#asktheexpert my baby 11 months 23 days old
I want a diet plan

Question

#asktheexpert my baby 11 months  23 days old 
I want a diet plan

Accepted Answer

Here's a balanced diet plan for your nearly 12-month-old baby. At this age, your baby can start eating a variety of solid foods alongside breast milk or formula.

### Sample Diet Plan

#### Morning
- **Breast Milk/Formula**: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as needed.
- **Breakfast**:
  - **Option 1**: Oatmeal or porridge made with milk or water, with mashed fruit (banana, apple, or pear).
  - **Option 2**: Scrambled egg with a small piece of whole grain toast.
  - **Option 3**: Small pieces of soft fruit like banana, avocado, or peach.

#### Mid-Morning Snack
- **Fruit**: Small pieces of soft fruits (grapes cut into quarters, blueberries, melon).
- **Yogurt**: Plain, full-fat yogurt.

#### Lunch
- **Protein**: Small pieces of well-cooked chicken, fish (ensure bones are removed), or lentils.
- **Vegetables**: Steamed or boiled vegetables like carrots, peas, sweet potato, or spinach.
- **Grains**: Small portions of rice, pasta, or soft bread.

#### Afternoon Snack
- **Cheese**: Small cubes of cheese.
- **Crackers**: Whole grain crackers or rice cakes.

#### Dinner
- **Protein**: Mashed beans, lentils, or small pieces of tofu.
- **Vegetables**: Mixed vegetable puree or small, soft-cooked pieces of vegetables.
- **Grains**: Small portions of quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes.

#### Evening
- **Breast Milk/Formula**: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding before bedtime.

### Tips for Feeding

1. **Variety**: Introduce a variety of foods to ensure your baby gets a range of nutrients.
2. **Texture**: Offer foods with different textures to help your baby develop chewing skills.
3. **Allergies**: Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.
4. **Hydration**: Offer sips of water with meals and snacks.
5. **Finger Foods**: Encourage self-feeding with finger foods to develop fine motor skills.
6. **Avoid Choking Hazards**: Cut foods into small, manageable pieces and avoid hard foods like nuts, whole grapes, and raw carrots.

### Foods to Avoid

- **Honey**: Avoid until after the first year to prevent botulism.
- **Salt and Sugar**: Limit salt and sugar in your baby’s diet.
- **Whole Nuts**: Can be a choking hazard.
- **Certain Fish**: Avoid fish high in mercury (e.g., shark, swordfish).

This plan is a guideline and can be adjusted based on your baby’s preferences and nutritional needs. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice.

#asktheexpert my baby 11 months 23 days old I want a diet plan