Now that baby sits without support, can control the positioning of food in his/her mouth and may be able to drink from a cup (with spilling), it’s time to start feeding baby more foods. Additionally, baby starts to practice the pincer grasp, picking up objects with the thumb and index finger.
The texture of food: Transition from feeding your baby pureed to mashed/lumpy food. By the end of this period, your baby might be ready to try some finger foods.
Foods to introduce:
–Add dairy foods such as mashed egg yolk, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.
–Try mild raw fruits such as mango, pears, pureed honey dew (or mashed if soft enough) and pureed peaches.
Cooked tofu, asparagus, green beans and white potatoes.
–Experiment with finger foods like dry, unsweetened cereals such as Cheerios (place on tray and encourage baby to pick up). Finger foods should be soft, easy to pick up, dissolve easily in the mouth and require no chewing.
Breast milk, formula and other liquids:
–Continue to make breast milk or formula the priority and feed baby as usual.
–Encourage baby to use a sippy cup filled with water after meals or diluted juice. This may take a while.
Nutrients of concern
–In order to meet the recommended intake at this age babies need to consume more than half of following nutrients from complementary foods: Iron (iron-fortified cereals and meat), vitamin D (formula or supplements), vitamin B6 (cereal, enriched grains and whole grains), niacin (cereal, eggs, turkey), Zinc (some cereals, meats), vitamin E (veggie oils, avocado, cereal) and phosphorus (cereal, meat, fish, eggs).
–Serve a vitamin C-rich fruit or veggie with iron-fortified cereal to enhance absorption.
How many meals? Transition from feeding baby 2 to 3 meals per day with 2-3 food group servings at each meal.
Equipment needed (optional): Mesh feeder
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Next Page: 8 to 10 Months: Venturing Into Table Foods
Previous Page: Birth to 4 Months: Breast Milk or Formula
For more Resources and References see 10 to 12 months page
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