel movement. A child’s daily intake of fibre from fruits and whole foods should be at least 19 grams.
5. Sodium
Sodium is one of the most vital nutrients required for our bodily processes. Kids need it too. A baby would need around 1 gram of sodium every day.
6. Iron
If your child has weaned, he needs to keep his iron intake optimal from other sources. With a 7mg daily intake of iron, your child will easily steer clear of any kind of iron deficiency.
7. Water
While most parents might not look at water as a nutrient, the requirement of water to keep the body’s electrolyte balance perfect cannot be stressed enough. Make sure your child drinks at least 1 litre of water throughout the day.
8. Supplementary Nutrients
Apart from the major ones, some trace substances are also necessary to support different areas of the body. Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, probiotics, and many others can be included by adding a variety of foods to your baby’s meals.
How Much Food Does a Toddler Need At 14 Months?
Before looking for breakfast ideas for your little one, it is important to know that a 14-month-old toddler won’t eat as much as he used to before. Even though babies this age are growing, their development rate is plateauing to a fixed pace. A daily requirement of 1000 calories is usually enough for kids at this age.
Best Foods for a Fourteen-Month-Old Baby
To ensure that your 14-month-old baby gets the best nutrition, here are some 14-month-old food ideas that you can include in his diet without fail.
1. Breastmilk
Although many mothers might choose to wean their child, if breastmilk consumption is continued at this age, it is quite beneficial for the little one. Numerous antibodies along with enzymes and vitamins are easily provided via breastmilk and keep your kid healthier and protected from infection for a longer duration.
2. Meat
While choosing meat, it is necessary to opt for lean meat products such as fish or poultry for your kid. These can provide the required amount of protein for your kid’s age as well as introduce him to a tasty and delicious palate at the same time. Around 30g of meat should suffice.
3. Cheese
Kids love to eat cheese. It doesn’t have to always be paired with bread items or any fast foods. Include cheese with your regular vegetables or breakfast items for an added twist, and your kid will get enough calcium and proteins from it.
4. Beans
When giving beans to your child, mash them. These are a blessing for families that are vegetarian since they can provide a good quantity of proteins and vitamin C. Furthermore, synthesis of iron within the body is also supported by them.
5. Eggs
Eggs are highly recommended and one of the most popular choices for breakfast. Since there are so many ways to make eggs, your child will never get bored. Along with that, the presence of folate, vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients make it the healthiest meal your child will have.
6. Juices
When we say juices, we strictly mean the ones prepared at home from fresh fruits. Don’t give your child commercially-available juices that contain preservatives, sugar, or any sort of additional elements. Stick to only 180-200ml of quantity at the most.
7. Milk
Some kids are weaned off by the time they are 14 months, so they must drink around half a cup of milk on a daily basis without fail. Pairing it with some interesting food items can elevate the taste, and the fat from the milk will provide him with energy.
8. Vegetables
These form the very core of any meal for a child. Avoid giving raw vegetables to your child. Instead, steam or boil them to make them soft. Opting for items of various colours would make the entire dish interesting for your child, and help him meet his vitamin intake properly.
9. Fruits
It is a great habit to eat a fruit after having a meal since they top up any missing nutrients that your body requires. Make sure the fruits are ripe when given to your kid. A 14-month-old child can have around a small cup of fruit quite easily.
10. Grains
The largest constituent present in a child’s meal are foods made from grains. Whole foods or even vegetable pasta can be tasty ways to include grains in his diet. Opting for bread made from whole wheat or including oatmeal in breakfast is highly recommended for kids to make sure that their nutrients requirements are met in an easy way.
Video: Diet plan for 14-Month-Old Baby
14-Month-Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
If you’re struggling to prepare a meal plan or a diet chart for 14 months baby, we’ve got you covered. Here is a simple 14-month-old eating schedule that you can use as a starting point.
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
1 boiled egg+ small parathas
Mid-morning
Orange- peach juice
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Poha(flattened rice) + milk
Dinner
Palak(spinach)-paneer(cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Thepla + chunda + 1 small glass kesar(saffron)-elaichi(cardamom) milk
Mid-morning
Paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig)-walnut barfi
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
Curd rice with grated cucumber
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs + multigrain toast
Mid-morning
Mango milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Rava(semolina) kheer
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
Mixed berry or banana yoghurt
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Dal khichdi with vegetable soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
1 half-fried egg + multigrain toast
Mid-morning
Chocolate milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Vegetable upma + milk
Dinner
Stuffed parathas with curd or lassi
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
2 small ragi(finger millet) dosas + green chutney
Mid-morning
Milk + a small apple or pear
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of beetroot
Evening
Fruit custard
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)-wheat roti with dal methi
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
1 egg or besan(gram flour) omelette
Mid-morning
Oats or jowar(sorghum) puff porridge
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Dal pakoda with pudina dahi
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) pulao with pumpkin soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Jowar(sorghum) puff porridge
Mid-morning
Chopped pear
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sev murmura
Dinner
Curd rice with grated cucumber
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla + milk
Mid-morning
Yoghurt
Lunch
Jeera(cumin) rice with dal fry
Evening
Chopped and de-skinned peach/ chopped apple
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)-wheat roti with dal methi
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Wheat sheera
Mid-morning
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Lunch
Mooli(radish) paratha with homemade butter and lassi
Evening
Cubed chikoo(sapota)
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) or egg bhurji with roti and vegetable soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Vegetable upma + milk
Mid-morning
Palak + grapes + apple smoothie
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Palak(spinach) puri
Dinner
Non-spicy pav bhaji with moong dal(yellow split gram) soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Oats porridge
Mid-morning
Paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig)-walnut barfi
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Grated apple
Dinner
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Dalia(broken wheat)
Mid-morning
Mashed avocado
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Cucumber raita
Dinner
Rajma(kidney beans) chawal with tomato soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) dumplings + kesar(saffron)-elachi(cardamom) milk
Mid-morning
Chopped melon
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Popcorn
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Wheat pancakes with honey or sugar and milk
Mid-morning
Cauliflower-potato mash with some cheese
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese)-apple mash
Dinner
Jeera(cumin) rice with dal fry
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of orange juice
Mid-morning
Sweet potato + poha(flattened rice) powder
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Poha(flattened rice) pudding
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Thalipeeth + milk
Mid-morning
Mint-lemon sharbat using honey
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Mango/ strawberry yoghurt with oats or poha(flattened rice) soaked in dahi(curd) with mashed banana
Dinner
Palak(spinach) khichdi + curd
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Banana pancakes or soft egg white pancakes
Mid-morning
Mosambi(sweet lime) segments
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) upma + kesar(saffron)-elaichi(cardamom) milk
Dinner
Methi(fenugreek leaves) thepla + lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Seviyan(semolina) upma + mango / banana milkshake
Mid-morning
Cucumber cubes with dahi(curd) dip
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Paratha + paneer(cottage cheese) bhurji
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) satva with 1 tsp of almond powder
Mid-morning
Boiled carrot and sweet potato chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of beetroot
Evening
Potato and dahi(curd) chaat
Dinner
Roti + sabzi + dal fry
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Doodh poha with chopped peach/strawberries or grated apples
Mid-morning
Sliced pear
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Mango milkshake
Dinner
Vegetable- masoor dal(red lentil) pulao
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Broccoli- sooji(semolina) upma (soft) + elachi(cardamom)- kesar(saffron) milk
Mid-morning
Chopped guava
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Methi(fenugreek leaves) thepla + lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Dinner
French beans and peas dalia with curd
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Banana vanilla milkshake
Mid-morning
Boiled chana(chickpeas) chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Besan(gram flour)–palak(spinach) dhokla
Dinner
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Egg paratha or paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Poha(flattened rice) pudding
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Bhagar (millet) cooked in buttermilk
Dinner
Rajma(kidney beans) chawal with tomato soup
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) dosa + chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Chopped stewed pear / apple
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Poha(flattened rice) + milk
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Seviyan(semolina) kheer with raisins and almond flour
Mid-morning
Chopped mango / banana
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
1 small cup of chole(chickpeas) + 2 small puri + 1 small glass of lassi
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puffs with milk and dates
Mid-morning
Sprouted moong(green gram) chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of beetroot
Evening
Yoghurt
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)-moong dal(yellow split gram) khichdi
Diet for a 14 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Lassi
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Murmura sev
Dinner
Vegetable sandwich with dal soup
Video: 14 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
Food Recipes for a 14-Month-Old Child
Here are some great meals for a 14-month-old that can be eaten at the day.
1. Instant Rawa Idli
The cornerstone of a healthy breakfast, this recipe can double up as a quick snack in the evenings with variations that make it tastier than it already is.
Ingredients
Ghee
Garam masala
Black pepper
Salt
Capsicum
Carrot
Onion
Curd
Rawa
How To Prepare
Except for salt and ghee, put together all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them properly.
Coat the idli moulds with ghee and pour the batter in them, leaving some space at the top.
Use the vegetables to decorate the top and place the moulds in an idli steamer for around 10-15 minutes.
2. Vegetable Pasta
If your kid is bored of eating the same thing, surprise him with this vegetable pasta and watch him dive into it.
Ingredients
Olive oil
Black pepper
Mixed herbs
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Pasta
Salt
French beans
Capsicum
Carrot
Tomato
Onion
How To Prepare
Take a pan and add water to it. Add salt and oil to it and let it boil.
Once it starts boiling, add the pasta and let it cook on a low flame.
Later, strain it and wash with cold water.
Take olive oil in a large pan and add some onion and sauté it properly.
Follow up with tomato, beans, capsicum, and let it cook together. Then, add some carrots and let them get tender as well.
Finally add all the seasonings and condiments along with mixed herbs, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Cook this entire mixture for a few minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to it and mix it well. Serve warm.
3. Carrot Rice
Plain rice can be too bland for kids. Pep up the taste with one of these healthy lunch ideas.
Ingredients
Water
Ghee
Cashews
Almonds
Cinnamon
Sugar
Rice
Carrots
How To Prepare
Saute almonds and cashews in a pan with ghee and place them aside.
Cook cinnamon in the same pan, along with carrots. Add some water to it and let it boil.
Once it does, add rice to it and cover the pan to cook it well. Sprinkle some sugar midway.
Stir it properly and garnish with the nuts sautéed earlier.
4. Vermicelli Pulao
For kids that may or may not like vermicelli, this pulao combo will definitely have them drooling.
Ingredients
Mustard seeds
Black pepper
Turmeric
Salt
French beans
Capsicum
Carrot
Ginger
Tomato
Onion
Vermicelli
How To Prepare
Take a deep pan and add water, salt, and ghee to it and let it boil.
Add vermicelli and let it cook.
In another pan, add ghee followed by mustard seeds. Follow up with onions and tomatoes when they pop. Later, add the vegetables and let them cook.
Finally, sprinkle the condiments with some salt and add vermicelli to the mixture.
5. Oats Pancakes
Make the weekend a fantastic one with these pancakes for breakfast or even for dinner.
Ingredients
Ghee
Water
Black pepper
Coriander powder
Salt
Turmeric
Onion
Carrot
Besan
Oats
How To Prepare
Put together carrots, onions, condiments, besan, oats in a bowl and mix them to form a batter.
Coat a pan with ghee and use the batter to make round shaped pancakes.
Cook both sides till they are brown and coat with ketchup, honey, or jam.
Feeding Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before feeding your child:
Continue breastfeeding your child if you can.
Make sure you give tiny pieces of fruit or other food items.
Teach him to take small bites and chew properly.
Make him eat only when he is sitting up.
Do not make him sip juices or milk around bedtime.
Teach your baby how to use a cup.
Disclaimer:
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.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
1. What Are Some Good Finger Foods For a 14 Month Old?
Finger foods are a great way for babies to explore different textures and eat independently. Some finger foods you can start giving your child are cooked carrot and broccoli, cheese, pasta, banana, and lightly-toasted bread. Make sure you keep a watch on your babies while they munch on finger foods to prevent choking.
2. Which Foods Are Not Recommended For 14-Month-Old Babies?
Avoid giving your child sodium-heavy or unpasteurised foods. Also ensure you do not feed your baby big pieces of fruits or vegetables to avoid choking. Foods with added sugars or artificial sweeteners are strict no-no as well.
Try these amazing recipes for your 14-month-old baby and he will eat it without any fuss. With a proper meal plan and a diet that covers all the necessary nutrients, you can know for sure that your tiny tot is developing in the right way.
References/Resources:
1. Feeding your baby: 1–2 years; unicef; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-1-2-years
2. Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html; May 2022
3. Baby and toddler meal ideas; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/baby-and-toddler-meal-ideas/; December 2022
4. Diagnosing Allergies in Children; American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology; https://acaai.org/allergies/testing-diagnosis/for-children-and-infants/
5. Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/index.html; December 2021
Previous Month: 13 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart and Recipes
Next Month: 15 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart and Recipes
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13 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart and Recipes
A toddler of 13 months ideally requires optimum nutrition to cope with the needs of his growing body and increasing activity levels. By this time, he may have successfully made the shift from exclusively having milk to eating solids as well. Most toddlers by this age tend to become picky eaters. Their feeding habits are likely to change and get more unpredictable. They may seem to eat reasonably well on some days while other days they can appear completely disinterested in eating. Setting up a feeding schedule may help in restricting the unpredictability. Also incorporating a variety of healthy foods into your toddler’s diet may help in curbing possible picky eating and meeting his daily nutritional requirement.
Video: Food Ideas for 13 Month Old Baby
Nutrient Requirements for a 13 Months Old Child
Some essential nutrients that are vital for your developing 13 months old child can be:
1. Protein
Your growing toddler may need 13 grams of protein per day. Protein is the building blocks which help in the formation and repair of tissues and muscles.
2. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are crucial for a toddler as they contribute to the healthy brain development and provide energy for the bodily functions. The daily requirement of carbohydrate for a toddler is about 130 grams.
3. Fat
Your infant may derive his dose of healthy fat from drinking 1 to 2 cups of whole milk and consuming full-fat dairy items daily to support muscle movement, the build-up of cells, blood clotting, mineral and vitamin absorption by the body. Fat also fuels your child’s body with energy.
4. Fibre
13 months old baby needs around 19 grams of fibre in a day which may help stimulate bowel function and prevent digestive troubles like constipation.
5. Iron
Iron intake of a toddler at this age should be around 7 mg per day. Most toddlers are prone to iron deficiency which can cause anaemia and negatively impact their normal growth and development.
6. Sodium
A toddler of 13 months may need approx 1 g of sodium (1/2 tsp of salt) per day to facilitate proper muscle and nerve function, maintain blood pressure.
7. Water
Your toddler of 13 months may require around 1.3 litres of fluids on a daily basis which includes milk, water, fresh juices and other healthy fluids to keep himself suitably hydrated.
8. Vitamins D
It helps the body in the absorption of calcium which is central for healthy bone development in kids. A developing toddler of 13 months may need 400 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D every day.
How Much Food Does a 13 Month-Old Toddler Need?
Every toddler of 13 months can be different and may have diverse physical activity levels and his own specific needs. Parents need not calculate calories on a day-to-day basis to confirm sufficient consumption of food by their toddler. The more important thing to consider is that the child is gaining weight satisfactorily and remains active and energetic. Make sure your child has well-balanced and wholesome meals every day. Include green vegetables, starchy vegetables, fruits, cereals, protein, dairy products in his daily snacks and meals. Go in for whole foods which are home cooked rather than packaged processed food items.
Having said that the total sum of food a toddler may need from every food group depends on per day calorie requirements. Most toddlers usually need around 1000 to 1400 calories in a day. Also, it is important to comprise about 3 to 4 tsp of healthy oils like canola oil in your toddler’s daily intake.
Best Foods for Thirteen-Month-Old Baby
Some of the best foods that can be a part of 13 month baby food chart are:
1. Vegetables
Making your child get familiar with eating vegetables at an early age is very important. Vegetables are full of minerals, vitamins and fibre necessary for the healthy growth of your toddler. You can either cut raw vegetables like carrots, tomatoes and offer them as finger foods or cook them using simple recipes to produce tasty dishes.
2. Fruits
Different fruits can offer a host of health benefits for your infant. They are an excellent source of essential nutrients which are significant for the proper functioning and maintenance of his body. Encourage your child to eat one or more seasonal fruit daily. Alternatively, you can also prepare a colourful fruit salad with various fruits available.
3. Milk
Providing whole milk (full cream milk) to your child may not only ensure healthy bone-building but also cater to his body’s requirement of fat and Vitamin D. Keep in mind not to give too much milk every day as it can affect your infant’s intake of solid foods and lead to a possible iron deficiency.
4. Yoghurt
Plain yoghurt which is unsweetened and formed from whole milk comprising of live cultures may be the ideal choice for your toddler. Kids who are lactose intolerant can benefit from eating yoghurt and get their supply of fats and calcium. Yoghurt also boosts digestion and may prevent the occurrence of several common digestive disorders like diarrhoea.
5. Nuts
Nuts can be a beneficial addition to your infant’s diet as they are power packs of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, healthy fats, fibre, protein. In case you fear that nuts can become a possible choking risk for your child process or ground them to powder and add them to his food. Make sure to check your child for any allergies to nuts before feeding him.
6. Chicken
Chicken can be a healthier meat choice to introduce to your baby’s diet. It is a good source of vitamin B complex, protein, iron, omega-6 fatty acids which may help promote body stamina and healthy haemoglobin count.
7. Legumes
Legumes like peas, beans, lentils can provide your baby with protein for muscle building, calcium for bone formation, magnesium for a healthy heart, iron for healthy energy and blood, fibre for good digestion. You can serve legumes to your child after boiling them gently or steaming them.
8. Eggs
Your toddler can tremendously benefit from eating eggs as they are a nutritious source of iron, protein, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, choline, vitamins A, B 12, D, E which may encourage his healthy physical and mental development.
9. Cheese
Cheese can constitute a healthy and balanced diet for toddlers as it provides protein, calcium, vitamin A and also fulfils their fat and energy requirements.
10. Whole Grains
Grains like oats, barley, brown rice can form an important part of your infant’s diet as they offer nutrients like fibre, protein, carbohydrates and an array of vitamins and minerals for his normal growth.
Video: Diet Plan for 13-Month-Old Baby
13 Month Baby Meal Plan
It may be challenging to establish a 13 month old baby food schedule because of their altering eating habits and changing food preferences. The following meal plan is simply a sample schedule which can vary depending on the specific needs of different toddlers.
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
½ boiled egg + 1 small banana
Mid-morning
Vegetable dalia (broken wheat) + 1 small glass of milk
Lunch
Ragi (finger millet)-wheat roti + methi(fenugreek leaves)-besan(gram flour) ki sabzi + cherry tomatoes
Evening
1 bowl of wheat porridge with almond powder
Dinner
Tomato-pumpkin-masoor dal(red lentil) soup with hand pounded pulao
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Thepla + chunda + 1 small glass of milk
Mid-morning
½ scrambled egg + 1 small chikoo(sapota)
Lunch
Bajra(pearl millet)-moong dal(yellow split gram) khichdi
Evening
Seviyan(vermicelli) upma + kesar(saffron)- elaichi(cardamom) milk
Dinner
Palak(spinach)-paneer(cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
½ scrambled egg + ½ pear
Mid-morning
1-2 jowar(sorghum)-paneer(cottage cheese)- palak(spinach) paratha
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sattu(barley)-apple porridge
Dinner
Vegetable khichdi with dahi or kadhi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of orange juice
Mid-morning
½ egg omelette + 1 small glass of banana milkshake
Lunch
Paratha + paneer(cottage cheese) bhurji
Evening
Poha(flattened rice) soaked in dahi(curd) with mashed banana
Dinner
Mildly spicy pav bhaji with moong dal(yellow split gram) soup
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
½ boiled egg + 1 slice of papaya
Mid-morning
1 bowl of oats-honey-almond porridge
Lunch
Vegetable soup + fried rice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Oats-apple smoothie
Dinner
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
2 small ragi(finger millet) dosas + green chutney
Mid-morning
2-3 paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig) ladoo
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Grilled sweet potato cubes with hummus
Dinner
Rajma( kidney beans) chawal with tomato soup
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
½ egg omelette + ½ cup of watermelon
Mid-morning
1 small cup of chole(chickpeas) + 2 small puri + 1 small glass of lassi
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Paneer cubes with honey/sugar or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Roti + sabzi+ dal fry
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puff milkshake with chopped anjeer(fig)
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) dhokla
Lunch
Ragi(finger millet)-wheat roti + methi(fenugreek leaves)- besan(gram flour) sabzi + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Mosambi(sweet lime) segments
Dinner
French beans and peas dalia with curd
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with poha(flattened rice) powder
Lunch
Rajma( kidney beans) chawal with pudina(mint) soup
Evening
Cucumber cubes with dahi(curd) dip
Dinner
Palak(spinach) dhokla
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Mid-morning
Carrot-beetroot soup with mashed murmura(puffed rice)
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Pineapple sheera
Dinner
Grilled paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich with palak(spinach) soup
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Oats- strawberry smoothie
Mid-morning
2-3 paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Mashed cheesy potato
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Scrambled egg
Mid-morning
Papaya and pear cubes
Lunch
Roti with paneer(cottage cheese) bhurji
Evening
Ragi(finger millet) ladoo
Dinner
1 small cup of chole(chickpeas) + 2 small puri + 1 small glass of lassi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Seviyan(vermicelli) upma + kesar(saffron)- elaichi(cardamom) milk
Mid-morning
Coconut barfi
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sliced apples
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)- moong dal(yellow split gram) khichdi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) satva with 1 tsp of almond powder
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) + grapes + apple juice (strained)
Lunch
Mini idlis and sambar
Evening
Pineapple raita
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Soft dosa with non- spicy sambar
Mid-morning
Mint-lemon sharbat using honey
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice
Evening
Chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Dinner
Bisi bele bath + apple raita
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Sattu(barley)-apple porridge
Mid-morning
Sliced banana
Lunch
Bajra(pearl millet) roti with brinjal and urad dal(black lentil)
Evening
Date and skimmed milk powder ladoo
Dinner
Gobi(cauliflower) paratha with homemade butter
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Jowar(sorghum) puffs with apple puree
Mid-morning
Boiled carrot and sweet potato chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Palak(spinach) + grapes + apple smoothie
Dinner
Besan(gram flour)-palak(spinach) dhokla + pea soup
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour) chilla with grated carrots
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) puri
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Date ladoo mixed with chana(chickpeas) powder + milk
Dinner
Mixed vegetable dalia khichdi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Pineapple sheera
Lunch
Vegetable soup + fried rice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Banana milkshake
Dinner
Mooli(radish) paratha + lassi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Mashed cheesy potato
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Mixed fruit chaat
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)- moong dal(yellow split gram) khichdi + pineapple raita
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth)- wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Ragi(finger millet) ladoo
Lunch
Palak(spinach) khichdi + carrot raita
Evening
Dalia(broken wheat)
Dinner
Roti + dal + sabzi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Broccoli- sooji(semolina) upma + elaichi(cardamom)-kesar(saffron) milk
Mid-morning
Orange-peach-apple smoothie
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Banana- vanilla milkshake
Mid-morning
Crushed khakhara
Lunch
Methi(fenugreek leaves)-tinda(Indian squash) pulao
Evening
Papaya cubes with lemon juice + makhana(fox nut)
Dinner
Black dal with jeera(cumin) rice
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Egg or paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) puri
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Banana milkshake
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese)- apple mash
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) dosa + chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Fruit yoghurt
Dinner
Poha(flattened rice) pudding
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Seviyan(semolina) kheer with raisins and almond flour
Mid-morning
Cucumber sticks
Lunch
Egg yolk or paneer(cottage cheese) pulao
Evening
Lauki(bottle gourd) halwa
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese)- apple mash
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puffs with milk and dates
Mid-morning
Multigrain chilla
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Homemade muffins or roti + jaggery
Dinner
Coconut rice with sabzi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Whole wheat banana sheera with milk
Mid-morning
Vegetable rava idli
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Besan(gram flour) ladoo
Dinner
Vegetable pulao with raita
Video: 13 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
Food Recipes for 13 Months Old Child
Here are some easy food recipes for 13 months old child:
1. Oatmeal Muffins
Muffins can be one of the quick breakfast ideas as they are easy to eat.
Ingredients
2 eggs
½ cup oil
½ cup milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup flour
¾ cup oatmeal
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
How to Prepare
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius.
Grease the muffin tray.
Whisk all the liquid ingredients together. Sieve all the dry ingredients and blend into the wet mixture.
Pour the batter into the muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes.
2. Scrambled Eggs
This can be a simple way to provide your toddler with the goodness of eggs.
Ingredients
An egg
¼ cup milk
Butter
Salt
How to Prepare
Beat the egg and salt.
Heat butter and pour the egg mixture into a pan.
Gently fold, lift the mixture with a spatula to form soft curds.
3. Fruity Chicken Rice
For interesting dinner ideas you can prepare this yummy dish which may delight your baby with its varied textures.
Ingredients
¼ cup steamed chicken breast (shredded)
1 cup apricots
½ cup cooked rice
How to Prepare
Bring together all the ingredients and mix well.
Serve warm or cold.
4. Pasta
This delicious pasta with melted cheese can qualify for great lunch ideas.
Ingredients
1 cup pasta (boiled)
A tomato (diced)
Cheese (grated)
Oil
How to Prepare
Heat oil in a pan. Add the pasta and cheese.
Cover the pan with and let it cook till the cheese melts
Spread diced tomato on top and serve.
5. Carrot Coins
Your toddler may find these carrot coins too tempting to resist.
Ingredients
A carrot (peeled, cut into coins)
Olive oil
Salt (optional)
How to Prepare
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
Place all the carrot coins on a baking tray.
Sprinkle salt and bake for 30 minutes.
Feeding Tips
Some useful feeding tips can be:
Creating a feeding plan can assist you to tackle your toddler’s various feeding transitions.
Keep in mind to include more table foods instead of baby food in your toddler’s meals.
Encourage your baby to self-feed. It may be a messy affair but this how kids learn.
While planning a 13-month-old food menu try to cover all the major food groups and bring in as much variety as you can using your creativity.
Limit sugary and processed foods to a minimum. You can offer them as an occasional treat.
Try introducing new foods regularly so that your baby gets a chance to develop a taste for different flavours and textures.
FAQs
1. What Could Be the Reason for 13-Month-Old Refusing Solids?
The following can be the reasons behind your baby refusing solids:
Illness
Having too much milk
Having too much juice
Eating at the wrong times
Distracted while eating
2. How Do I Know If My 13-Month-Old Is Eating Enough?
Although eating habits varies from child to child, a 13-month-old need roughly 1,000 calories per day. Therefore, they need three small meals and two snacks a day. Consult with your paediatrician if you feel that your baby is not eating enough.
Parents can be a role model for their kids when it comes to developing healthy food choices and habits. Making mealtimes family fun time can motivate your toddler to eat well and healthier.
Disclaimer:
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.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
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.
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. Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old; hopkinsallchildrens.org; https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Feeding-Your-1-to-2-Year-Old
2. Infant and Toddler Nutrition; cdc.gov; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
3. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 1-Year-Old; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-One-Year-Old.aspx
4. Feeding your baby: 1–2 years; unicef.org; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-1-2-years
5. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers; kidshealth.org; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html
Previous Month: Food Ideas for 1 Year Old Babies
Next Month: 14 Months Old Baby Food
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15 Months Old Baby Food Chart
When you are used to a typical meal schedule, running out of ideas for meals or snacks for a 15-month-old child is natural. The nutritional requirements for adults and kids are quite different; figuring out what food items can suffice them can be tricky. A proper meal plan and a simple schedule can be handy here. The American Academy of Paediatrics states that roughly 50% of calories should come from fat within the first two years following birth. Also, a 15-month-old should consume nearly 13g of protein daily, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting your child a meal plan can be taxing for sure. However, consider involving your little one in this planning and preparation process to make it a fun experience for both of you. This article has brought together important insights regarding your 15-month baby diet chart.
Video: Food Ideas for 15 Month Old Baby
Nutrient Requirements for a 15 Months Old Child
The nutritional requirements for a 15-month-old child are all-encompassing. There is a necessity for all the major nutrients to be present in the appropriate quantities, even with reduced food intake.
1. Supporting nutrients
With reduced food intake, the chances of minor nutrients such as probiotics, omega-3 acids and others falling short in their required proportion are quite high. Therefore, a special focus is needed to ensure these are included in the diet.
2. Water
Including water, especially in the diet, is highly recommended since most kids won’t remember to have as much water as they should. Roughly a litre of water is the least your child should drink daily.
3. Iron
The requirement for iron from other food items increases strongly as your child grows up since his dependency on breastmilk, the primary source of iron will begin to reduce. Ensure he gets 7mg of iron daily from his food intake.
4. Sodium
The major food item that provides us with sodium is salt. While that might usually take care of the general requirement of a child amongst other food items, households that sparingly use salt should take extra care of this.
5. Fibre
Bowel movement and proper digestion are how your children can truly get the benefits that all the nutrients provide. Including fibre in the diet ensures this and keeps the rest of the body functioning optimally.
6. Carbohydrates
The powerhouse of all energy, these form the core of any meal that your kid would have. There should be no compromise in the number of carbohydrates since there is a vast dependency of various bodily processes on it.
7. Proteins
Vegetarian families might worry about providing their kids with the necessary amount of protein they need. While meat does provide a substantial amount of protein, there are vegetarian alternatives providing good nutrition, too.
8. Calories
The growth rate of your kid might not be as rapid as it was during his early baby days. This results in a calorie requirement of around a kilocalorie or so daily, which increases gradually over the years.
How Much Food Does Toddler Need at 15th Month?
Depending on your child’s physical activities and metabolism, a toddler’s food requirements stay within the range of 1000 to 1400 calories within the first few years. Hence, breakfast ideas and meal options must strike a balance together to ensure proper nutrition for the child.
Best Foods for Fifteen-Month-Old Baby
Some specific food items make great choices in giving your little one a wholesome meal that provides the necessary nutrition.
1. Meat
It is important to know that little kids cannot have large pieces of meat such as steaks or hams like adults. The protein requirement for their age can be substantially satisfied by opting for lean meat alternatives, such as minced pork, soft fish, crumbled chicken or ham, and so on. Precautions need to be taken when including seafood in their diet.
2. Legumes and Nuts
While eggs also make for a great meal choice to provide your kids with proteins and fats, vegetarians can rejoice with a better alternative in legumes and nuts. Giving nuts directly to your kid is not advised since it can be a choking hazard. However, using food items that contain nuts as an element shouldn’t be a problem.
3. Vegetables
Most kids will start eating their veggies around this age. Certain items might still be a bit difficult to chew, and those can be either boiled or steamed to soften them up. Avoid fried vegetables and opt for a variety that gives your kid a wider taste spectrum to enjoy.
4. Grains
Parents are suggested to go for whole grain varieties when choosing food items, as an easy way to keep up with the nutrient requirement of your child. These can exist in variants of roti, rice and pasta as well. On the other hand, any fortified cereals free from artificial additions make for a great choice, too.
5. Fruits
Not only do fruits provide your kid with a different range of tastes as compared to other food items, but the presence of natural fibre in them also helps in stimulation of the digestive system as well as help in procuring different vitamins.
6. Snacks
While your little one might munch of tiny pieces of cookie or toast, it is best to avoid giving any sugar-heavy products early in life. Make use of cheese based items or steamed veggies to satiate the random cravings.
7. Oil
Even a 15-month-old baby requires fat, much more than anybody else. Those are the energy reserves that keep them going. Opt for oils that have no trans fats or go for alternatives like butter.
8. Dairy
A combination of protein and calcium is highly necessary for kids at this age since their bones and muscles need to be strong. Make sure you include whole milk and some yoghurt in your kid’s diet.
9. Juices
Although it is best your kids have fruits instead of juices, these still can be a great addition to his diet, but only when pressed fresh and absent of any additions. Don’t replace water intake with juices.
10. Multivitamins
The body’s constitution or family lifestyle might make a nutrient deficiency possible in a child. Such a scenario must be combated with a multivitamin that can supplement dietary shortfalls.
11. Berries
Berries are great 15-month-old baby foods because they are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are all great choices for babies. For added nutrition and flavour, they can be served whole, mashed, and mixed with other foods, such as oatmeal or yoghurt. Berries are also easy for little hands to grasp and can be a fun and healthy snack for your baby to enjoy.
12. Lean Proteins
Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu, are important for babies as they provide essential nutrients, such as protein and iron, needed for growth and development. These foods can be served in small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to handle or mashed or pureed for younger babies.
Video: Diet Plan for 15 Month Old Baby
15 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
Putting together a baby diet chart for 15-month-old kids isn’t an easy task. Referring to the one below, you can create your own that best suits your child.
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puff milkshake with chopped anjeer(fig)
Mid-morning
Chopped pear / apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paratha + paneer(cottage cheese) bhurji
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Chopped melon
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Dinner
Vegetable soup + fried rice + a few slices of carrot
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla made with curd
Mid-morning
Orange juice
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Palak(spinach) dhokla
Dinner
Mixed vegetable khichdi with kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour) chilla with grated carrots
Mid-morning
Chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sweet potato + poha(flatenned rice) powder
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Date and skimmed milk powder ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Carrot-beetroot soup with mashed murmura(puffed rice)
Dinner
Dal khichdi with vegetable soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) + grapes-apple smoothie
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
2-3 paneer(cottage cheese)-anjeer(fig) ladoo
Dinner
Stuffed parathas with curd or lassi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth)- wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Date ladoo mixed with chana(chickpeas) powder + milk
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Papaya and pear cubes
Dinner
Roti + sabzi + dal fry
Ensure the child has at least half a cup of milk every day.
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
1 egg or paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
1 glass of apple milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets with broccoli soup and toast
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs + multigrain toast + 1 glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) or egg pulao with vegetable raita
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puff porridge with almond and walnut powder
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Boiled sweet potato with chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Chole(chickpeas) paratha and pumpkin soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of milk
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Ragi(finger millet)-wheat roti with any sabzi and dal
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
1 glass of chikoo(sapota) milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Rajgira(amaranth) ladoo dipped in milk
Dinner
Spinach-quinoa khichdi with curd
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Dhokla + green chutney
Mid-morning
Strawberry yoghurt or banana raita
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Ragi(finger millet) satva
Dinner
Baingan(brinjal) bharta with bajra(pearl millet) roti and kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
1 egg or besan(gram flour) omelette
Mid-morning
Custard apple milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Potato-cheese lollipop
Dinner
Drumstick soup with moringa leaves+ paneer(cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Date and skimmed milk powder ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Potato and dahi(curd) chaat
Dinner
Vegetable khichdi with dahi or kadhi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Whole wheat pancakes with honey or sugar and milk
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) + grapes- apple smoothie
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Wheat and soy flour cookies with milk
Dinner
1-2 small star-shaped jowar(sorghum)-paneer(cottage cheese)-palak(spinach) paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Jowar(sorghum) puff porridge
Mid-morning
Date ladoo mixed with chana(chickpeas) powder + milk
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Murmura(puffed rice) porridge with almond powder
Mid-morning
Mango/strawberry yoghurt with oats
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Apple kheer + carrot paratha
Dinner
Dal khichdi with grated carrot
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
1 cup of poha + 1 small glass of fresh orange juice
Mid-morning
Oats-apple smoothie
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Dalia(broken wheat)
Dinner
Shahi paneer with paratha and tomato- mushroom soup
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
French toast + 1 glass of fresh apple juice
Mid-morning
Peanut ladoo
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Methi(fenugreek leaves) thepla + lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Dinner
Idli with non-spicy sambar
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla + milk
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with cheese
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Fruit milkshake
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Fruit custard
Mid-morning
Sattu(barley) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Grilled carrot coins with cheese
Dinner
Methi(fenugreek leaves) paratha with lauki(bottle gourd) kofta
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Grated cucumber and oats pancake
Mid-morning
Methi(fenugreek leaves) puri
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Seviyan(semolina) porridge
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets with palak(spinach) soup and toast
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Mashed and deseeded custard apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot
Evening
Whole wheat crackers with dahi(curd)-palak(spinach) dip
Dinner
Kadhi chawal and tomato slices
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Melon juice
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Homemade French fries or aloo(potato) chips
Dinner
1 small cup chole(chickpeas) + 2 small puri + 1 small glass lassi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Scrambled eggs or paneer(cottage cheese) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot
Evening
Makhana(fox nut) + chocolate milkshake
Dinner
Fish curry or paneer(cottage cheese) curry with rice
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Mini Kanchipuram idlis with chutney
Mid-morning
Murmura sev
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Sliced apple or banana
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with capsicum sabzi
Diet for a 15-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Scrambled egg + multigrain toast + 1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Mid-morning
Boiled chana(chickpeas) chaat
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato
Evening
Mango milkshake
Dinner
Peas and potato sabzi with paratha
Video: 15 Month Old Baby Food Recipes
Food Recipes for a 15 Months Old Baby
For parents struggling with unique meals or lunch ideas for their 15-month-old kid, these recipes can provide a quick escape as well as stoke their imagination to make some more.
1. Curd Rice
The quintessential food preparation that works wonders no matter when and where you have it.
Ingredients
Black gram
Ginger
Curry leaves
Green chilli
Red Chilli
Oil
Mustard seeds
Salt
Cream
Curd
Milk
Cooked rice
How To Prepare
Take the cooked rice and mash it well. Add milk to it and stir it all together. Follow it up with the curd and cream and stir it again.
Take a pan and put some oil in it. Put all the seasoning elements together and heat them well. Add some oil and pour in the rice into this.
2. Khichdi
What might be comfort food for adults in their illness, is a perfect lunch item for young kids, providing great nutrition.
Ingredients
Pepper powder
Turmeric
Ghee
Salt
Vegetables
Red gram
Rice
How To Prepare
Take the rice and dal together and wash them well. Keep them soaked underwater for about 30 minutes.
Until then, take the vegetables and chop them properly. Add these to the rice and dal bowl. Place this inside a cooker and let it sit on medium heat until two whistles.
Release the pressure and check if the rice is cooked.
Take it out in a bowl and mash it with ghee. Add salt, pepper and turmeric for added taste and mix properly.
3. Pasta Kheer
Caught you by surprise? Let your child also revel in delight when he comes across this weirdly beautiful recipe.
Ingredients
Milk
Rice flour
Green cardamoms
Jaggery syrup
Pasta
Water
How To Prepare
Take a pan and add water to it. Bring it to a boil, add the pasta, cook it, and drain it well.
Add ghee and butter with some cashews in another pan and roast them well. Follow up with milk and let it boil. Add the pasta to it and cook it all together.
In a cup, add milk, water and the rice flour. Mix it all properly till it is smooth. Pour it into the pan and stir continuously.
Once the kheer is thick, add cardamom seeds with jaggery syrup, and serve.
4. Roasted Green Beans
Do away with the usual boring snacks and add a great flavour to this healthy option to make your child love greens.
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Green beans
How To Prepare
Start by heating the oven to a temperature of 425 degrees. Keep a pan inside it for 8-10 minutes.
Add the beans in a bowl and pour a little oil while sprinkling some salt. Toss them all together to mix it well.
Spread these beans on a sheet laid on the tray, without letting them cover each other.
Place them in the oven for around 10 minutes to make them crispy and soft.
5. Purple Veggie Puree
For kids that are bored with the same old purees, this vividly coloured version will have their eyes light up instantly.
Ingredients
Water
Lemon juice
Frozen spinach
Blueberries
How To Prepare
Take a pan and add water and spinach to it together. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 8 minutes.
Drain the water and mash together lemon juice, water, blueberries and spinach to form a nice thick puree.
Feeding Tips
With some simple tips, while feeding your kid, you can make the experience easier for you and better for the little ones.
Let your kid eat from the food prepared for your family, as long as it isn’t spicy.
Start teaching your kid to eat certain items with his own hands.
Please don’t force your kid to finish up his food quickly.
It is fine for your kid to eat intermittently than sit quietly for a full meal.
Don’t fuss if your kid suddenly changes his eating habits.
Make the entire experience of enjoying food items a fun-filled one.
Encourage self-feeding so your child is curious about different food textures, colours and shapes.
Give them finger food. This makes the self-feeding process easier as a child easily handles finger food. Small veggie fingers, nuggets, or cutlets your baby can pick up with his small hands, are the best foods to encourage self-feeding.
Try involving your child in the meal-prepping or planning stage. This could be a fun learning activity for your child and make the process easier for you.
Offer a variety of foods consisting of different shapes, sizes, colours and textures.
If your child is a picky eater, try different food forms of the same ingredient.
With numerous dinner ideas for your little kid at your disposal, your meals will take a new life in the coming weeks. Observe your child and try to see what he likes and doesn’t, to balance out his meal schedule accordingly.
FAQs
1. Why Is My 15-Month Baby Chewing Food But Not Swallowing?
There are a few reasons why your 15-month-old baby may be chewing their food but not swallowing it. One reason may be that they are still learning to swallow. When introducing a self-feeding baby, one must not yet be ready for certain food textures.
2. What Foods Help My 15-Month Baby to Gain Weight?
By consuming high-calorie foods, a 15-month-old baby can put on weight. You can give them whole milk yoghurt, fresh ground beef, mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, cooked and mashed beans, and bananas. Offering your baby these meals after thinning them with formula, breast milk, or broth is recommended.
3. How Much Food Can 15-Month-Old Eat Per Meal?
According to UNICEF, a 15-month-old infant should receive three-quarters to one cup of food per meal, three to four times daily.
With numerous dinner ideas for your little kid at your disposal, your meals will take a new life in the coming weeks. Observe your child and try to see what he likes and doesn’t, to balance his meal schedule accordingly.
Disclaimer:
Each child is different, so use these meal plans as a trusted guide at your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences/requirements.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing the formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
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.
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. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers; Nemours Kidshealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html
2. Infant and Toddler Nutrition; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
3. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 1-Year-Old; Healthy Children; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-One-Year-Old.aspx
4. Mealtime Routines and Tips; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/mealtime-routines-and-tips.html
5. High Calorie Diet for Infants and Toddlers; UW Health; https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/343; July 2022
6. Feeding your baby: 1–2 years; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-1-2-years
7. Protein; CDC; http://comenius.susqu.edu/biol/010/tobin-janzen/nutrition%20for%20everyone_%20basics_%20protein%20_%20dnpao%20_%20cdc.pdf
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24 Months (2 Year) Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart, and Recipes
Your child has turned two and now he can eat almost every food item that is on your plate. While this might seem like a blessing, it also means that your child will be even pickier than before and refuse to eat certain items just because he won’t like the taste. So, you will have to be more careful about his food choices. But there is no need to worry about your child’s food habits, as we have some amazing ideas and recipes that you can try for your two-year-old. These 2-year-old baby food ideas and recipes are simple and easy to make and especially free of chemicals and preservatives.
Nutrient Requirements of a 24-month-old Child
At 2 years, your child’s appetite will increase; hence, you will see him gorging on whatever comes his way. While he eats anything and everything, it is your responsibility as a parent to see if his nutrient requirements are being fulfilled or not. The following are the nutrient requirements of a 24-month-old child:
1. Calories
Between the ages of 1 and 4 years, a child’s calorie requirement does not increase as much as expected. Most children need only about 1000-1400 kcal daily (1).
2. Proteins
The growth of a child’s body and muscles heavily depends on his protein intake. But that does not mean his diet should consist only of protein-rich foods. A child gets enough proteins from the usual food products.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbs form the core of each meal a child has at this age. A child needs around 130-150 grams of carbohydrates for a kid to keep functioning properly throughout the day.
4. Dietary Fibre
Since most meals include processed foods, it is important to maintain an inclusion of whole food items as well. Fruits or grains can incorporate fibre into your child’s diet and keep his digestive system healthy.
5. Sodium
Most parents fret about their children getting a lot of sodium from salt. However, maintaining a daily gram of sodium intake is utterly important for children at this age.
6. Iron
Along with sodium, iron is another element that plays a vital role in producing haemoglobin and keeping the circulatory system of a child’s body at an optimal level (2). WhThe importance of milk cannot be stressed enough. Milk is necessary for bone development and overall growth, so make sure your child drinks a glass of milk daily (2). You can give him cow’s milk, soy milk, or almond milk, too. However, it is recommended to focus on whole milk at this stage to ensure proper dietary fat and calcium requirements for optimal bone and brain growth (2).
8. Water
The presence of water might seem surprising in the list of nutritive elements, but you would be surprised to know that only a few children meet the daily requirement of drinking 1.3 litres of water every day. Hence, you must check if your baby drinks water enough or not to ensure they stay hydrated so issues like constipation stay miles away (5).
How Much Food Does a 24-month-old Toddler Need?
Although your child is growing, this does not mean you feed him every hour. At his current age, he requires no more than 1.5 kcal on a daily basis, including three healthy meals with one or two healthy snacks. This can be easily achieved with a diet that includes a good combination of grains, fruits, vegetables, and other food items. American Academy of Pediatrics suggests not fixating on amounts but on the experience of having the child eat their meals. Plus, you should also introduce finger foods at this point where toddler make use of their hands, finger foods particularly, to hold and pick foods (6).
Best Foods for a Twenty-four-month-old Baby
Completing 24 months puts your child at an important stage in his life. Going ahead, it is important for him to gain a good amount of weight and develop an energy reserve to power him through life. A few specific foods can help him make that happen. Here are some nutritious baby food ideas for 2-year-olds (7) (8).
1. Eggs
Giving your little one a whole egg, either as an omelette or boiled is a great way to increase weight and make him a filling meal. Children can eat both the yolk and the whites without any issues.
2. Khichdi
Since it can get difficult to make kids have a complete meal by themselves, khichdi is a great option that can be made within no time and is full of nutrients, thanks to the presence of both rice and various lentils. Eating khichdi helps in healthy weight gain and stimulates the metabolism as well.
3. Potatoes
This vegetable can go with nearly any kind of meal preparation. Yes, you must be bored of eating it; it is extremely vital for your kid. Your kid’s diet should include potatoes. Starchy vegetables are quite essential at this age.
4. Curd
A child needs strength right from an early age. The cream of milk or curd is a great source of fat and even provides energy to the body, which can be synthesized by the body in the best form and prove beneficial for the child.
5. Milkshakes
Your child may whine when it comes to drinking his daily glass of milk. Combining the same with fruit can help turn it into a delicious milkshake, which provides added nutrition and would be loved by your little one.
6. Ghee
Adding a spoonful of ghee when serving veggies to your child should become a practice at this age. While vegetables should be prepared in ghee itself, you could opt for using olive oil instead to keep your own health intact.
7. Nuts
Breakfast is a great time to include a variety of nuts in your child’s diet. Let it be mixed with cereal, or let him have a few after he wakes up in the morning. Everything from almonds to cashews and raisins is good if given in moderation.
8. Flaxseeds
A healthy combination of proteins, fats, and fibre is essential for a growing baby. To meet these nutrient requirements, you can include flaxseed in his diet. Flaxseeds are immensely popular among those, but pumpkin and melon seeds can do the trick as well.
9. Peanut Butter
Yes, this is a healthy food item for your child. Although it is best to keep peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for special occasions, you can use the butter in various preparations since it is a great source of fats and energy.
10. Jaggery
Most households use refined sugar to bring out the sweetness in their preparations. Replacing it with jaggery is not only a healthy alternative for everyone, but the child also receives its health benefits.
24 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
Figuring out what to give your 24-month toddler can take up an entire day. Make use of a simple meal plan to get a foothold, and plan your own chart accordingly. The following meal plan is great for children who are 2.
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
Seviyan coconut upma + milk
Mid-morning
Banana/apple/any locally available fruit
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Fruit smoothie
Dinner
Methi (fenugreek)thepla + dal(lentil) soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Multigrain chilla + almond milkshake
Mid-morning
Any locally available fruit
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Almond-anjeer (fig)milkshake
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese)pulav + raita
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Parathas with milk + raisins + honey
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese)- khakhara chaat
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet)- besan(gram flour)- lauki(bottle gourd) muthia + tomato carrot mint dip
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Phirni
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Peanut chikki + ½ cup of any locally available fruit
Dinner
Paneer pulav + raita
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Oats-almond kheer
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Banana/apple milkshake
Dinner
Ragi(finger millet) dosa with sambar and chutney
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Poha (flattened rice) with tomatoes and capsicum + chocolate milkshake
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Dalia (broken wheat)
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) – aloo (potato) – palak (spinach) paratha + curd
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Banana pancake
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Paneer (cottage cheese) with honey and almonds
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet) roti + brinjal bharta + dal(lentil) soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Dalia( broken wheat) upma with grated carrot and milk
Mid-morning
Plain khakhra mixed with curd
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Plain khakhra mixed with curd
Dinner
Palak(spinach)-moong dal(split yellow gram) muthia
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Banana pancake and chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with grated paneer(cottage cheese)
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Mashed potato with grated paneer(cottage cheese)
Dinner
Dal(lentil) khichdi with lotus stem soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Scrambled egg with toast and fruit milkshake
Mid-morning
2-3 homemade cookies + milk
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
2-3 homemade cookies + milk
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese)paratha with drumstick leaves and drumstick soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Moong dal(split yellow gram)-spinach dhokla with green chutney
Mid-morning
Masala makhana(puffed lotus seeds) + banana milkshake
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Masala makhana(puffed lotus seeds) + banana milkshake
Dinner
Vegetable soup/ chicken broth with vegetable paratha and curd/lassi
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Sattu(gram flour mix) with milk, almonds and dates (sieved)
Mid-morning
Rajgira(amaranth) chikki dipped in milk
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
French fries with tomato chutney
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet)tomato soup with rajma(kidney bean) chawal
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Idli with chutney or sambar
Mid-morning
Banana/apple milkshake
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Crushed til(sesame) ladoo with banana milkshake
Dinner
Roti + dal + a subzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber+ hand pounded rice
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Puttu with chana(chickpea) curry
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Wheat laddoo and milk
Dinner
Dal dhokli with sliced carrots
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Grated cucumber-oats pancake
Mid-morning
Cut fruits
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Grilled sweet potato slices
Dinner
Chole puri + lassi
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Paneer(cottage cheese)-apple mash
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Oats-apple smoothie
Dinner
Makki(corn) ki roti + sarson ka saag
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer(cottage cheese) sandwich
Mid-morning
Bread slices with butter/home made fruit jam
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese)-dates ladoo
Dinner
Mix vegetable-paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with tomato soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth)-wheat sheera with mashed raisins
Mid-morning
Banana/apple/any locally available fruit
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Baked potato wedges topped with cheese
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with coriander tomato soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Puri sabzi with milk
Mid-morning
Multigrain ladoo
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Plain dahi with banana/apple/ locally available fruit
Dinner
Baked beans with toast
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Seviyan kheer
Mid-morning
Banana/apple/any locally available fruit
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Banana/apple milkshake
Dinner
Bisi bele bath with curd
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Fruit custard
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Roasted peanuts + yoghurt
Dinner
Roti + sabzi + dal
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) milkshake with chopped anjeer(fig)
Mid-morning
Dates- skim milk powder ladoo
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Plain khakhara mixed with curd
Dinner
Lauki(bottle gourd)-methi(fenugreek) muthia with buttermilk
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Boiled egg yolk/ homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach)- grapes -apple smoothie
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Mashed potato with grated paneer
Dinner
Shahi paneer(cottage cheese) with paratha and tomato-mushroom soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Besan(gram flour)-jowar(sorghum)-coriander chilla with curd
Mid-morning
Besan(gram flour)mixed with sattu(barley) + khajur(dates)ladoo + milk
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
2-3 homemade cookies + milk
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with baked bean soup and grated carrot raita
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Fruit smoothie
Mid-morning
Poha(flattened rice)soaked in dahi(curd) with mashed banana
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Masala makhana(puffed lotus seeds) + banana milkshake
Dinner
Bajra(pearl millet) roti + brinjal bharta + dal + vegetable raita
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Scambled egg
Mid-morning
Oats-apple smoothie
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Rajgira (amaranth)chikki dipped in milk
Dinner
Macaroni and cheese with tomato soup
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Seviyan upma + kesar(saffron) elaichi (cardamom)milk
Mid-morning
Peanut ladoo
Lunch
Fried rice with sweet corn soup
Evening
Poha (flattened rice) soaked in dahi(curd) with mashed banana
Dinner
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chut
Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Ragii satva (Finger millet malt) with almond powder
Mid-morning
Mashed potato with cheese
Lunch
Mini roti + dal + any sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot/cucumber/tomatoes + 1 spoon of coriander /mint chutney
Evening
Dahi(curd)vada (homemade)
Dinner
Dhansak with rice
Food Recipes for a 24-months-old Baby
In order to make sure your little kid eats his meals properly, here are a few recipes you can make to ensure that he gets the right nutrients. Trust us; these 2 years old baby food recipes are super delicious and quick to prepare.
1. Spinach and Beetroot Cutlets
These make for a great breakfast item on weekdays and even on weekends.
Ingredients
Spinach puree, 2 tablespoon
Beetroot puree, 2 tablespoon
Whole wheat flour, 0.5 cup
Jaggery, 0.5 cup
Butter, 2 tablespoon
How To Prepare
Begin by preheating the oven at a temperature of 200 degrees.
Mix together jaggery and butter in a bowl along with spinach puree.
In another bowl, mix beetroot puree with jaggery and butter.
Add the flour to both the bowls with some water, and make the dough.
You can even mix spinach and beetroot puree and make their cutlets.
Make cookie shapes from the dough and line them on a greased baking tray.
Place them in the oven and let them bake for about 8-10 minutes.
Serve warm with curd or chutney.
2. Ragi Cake
Satiate your little one’s sweet cravings with this healthy and delicious ragi cake.
Ingredients
Olive oil, 0.5 cup
Vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon
Salt
Milk, 1 cup
Yoghurt, 1 cup
Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
Brown sugar, 1 cup
Cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons
Whole wheat flour, 1 cup
Ragi flour, 0.5 cup
How To Prepare
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Take wheat flour in a big bowl and add ragi flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder to it. Mix it thoroughly.
Add yoghurt, oil, milk, and vanilla essence to it and mix well again.
Pour this mixture in a baking tray and place it in the oven for about half an hour. Serve it with some nice chocolate syrup.
3. Egg Dosa
When a simple uttapam does not fill your child’s tummy, give it a twist. Make egg dosa, and he will finish it in no time.
Ingredients
Salt
Pepper
An egg
Dosa batter
How To Prepare
Heat the pan and sprinkle a little oil on it.
Pour dosa batter in the centre and spread it around. Now crack an egg exactly over it.
Let each side be cooked properly and add salt and pepper for additional taste.
4. Sweet Potato Puffs
Potato puffs are one of the top tasty and healthy baby food recipes for 2-year-old babies. This food item is a great evening snack and can even be a major side dish for a light dinner.
Ingredients
Flour, 0.5 cup
Cereal, 1 cup
Applesauce, 1 tablespoon
Water, 2 tablespoons
Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons
Sweet potato, mashed, 4 cups
How To Prepare
Preheat the oven at a temperature of 350 degrees.
Mix together oil, potato mash, and applesauce in a bowl. Add water gently till the mixture blends fully.
Follow it up with cereal and flour as needed.
Use the dough to make small ball-like portions. Poke a small hole in the middle to let the trapped air out, allowing it to puff up.
Apply oil on a baking tray and arrange the puffs on it. Bake them for about 15 minutes and serve.
5. Fried Bananas
For little kids who turn their face away at the sight of a banana, this fried delicacy would be hard to resist.
Ingredients
Oil
Cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon
Bananas, 2
How To Prepare
Slice the bananas after peeling them.
Add some ghee to a pan and fry the pieces. Sprinkle cardamom powder over those, and enjoy.
Feeding Tips
A few handy tips for feeding your child can go a long way in making the entire meal experience a memorable one.
Do not reward or punish your child when it comes to his eating habits. He will learn in time what is healthy and what is not, so don’t force him to eat anything.
Do not feed spicy food items early in life.
Refrain from giving anything that is extremely hot or cold.
Make it a habit to sit together at the dining table and enjoy a meal.
When giving him snacks, choose nutritious options.
Keep meals frequent and small in quantity.
Let children take small portions of the food.
Avoid rushing through the meals.
Maintain a combination of vegetables, fruits, and milk.
When introducing any food, check if it provides him energy or not. Do not give foods containing empty calories.
FAQs
1. How often should I feed my 2-year-old child?
2-year-old babies should be fed every two to three hours. Now that children are able to walk and play, they are able to burn more calories while playing and feeding them at frequent intervals keeps hunger at bay.
2. Can I feed my 2 years old baby at night if they ask?
Yes, toddlers at this age tend to be explorative and hyper active in checking out their surroundings and new sensory information. So, if your little one wakes up at night or in the early moring, you can consider giving them a bedtime snack.
3. Should I worry if my two-year-old baby child is not feeding as usual?
Your little one is developing their taste buds for different foods, flavours, and textures, which may or may not make them like or averse to a particular food. If they do not like a particular food or texture, they will avoid eating it further. So, it could be that they may not be feeling well, have teething issues, or are just constipated. As long as your little one is healthy after taking a break from the scheduled appetite, it can be considered normal. However, if they lose body weight drastically and are more lethargic than usual, along with poor appetite, you should contact a doctor then.
4. Can I feed my 2-year-old packaged juice and flavoured milk?
No, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests refraining from packaged 100% fruit juices, as many packaged juices do not contain fruit fibre and have preservatives and sweetener additives. Similarly, flavoured milk contains plenty of added sugar and preservatives to last them longer on shelves; therefore, you should avoid such and continue with plain milk. You must avoid feeding caffeinated drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit drinks (5).
Introducing healthy and nutritious foods at the right age can help your child pick good habits in the future, too. Most kids warm up to the foods once they see the entire family enjoying it together and work towards developing a habit of doing the same. So, make sure that you eat with your family every day.
Disclaimer :
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.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
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.
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. Faizan. U, Rouster. A. S; Nutrition and Hydration Requirements In Children and Adults; StatPearls Publishing; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562207/#:~:text=For%20a%20child%20between%202,as%20well%20as%20to%20grow.
2. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html
3. 12.5 – Nutrition in the Toddler Years; PennState; https://psu.pb.unizin.org/nutr100/chapter/12-4-infancy-and-nutrition/
4. Iron and iron deficiency; BetterHealth; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/iron
5. Muth. N. D; Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx
6. Sample Menu for a Two-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Sample-One-Day-Menu-for-a-Two-Year-Old.aspx
7. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 2-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/feeding-and-nutrition-your-two-year-old.aspx
8. Ages 2-8 Feeding Recommendations; Healthy Eating Research; https://healthyeatingresearch.org/tips-for-families/ages-2-8-feeding-recommendations/
Also Read:
20 Month Old Baby Food
Food Ideas for 21 Month Old Baby
22 Month Old Food Ideas and Chart
Food and Recipe Ideas for 23 Month Old
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16 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart and Recipes
As kids grow up, parents face the challenge of deciding what to feed them. It’s like a tricky circus act because, even though the child is eating solid food, it’s not always easy to make sure they get all the right nutrients. Parents have to juggle between giving their child a variety of foods and making sure those foods are appealing. It’s like trying to find a balance between what the child needs for proper growth and what they actually like to eat. Parents need to be creative and flexible to make sure their child gets the right nutrition while keeping mealtime enjoyable. In this article, we shall discuss all about foods for a 16-month-old.
Nutrient Requirements for 16-Months-Old Child
Be it regarding breakfast ideas or any other meals, it is necessary that your 16-month-old toddler gets the right nutrients in the proportion that he ought to have.
Fruits: Fruits not only help in providing fibre but some very essential vitamins that can be absorbed by the body easily. A couple servings of fruits such as bananas, kiwis, mangoes, and many others are recommended.
Whole grains: These still remain an essential ingredient in the meal options that constitute a child’s healthy diet plan. Even a simple bagel or cereal crackers can be effective in providing enough grain proportion for a child.
Fats: Apart from being energy reserves to tap into, fats are what make your child healthier and larger in the coming months. Using olive oil in meal preparations or including coconuts and avocados provide good quantities of fat.
Vegetables: With solid foods being edible for your kid, it is necessary to expand the type of vegetables he consumes. Go with green leafy ones as well as broccoli and cauliflowers after steaming them. Sauces are a great accompaniment as well.
Meat and eggs: These are cheap, easy, and the best sources of protein for your little one. A simple egg, few pieces of shredded meat, or tiny chunks of seafood can be a great addition to your kid’s diet.
Iron: Apart from including iron-rich food items, it is also necessary to pair them with vitamin C rich foods, since it allows the iron to be absorbed within the body. Any leafy vegetables, red meats, and citrus fruits are a great combination to be included together.
Dairy: The weaning of the child from the breast makes it necessary to include fortified milk products in his diet to keep his nutrition intact. Different cheeses, yoghurt and full-cream milk are essential in that regard.
Nuts and legumes: The chewing ability of kids is put to great use by the inclusion of such items in the daily meals. Right from flaxseeds to peas or even peanut butter, a small serving of these on a regular basis is quite beneficial in the long run.
How Much Food Does a Toddler Need at 16 Months?
Toddlers experience a reduction in the pace of their growth when they turn 16 months old. While their nutritional requirements are pretty much the same, their calorie intake hovers roughly between 1kcal to 1.5kcal at the most.
Best Foods for Sixteen-month-old Baby
When putting together lunch ideas for your 16-month-old baby, there are certain essential food items that are considered the best choices to be included in his diet plan.
1. Porridge
Being a complete package of multiple nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fibre, porridge is not only healthy but also quite filling for the little one, early on in the day.
2. Seafood
Yes, certain fish products do contain mercury and arsenic, making them harmful for the little one. However, fishes such as herring, tuna and salmon are quite safe and contain enough omega-3 acids that benefit the brain development of the child (1).
3. Eggs
A simple food item that can provide a huge boost of energy and protein is an egg (2). Prepare it in whichever form that suits your child, the healthiness in their constitution provides great taste and ready-to-use energy, which should ideally become a lifelong habit. (Avoid the semi-cooked recipes though – sunny side up, soft boiled eggs, and poached eggs.)
4. Beans
Beans are great for either breakfast or even evening meals since they are pretty light on the digestive system and provide enough vitamins, fibre, and iron to fulfil the child’s daily requirement. Preparing soups with legumes are also a great way to include them in the diet.
5. Vegetables
Vegetables supply essential vitamins, including but not limited to vitamin C and folic acid (3). While eating steamed and boiled veggies is a great way to consume them, you can even make use of vegetable stock to provide him with the necessary immunity boost.
6. Poultry
Not only is chicken meat rich in protein, but it is also a great source of iron, which is necessary for kids at this age. Simple chicken recipes are not quite difficult to prepare.
7. Fruits
If your little one hasn’t started gorging on fruits yet, it is high time that he begins. Vitamins and minerals are not the only reason for it. The palate that different fruits provide, along with their smells and textures, help in evolving the taste buds of your child.
8. Yoghurt
Amongst many dairy products, yoghurt is recommended by dieticians and doctors alike. These can be paired with different food items to elevate their flavour as well as provide the benefit of probiotics entering his gut and enriching it to function properly (4).
9. Whole Milk
If you are still breastfeeding your child, then you are all set. But if not, start giving him full cream milk via a cup instead of a bottle. Drinking milk is extremely essential in keeping his growth on track, and keep his nutrient levels optimal.
10. Whole Grains
You don’t need to resort to the typical grain preparations when giving to your child. These can be acquired from a variety of items such as bread, muffins, sandwiches and so on. Make sure different options are included in his meal pan regularly.
16-Month-Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
To help you get started by putting together a 16-month-old baby food schedule for your own kid, we have provided a sample that can be used as it is or even tweaked to better suit your lifestyle.
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
Whole wheat pancakes with honey or sugar and milk
Mid-morning
1 small apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Mango / banana milkshake
Dinner
Methi (fenugreek) thepla + lauki (bottle gourd) kofta
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Scrambled egg + multigrain toast + 1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Mid-morning
1 small bowl of muskmelon
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Sooji (semolina) sheera with milk
Dinner
Vegetable soup + fried rice + a few slices of carrot
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
1 cup of kabuli chana (chickpea)-capsicum poha with 1 glass of milk
Mid-morning
1 small bowl of papaya
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Bajra (pearl millet) porridge with curd
Dinner
Shahi paneer with paratha and tomato-mushroom soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) dosa or idli with chutney + 1 glass milk
Mid-morning
Apple
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Boiled carrots or sautéed broccoli with dahi-palak dip
Dinner
Grilled paneer sandwich with pumpkin soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Bajra (pearl millet) puff porridge with almond or walnut powder
Mid-morning
Chikoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) porridge made using curd
Dinner
Pongal with vegetable soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Jowar (sorghum) upma with vegetables and curd
Mid-morning
Peach or banana
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Grilled paneer (cottage cheese) with hummus
Dinner
Stuffed paratha with curd or lassi
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Fruit custard
Mid-morning
Custard apple mashed, seeds removed
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
A glass of milk with homemade cookies or roti with sweet pickle
Dinner
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Vegetable upma + milk
Mid-morning
A few cubes of pineapple or apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) ladoo
Dinner
Baingan (brinjal) bharta with bajra (pearl millet) roti and kadhi
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) dosa + milk
Mid-morning
Sliced pear or apple
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Khandvi with chutney
Dinner
Pasta in white sauce with vegetable soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Apple kheer + carrot paratha
Mid-morning
Orange segments
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Jowar (sorgum) pancake
Dinner
Rajma (kidney bean) cutlets with mixed vegetable soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Dalia (broken wheat)
Mid-morning
Sliced papaya
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Grilled paneer (cottage cheese) with pudina (mint) chutney
Dinner
Drumstick soup with drumstick leaves and paneer (cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Pongal with milk
Mid-morning
Deseeded and chopped jamuns
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Apple milkshake
Dinner
Roti with lauki (bottle gourd)-chana (chickpea) dal with buttermilk
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Puri bhaji with lassi
Mid-morning
Chopped mango
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Gur papdi with milk
Dinner
Paratha + paneer (cottage cheese) bhurji
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Egg or paneer (cottage cheese) in any form
Mid-morning
Chopped peach or apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Bajra (pearl millet) porridge with curd
Dinner
Gobi (cauliflower) paratha with homemade butter and curd
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Poha with milk
Mid-morning
Rajgira (amaranth) sheera
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Oats and fruit smoothie
Dinner
Dal khichdi with carrot halwa
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Broccoli sooji (semolina) upma + elaichi (green cardamom)-kesar (saffron) milk
Mid-morning
Fresh coconut barfi
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Dhokla with green chutney
Dinner
Tomato-pumpkin-masoor dal (red lentil) soup with hand pounded rice pulao
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Banana-vanilla milkshake
Mid-morning
Pumpkin soup with toast
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Fruit custard
Dinner
Palak (spinach)-paneer (cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Egg or paneer (cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Pear and papaya chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Fresh coconut barfi
Dinner
Vegetable khichdi with dahi (curd) or kadhi
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Sooji (semolina) sheera with milk
Mid-morning
Pineapple juice
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) satva
Dinner
Methi (fenugreek) thepla + lauki (bottle gourd) kofta
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Wheat ladoo and milk
Mid-morning
Melon balls
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Potato-cheese lollipops
Dinner
Paratha + paneer (cottage cheese) bhurji
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Fruit custard
Mid-morning
Phirni
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Boiled corn and sprouts chaat
Dinner
Chicken curry with plain rice and vegetable soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Jowar (sorghum) idli + chutney
Mid-morning
Pista (pistachio)-paneer (cottage cheese) pudding
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Mathri with milk
Dinner
Dal khichdi with rajgira (amaranth)-lauki (bottle gourd) soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Cornflakes with milk and sliced apple
Mid-morning
A few chopped strawberries or chopped banana
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Potato chaat with dahi (curd)
Dinner
Rice porridge with besan (gram flour) – methi (fenugreek) sabzi
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Almond-date milkshake
Mid-morning
Ragi (finger millet) ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + grated carrot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Paneer (cottage cheese)-date ladoo
Dinner
Pongal with vegetable soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Omelette or besan (gram flour) chilla with bread and butter
Mid-morning
1 glass of apple milkshake
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Roasted poha (flattened rice) chivda with milk
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with coriander-tomato soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Banana pancakes + milk
Mid-morning
1 glass of chocolate milkshake
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Chicken soup
Dinner
Pulao with tomato soup
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Multigrain muffin + a glass of milk
Mid-morning
Chopped papaya
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand-pounded rice
Evening
Rose milk
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet) dosa with potato sabzi and sambar
Diet for a 16-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Sattu (barley)-apple porridge with milk
Mid-morning
1 glass of milk
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Gur papdi
Dinner
Methi (fenugreek) pitla with jowar (sorghum) roti
Food Recipes for 16-Months-Old Baby
Whether they are proper meals or even evening snacks for 16-month-old kid, these recipes will be quite effective in rustling up something quickly and being nutritive for your little one, too.
1. Moong Dal Dosa
An interesting variant on the typical dosa, this one is not only tastier but the interesting texture will leave your kid with a great taste.
Ingredients
Buttermilk
Hing
Garam masala
Coriander powder
Turmeric
Salt
Moong dal sprouts
Besan
How to Prepare?
Take the sprouted dal in a bowl and mix it together with besan.
Apart from salt, put together the rest of the condiments in the bowl, following up with buttermilk. Mix them all properly to create a thick batter.
Let it sit for 10 minutes and then add salt to it.
Take a pan and coat with ghee. Pour batter on it and cook it thoroughly. Flip it to cook each side properly.
Once it gets brown on either side, serve it with a chutney.
2. Aloo Peas Paratha
This is a popular recipe amongst many due to its wonderful taste and the ability to fill up your stomach in a great way.
Ingredients
Ghee
Whole wheat dough
Anaar powder
Amchur
Coriander
Peas, boiled
Garam masala
Coriander powder
Salt
Boiled potatoes
How to Prepare?
Take a large bowl and put together coriander, anaar powder, amchur, coriander powder, garam masala, salt and boiled potatoes. Mash them all together and mix it all well.
Roll some dough to make a roti and fill it with this mix. Cover it properly and add the boiled peas into it.
Roll it up again properly. Add some ghee to a pan and cook the paratha on it.
Serve it with some curd.
3. Pongal
This popular recipe from the southern region of India is not purely meant for festive occasions. It is a great meal option for your little one as well.
Ingredients
Curry leaves
Ginger
Jeera
Ghee
Moong dal
Rice
How to Prepare?
Let the moong dal and rice soak underwater for 30 minutes.
Until then, heat some ghee in a cooker along with jeera. Follow up with ginger and curry leaves when hot and sauté them well.
Put in the dal and rice mix along with 4-5 cups of water and let it cook for about 5 whistles on medium heat.
Take out the rice once cooked, separate the curry leaves and mash it all together.
4. Besan Paratha
If you’re tired at the end of the day and still need to cook something for your kid’s dinner, besan paratha is here to your rescue.
Ingredients
Ghee
Oil
Cardamom seeds
Garam masala
Coriander
Dhaniya powder
Salt
Onion
Besan
How to Prepare?
Apart from oil and ghee, put all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix them well.
Add some oil and knead the mix to form the dough.
Roll a small portion of the usual wheat dough and fill it up with the besan one.
Roll it fully to form a paratha and cook it on a pan with some ghee. Pair with butter and chutney for great taste.
5. Beetroot Rolls
A wonderful evening calls for some great snacks. Surprise your kids with these beetroot rolls that are downright delicious.
Ingredients
Oil
Bread
Rawa
Lemon juice
Chaat masala
Garam masala
Salt
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Onion
Carrot
Beetroot
Boiled potatoes
How to Prepare?
Take a pan and add oil to it, along with onion, cumin and mustard seeds to saute them.
In a bowl, add carrot, beetroot, and potatoes along with seasonings and mix them well. Follow up with the onions.
Add moist bread slices to the mix and roll them up in a plate of rawa to cover them fully.
Fry these rolls deep in oil and serve with ketchup.
Feeding Tips
Apart from the usual dinner ideas, here are a few tips that can make the entire food experience better for your kids.
Try out old items that your kids have rejected in a different way
Present food items creatively to entice kids into eating them
Choose a variety of colourful foods to make the palate visually appealing
Put together tasty foods with the ones your kid dislikes
Offer small portions instead of large ones that would go waste
Make sure your kid drinks water at the end of the meal
FAQs
1. How Many Ounces of Milk Should I Give My 16-Month-Old?
Typically, 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk per day is recommended for a 16-month-old. Consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice.
2. Why Is Your 16-Month-Old Not Eating?
It’s common for toddlers to be picky eaters or have fluctuations in appetite. Possible reasons include teething, developmental changes, or a temporary aversion to certain foods. If concerns persist, consult with your pediatrician.
3. How Can You Get Your 16-month-old to Gain Weight?
Offer nutrient-dense foods, include healthy fats, and provide frequent, small meals. Consult your pediatrician for guidance, as they can assess your child’s growth and offer personalized advice.
4. Is It Safe for My 16-month-old to Have Finger Foods?
Yes, it’s generally safe for a 16-month-old to have finger foods. Ensure the pieces are small, soft, and easy to chew to prevent choking. Always supervise meals and introduce new textures gradually.
There are loads of Indian food recipes that can be great meal options for your little kid to gorge on. Just make sure they aren’t too spicy or strong on any particular flavour, and make sure to offer desserts in controlled portions.
Disclaimer:
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.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
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.
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. The benefits of incorporating seafood into your family’s diet; Children’s Hospital of Orange County; https://health.choc.org/the-benefits-of-incorporating-seafood-into-your-familys-diet/
2. How much protein does my child need?; Children’s Hospital of Orange County; https://health.choc.org/how-much-protein-does-my-child-need/
3. Children’s diet – fruit and vegetables; Department of Health, State Government of Victoria; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/childrens-diet-fruit-and-vegetables
4. Donovan. S, Rao. G; Health benefits of yogurt among infants and toddlers aged 4 to 24 months: a systematic review; National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31038676/; July 2019
5. A Dietitian’s Best Advice If Your Child Is Underweight; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dietitians-best-advice-child-underweight/
6. 8 Tips for Introducing Solid Foods With Baby-Led Weaning; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-tips-for-introducing-solid-foods-with-baby-led-weaning
7. Serving Sizes for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Serving-Sizes-for-Toddlers.aspx
Also Read:
17 Months Old Baby Food
18 Months Old Baby Food Ideas
12 to 24 month Baby Food Chart and Feeding Tips
Read more
17 Months Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart, and Recipes
Feeding a toddler is not an easy job. By the time your toddler turns 17 months, he will throw a lot of tantrums and feeding him will become a challenge for you. If you constantly wonder what to feed your 17-month-old toddler, then worry no more. You are not alone in this. All new moms face this situation in life as their babies grow. Taking care of a toddler is not an easy task but slowly you will learn to take care of him. Meanwhile, here are a few tricks and interesting recipes for 17 month baby food that can turn the tables in your favour and maintain your toddler’s health at optimal levels.
Nutrient Requirements of a 17-Month-Old Child
While putting together some great breakfast ideas, parents should remember that the nutritional requirements of their 17-month-old child should be met appropriately. Here is what your child requires at the age of 17 months.
1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates make it possible for the little one to carry out all the activities of a day. Apart from giving energy, carbohydrates also promote brain development in toddlers. A toddler should consume around 135 grams of carbohydrates daily.
2. Proteins
Proteins are another essential requirement for a baby. For toddlers, who eat only veg food may not get enough protein. Hence, you need to make sure that your child’s protein intake is not compromised.
3. Iron
Once the baby is weaned, his iron consumption may be affected. When a baby is breastfed, he gets enough iron from the breastmilk but later it may be compromised and as a result, it can affect the growth of the baby. Hence, when a baby is 17 months old or above, you should include iron-rich foods in his diet. Around 7mg of iron intake is necessary at this age.
4. Sodium
Sodium is rarely considered essential, primarily because most of our salts and other food items do contain sodium in the required quantities. Families that follow a very unique dietary pattern do need to ensure the presence of sodium in their meal choices.
5. Calories
The appetite of your child might not be as high as before, but that also poses a risk of them not getting enough calories required to stay active in the day. Maintaining a range of 1000 to 1400 calories on a daily basis is a great way to keep them healthy.
6. Dietary fibre
Most parents wonder which food items or vegetables can provide the required amount of fibre to a child. While there are numerous whole wheat food items, choosing some simple fruits that are fibrous in nature can be an easy way to keep your diet balanced.
7. Water
You may fail to keep a track of your toddler’s water intake as he runs around the house. But, you must not take it lightly. Make sure that your child drinks enough water during the day.
How Much Food Does a Toddler Need at 17th Month?
The food requirements of a kid vary according to size, weight, metabolism, and many other factors. Some kids may be more active than others and may need more food. However, in general, they may need around 1-1.2 kilocalories on a daily basis.
Best Foods for a Seventeen-month-old Baby
Whether you are putting together some kickass lunch ideas for your toddler the following food products have been known to satisfy substantial nutritional requirements of kids.
1. Eggs
Eggs are the best multipurpose option you can go with at any time of the day. The perfect balance of protein and low cholesterol makes it great for the entire family itself.
2. Milk
The inclusion of milk in a young kid’s life is irreplaceable, be it breastmilk or full-cream milk from the dairy. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can opt for soy milk as an alternative. Ensure that it is fortified with all the necessary nutrients your kid needs.
3. Other Dairy Products
While milk is essential for a child’s development, other products derived from it are just as important. Yoghurt provides probiotics, cheese provides protein, and butter just makes everything tastier than it already is. So, include dairy products in your baby’s daily diet.
4. Seafood
Most parents may not consider seafood as a safe food choice for a 17-month-old baby and they are not wrong. Fish such as shellfish and swordfish should be strictly avoided. Consuming safe fish can provide tons of additional elements like DHA and omega-3 acids to a baby in a healthy proportion.
5. Meat
Avoid giving heavy meat items such as turkey, steak, or mutton to a baby. Instead, stick to poultry items as that meat is easy-to-digest and provides good proteins to the child. Grilled meat that is fresh and organic remains the healthiest choice in this matter.
6. Nuts
While nuts are extremely beneficial for kids, it is essential to check your little one for the presence of any allergy before starting him off with them. If your child has no allergy, you can give him some chopped almonds or walnuts regularly with his meals.
7. Fruits
Choosing fresh and organic fruits over any commercially available juices is always the right decision. Citrus fruits can provide numerous vitamins that a child needs, while some fruits like avocado can provide a good proportion of healthy fat in a single serving.
8. Vegetables
Almost all vegetables are safe to consume for a toddler at this age. If your kid is throwing tantrums and refusing to eat vegetables, get a little creative. You can chop and steam the vegetables and then serve. You can also give vegetables in the form of curry.
9. Grains
Quinoa is quite an interesting choice that should definitely be tried out since it is rich in proteins and iron. Similarly, millets and rice should be included regularly in a child’s diet.
10. Oil
Although oil is not specifically a food item, it is necessary to prepare the meals in healthy oils to ensure that your baby gets enough fats and nutrients from it. While preparing any snacks, use olive oil.
17 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
The meal plan mentioned below for a 17-month-old toddler will prove useful if you want to give different foods to your child every other day.
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 1
Breakfast
Idli + sambar + milk
Mid-morning
A few cubes of pineapple or apple
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Potato and dahi (curd) chaat
Dinner
Missi roti with chicken or paneer (cottage cheese) curry + vegetable raita
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 2
Breakfast
Wheat pancakes + chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Pear
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Oats-apple smoothie
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) paratha with coriander- drumstick soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 3
Breakfast
Oats chilla + chikoo (sapota) milkshake
Mid-morning
1 orange
Lunch
Chole paratha and pumpkin soup
Evening
Paneer-date ladoo
Dinner
Mixed vegetable soup or chicken broth with vegetable paratha and curd or lassi
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 4
Breakfast
Boiled egg + 1 glass of banana milkshake
Mid-morning
Guava juice with chaat masala
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand-pounded rice
Evening
Paneer and apple mashed
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet) and tomato soup with rajma (kidney bean) chawal
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 5
Breakfast
Banana pancakes + milk
Mid-morning
Any melon
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Pineapple raita
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet) roti + brinjal sabzi + dal
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 6
Breakfast
Besan (gram flour) paratha + a glass of milk
Mid-morning
Chikoo (sapota)
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Banana-walnut milkshake
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) cutlets or grilled fish with baked bean soup and grated carrot raita
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 7
Breakfast
Sattu (barley)-apple porridge with milk
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Paneer (cottage cheese) pulao with pumpkin soup
Evening
Besan (gram flour) pakoda with curd dip
Dinner
Kanji with besan(gram flour)-methi (fenugreek) sabzi
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 1
Breakfast
Grated cucumber and oats pancake
Mid-morning
Date-peanut ladoo
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Aloo wadi
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) sandwich with mint sauce + drumstick soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 2
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Mixed fruit juice
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Tomato or coriander soup
Dinner
Pulao with tomato soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 3
Breakfast
Omelette with bread or paneer sandwich
Mid-morning
Guava juice with chaat masala
Lunch
Chole and paratha with pumpkin soup
Evening
Paneer and apple mashed
Dinner
1 small cup of chole + 2 small puris + 1 small glass lassi
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 4
Breakfast
Rajgira (amaranth)-wheat sheera with mashed raisins for sweetness
Mid-morning
Any melon
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Phirni
Dinner
Shahi paneer with paratha and tomato- mushroom soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 5
Breakfast
Sprouted moong (green gram)-oats cutlet with homemade date-tomato-mint chutney
Mid-morning
Chikoo (sapota)
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Milk + popcorn
Dinner
Idli with non-spicy sambar and chutney
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 6
Breakfast
Milk with ragi (finger millet)-besan (gram flour) ladoo
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Fruit yoghurt
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 7
Breakfast
Boiled eggs or besan chilla
Mid-morning
Khandvi with chutney
Lunch
Paneer pulao with pumpkin soup
Evening
Pista (pistachio)-paneer (cottage cheese) pudding
Dinner
Methi matar malai with paneer (cottage cheese) pulao
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 1
Breakfast
Homemade ragi (finger millet) cake with milk
Mid-morning
Chopped guava
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomato + hand pounded rice
Evening
Anjeer (fig)-walnut ladoo
Dinner
Rajma (kidney bean) chawal with tomato soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 2
Breakfast
Mint parathas with date-tomato chutney + chikoo (sapota) milkshake
Mid-morning
Boiled chana (chickpea) chaat
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Plain dahi (curd) with a fruit of choice (except pomegranate and grapes)
Dinner
Tofu bhurji with jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti and grated carrot raita
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 3
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs or paneer (cottage cheese) ladoo + anjeer (fig) milkshake
Mid-morning
Murmura (puffed rice) sev
Lunch
Chole paratha and pumpkin soup
Evening
Chopped mango
Dinner
Pongal with vegetable soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 4
Breakfast
Bajra (pearl millet) roti with milk
Mid-morning
Stewed pear -chopped
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Crushed khakhara with milk
Dinner
Thalipeeth with white butter and buttermilk
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 5
Breakfast
Apple kheer + carrot paratha
Mid-morning
2-3 mathris
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Banana milkshake
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet)-wheat roti with dal methi
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 6
Breakfast
Dalia (broken wheat)
Mid-morning
Sprouted moong (green gram) chaat
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)- wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Phirni
Dinner
Pudina (mint) paratha with lauki (bottle gourd) soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 7
Breakfast
Omelette or besan chilla with bread and butter
Mid-morning
Papaya
Lunch
Paneer (cottage cheese) pulao with pumpkin soup
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) satva
Dinner
Sabudana (sago) khichdi with cucumber raita
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Omelette or besan chilla with bread and butter
Mid-morning
Any melon
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of tomatoes + hand pounded rice
Evening
Date-peanut ladoo
Dinner
Vegetable soup with grilled chicken / paneer (cottage cheese) and vegetable sandwich
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Vegetable upma made with buttermilk
Mid-morning
Chikoo (sapota)
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening
Mixed fruit juice
Dinner
Palak (spinach)-moong dal (green gram split) muthias
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Boiled egg + banana milkshake
Mid-morning
Lunch
Chole and paratha with pumpkin soup
Evening
Guava juice with chaat masala
Dinner
Dal khichdi with lotus stem soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Thalipeeth with white butter and buttermilk
Mid-morning
Oats muffin
Lunch
Missi roti with chicken or paneer (cottage cheese) curry and vegetable raita
Evening
Ragi (finger millet) ladoo
Dinner
Paneer (cottage cheese) paratha with coriander- drumstick soup
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Sprouted moong (green gram)-oats cutlet with homemade date-tomato-mint chutney
Mid-morning
Fresh coconut barfi
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of boiled beetroot + hand pounded rice
Evening
Khandvi with chutney
Dinner
Mixed vegetable soup or chicken broth with vegetable paratha and curd
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Homemade ragi (finger millet) cake with milk
Mid-morning
Pumpkin soup with toast
Lunch
Jowar (sorghum)-wheat roti + masoor (red lentil) palak (spinach) + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Wheat pancakes with grated carrots
Dinner
Ragi (finger millet)-tomato soup with rajma (kidney bean) chawal
Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Mint paratha with date-tomato chutney + chikoo (sapota) milkshake
Mid-morning
Pear and papaya chaat
Lunch
Paneer (cottage cheese) pulao with pumpkin soup
Evening
Grilled paneer (cottage cheese) with pudina (mint) chutney
Dinner
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Food Recipes For 17 Months Old Baby
While dinner ideas amongst many other meal options might be easy to come up with, snacks can get quite tricky and repetitive after a few weeks. Here are a few interesting snacks recipes that you can try for your toddler.
1. Toast with Avocado
Fats are essential for kids and including avocado in his diet through this recipe can make sure he gets the right amount of it. So, try this tasty recipe for your baby.
Ingredients
Salt
Pepper
Cheese
Whole wheat bread
Banana
Avocado
How To Prepare
Take an avocado and separate the seed. Mash the fruit properly in a bowl so that it forms a creamy paste.
Add some salt and pepper to it to enhance the flavour.
Toast the slices of bread and arrange them on a plate. Spread the avocado mashed mix on the slices. Add banana pieces over it and shred some cheese on top.
2. Banana Oatmeal
Breakfast time is the perfect time to ensure that a child gets the most of nutrients. This recipe can provide enough fibre and vitamins in a single go, as well as keep your child satisfied for a long duration.
Ingredients
Cinnamon
Bananas, chopped
Almond milk
Water
Oats
How To Prepare
Cook oats in a pan. Make use of water or even almond milk as a base for it. Stir the oats intermittently so that they are cooked properly.
Once the oats are softened, add cinnamon powder to enhance its taste.
Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Transfer it to a bowl and mix some banana pieces in it and the dish is ready!
3. Mediterranean Salad
A toddler may not show much interest in eating salad but if you garnish it with cheese, he sure will eat it. Try this salad recipe for your baby.
Ingredients
Cheese
Black pepper
Salt
Coriander
Black olives
Tomato
Bell pepper
Onion
Vinegar
Olive oil
Quinoa, cooked
How To Prepare
Dice the vegetables in small pieces and put them in a bowl.
Take a pan and add olive oil to it. Put onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, and coriander and sauté them.
Add these vegetables with cooked quinoa in a large bowl and garnish with cheese.
4. Tasty Risotto
When looking for a dish that is light on flavour and heavy on nutrition, go with this choice.
Ingredients
Cheese
Lemon juice
Butter
Frozen peas
Carrots
Vegetable stock
Rice
Olive oil
Spring onion
How To Prepare
In a pan, add butter and spring onions, and saute them until they soften.
Add peas and rice and cook it well. Follow up with the vegetable stock, and stir it until it is absorbed fully. Add more stock thereafter till the rice softens. Cover the pan with a lid.
Once the rice is cooked, grate cheese over it and serve fresh.
5. Pumpkin Dip
Not only will this add great flavour to your snack, but it is a great source of vitamin A as well.
Ingredients
Lemon
Pepper
Salt
Pumpkin, canned
How To Prepare
Make pumpkin puree and add pepper, salt to it.
You can also add a few drops of lemon.
Serve with digestive cookies or even various fruits.
Feeding Tips
Feeding your toddler won’t be a difficult task anymore if you keep the following tips in mind.
Let your child handle plastic cutlery by himself.
Allow judicious meal times for your kid to eat calmly.
Focus on trying out variety instead of finishing the food.
Keep the diet balanced at all times.
Talk to your doctor before introducing a new item.
Make sure your kid drinks water after a meal.
Use colourful bowls to make the food look appealing.
Cut fruits and foods into tiny pieces when giving it to your baby.
Don’t let your kid eat without your supervision.
Don’t scold your kid if he spits out any food he doesn’t like.
FAQs
1. How much should a 17-month-old eat in a day?
A 17-month-old toddler typically requires about 1,000-1,300 calories per day, spread across three meals and two snacks. Portion sizes vary, but a general guideline is about one-quarter to one-half cup of each food group per meal.
2. Can I introduce cow’s milk to my 17-month-old?
Yes, you can introduce cow’s milk to a 17-month-old. Whole cow’s milk is typically recommended until age 2, as it provides essential fats for brain development.
3. Is it normal for a 17-month-old to be a picky eater?
Yes, it’s common for toddlers, including 17-month-olds, to exhibit picky eating behaviors. This often stems from their growing independence and exploring preferences. Offering a variety of healthy foods and modeling good eating habits can help encourage better eating habits over time.
Meals always constitute a larger portion of your child’s food but snacks for a 17-month-old baby are what tend to do the trick many times. Offering a variety can help your kid warm up to food items he hated earlier and you never know when he may start eating them.
Disclaimer :
Each child is different so use these meal plans as a trusted guide at your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences/requirements.
Never force-feed a child.
While preparing the formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
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.
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. How much protein does my child need?; CHOC; https://health.choc.org/how-much-protein-does-my-child-need/
2. How to help your child gain weight; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/
3. Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html
4. A Dietitian’s Best Advice If Your Child Is Underweight; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dietitians-best-advice-child-underweight/
5. Feeding Your Baby and Toddler (Birth to Age Two); C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (University of Michigan Health); https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/feeding-your-baby-toddler
6. Serving Sizes for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Serving-Sizes-for-Toddlers.aspx
7. 8 Tips for Introducing Solid Foods With Baby-Led Weaning; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-tips-for-introducing-solid-foods-with-baby-led-weaning
Also Read:
16 Month Old Food
13 Month Baby Food Ideas
Ideas for 14 Month Old Food
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