#asktheexpert 9 month baby diet chart

Question

Accepted Answer

Here’s a sample diet chart for a 9-month-old baby, including various food options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. At this age, you can start introducing a wider variety of foods, including both pureed and mashed options. Always ensure that the food is cooked well and cut into appropriate sizes to prevent choking.

9-Month Baby Diet Chart

Breakfast:

Option 1: Oatmeal or porridge (cooked oats mixed with water or milk) with mashed banana or apple puree.

Option 2: Rawa (semolina) upma made with vegetables (carrots, peas, beans).

Option 3: Soft idli with a little ghee and mashed avocado.

Mid-Morning Snack:

Option 1: Mashed or pureed fruit (like mango, pear, or avocado).

Option 2: Homemade fruit yogurt (unsweetened).

Lunch:

Option 1: Soft khichdi (rice and lentils) with well-cooked vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, or spinach).

Option 2: Moong dal with rice and a little ghee.

Option 3: Soft chapati or paratha pieces with mashed vegetables or dal.

Afternoon Snack:

Option 1: Steamed and mashed sweet potato or pumpkin.

Option 2: Soft, small pieces of bread with unsweetened peanut butter (if no allergies).

Dinner:

Option 1: Vegetable soup or broth with small pieces of soft-cooked vegetables.

Option 2: Rice with dal and finely chopped soft-cooked vegetables.

Option 3: Soft idli or dosa pieces with sambar (ensure the sambar is not too spicy).

Before Bed:

Breast milk or formula milk as per your routine.

Tips:

Hydration: Offer water in a sippy cup throughout the day.

Variety: Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.

Texture: Gradually increase the texture of the food to encourage chewing.

Mealtime: Make mealtimes enjoyable and interactive. Allow your baby to explore food with their hands.

Foods to Avoid:

Honey (until 1 year old)

Whole nuts (to prevent choking)

Foods that may cause choking (hard fruits, raw vegetables)

High-sugar or high-salt foods

Note:

Every baby is different, so it's essential to tailor this chart based on your baby's preferences, any food allergies, and pediatrician recommendations.