#asktheexpert what to give 9 months old baby

Question

#asktheexpert  what to give 9 months old baby

Accepted Answer

At 9 months old, babies are typically ready for a variety of solid foods, along with breast milk or formula. Here’s a guide on what to feed your 9-month-old baby:

Foods to Offer

1. Fruits:

Soft, mashed, or pureed fruits: Bananas, avocados, applesauce, pears, peaches, and berries.

Small, soft pieces: Cooked apples, peeled and diced soft pears, or small banana pieces.

2. Vegetables:

Cooked and mashed or finely chopped vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, butternut squash, and zucchini.

Finger foods: Soft-cooked broccoli florets or soft-cooked green beans cut into small pieces.

3. Grains:

Cereals: Iron-fortified baby cereals mixed with breast milk, formula, or water.

Grains: Cooked rice, quinoa, or oats. You can also try small pasta shapes.

Bread: Soft pieces of whole grain bread or toast cut into small strips.

4. Protein:

Meat: Pureed or finely chopped cooked chicken, turkey, or beef.

Fish: Soft, cooked fish like salmon (make sure it’s boneless).

Eggs: Scrambled eggs or hard-boiled eggs cut into small pieces (make sure there are no allergies).

Legumes: Pureed or mashed lentils, beans, or chickpeas.

5. Dairy:

Yogurt: Plain, whole-milk yogurt (avoid added sugars).

Cheese: Small pieces of soft cheese like cottage cheese or shredded cheese.

Foods to Avoid

Honey: Avoid until your baby is at least one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Whole nuts and hard foods: Avoid whole nuts, popcorn, and hard foods that could pose a choking hazard.

High-sugar and high-salt foods: Avoid processed snacks, sweets, and foods high in sugar or salt.

Tips for Feeding

Offer a Variety of Textures: Encourage self-feeding by offering different textures and shapes of food.

Encourage Self-Feeding: Allow your baby to try feeding themselves with their hands or a spoon. This helps develop their motor skills.

Monitor for Allergies: Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any signs of allergies (like rash, diarrhea, or vomiting).

Breast Milk or Formula: Continue to offer breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition. Solid foods at this age should complement, not replace, milk.

Hydration

Water: Offer small sips of water in a sippy cup during meals, but continue to prioritize breast milk or formula for hydration.

Conclusion

Feeding a 9-month-old can be fun and exploratory. Encourage healthy eating habits by offering a variety of nutritious foods, and always supervise your baby during mealtimes to ensure safety. If you have specific concerns about your baby's diet or eating habits, consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.