FEEDING BABY 8-12 MONTHS

A TIME OF AMAZING CHANGES!

It's only been a few months since you brought your baby home from
the hospital. What an amazing adventure it's been!

Your baby has gone through some truly dramatic changes - changes
that have been fueled, no doubt, by good food and a healthy dose of
love. It is no wonder these two essential elements are the building
blocks for healthy habits that will be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Here are some common questions that parents ask about feeding
older babies.

Are there any new foods my baby should eat at 8-12 months?

The most important nutritional change is that now your baby is ready
for protein foods. Chicken, turkey, fish, beef, beans and yogurt are all
good protein choices. (Remember to introduce each new food
individually and to wait at least 3 days before introducing another new
food.)

Are there any new foods my baby should NOT eat yet?

Keep in mind that babies often swallow food without chewing or
"gumming". The following foods should be avoided as they can cause
your baby to choke and/or have an allergic reaction: honey, nuts,
popcorn, seeds, chips, dried fruit such as raisins, peanut butter, cheese
cubes, egg whites, grapes, hot dogs, uncooked peas and other raw
vegetables and hard candy.

What about side dishes like rice and noodles?

Babies enjoy eating plain noodles and white or brown rice with their
fingers. Other fun and healthy finger foods include: grated cheese,
toast, canned fruit, beans, tofu and crackers. Remember, foods that
may seem bland to you are tasty and exciting to your baby. Avoid
flavored, pre-packaged, and processed foods as they tend to have
added ingredients such as sugar, sodium and/or preservatives.

Do I need to buy baby meats?

Buying baby meats is fine, but it is also OK to serve the same meat
your family enjoys. However, be sure to grind or finely mice the meat
to prevent choking. After a couple of months, start presenting chopped
meats that your baby can feed themselves.

What about eggs?

Cooked egg yolks are an excellent choice for babies this age. But hold
the egg white until after the first birthday. Egg white is one of the
most common causes of food allergy in infants and young children.

Are 8-12 month olds past the allergy sensitive stage yet?

Not yet. Infants and young children can still have allergic reactions to
foods. Continue to introduce new single ingredient foods one at a time
and at least 3 days apart. Watch for signs of allergy and determine
which food has caused the allergy, if one should develop.

What is a healthy snack for my baby?

Dry cereal, yogurt, virtually any fruit or cooked vegetable or shredded
cheese. Think of snacks as smaller servings of the healthy foods you
normally serve at meals, rather than different foods.

Are there any foods that might help my teething baby?

Tender gums are often soothed by biting and chewing on these foods:
toast, dry cereal, crackers, a frozen bagel or a frozen whole peeled
banana. As always, never leave your baby alone when they are eating.
Some babies can chew quite strongly on these foods so watch closely
that no large piece of food breaks off that can choke your baby.



SAMLE MEALS:

Morning:

4-6 tablespoons prepared infant cereal
2-4 tablespoons fruit

Afternoon:

2-4 tablespoons cooked vegetables
2-4 tablespoons cooked mashed kidney beans

Snack:

Water in a cup
Piece of toast or bagel

Evening:

2-4 tablespoons vegetables
2-4 tablespoons strained meat
2-4 tablespoons fruit



At this age, breastfed babies usually nurse four or more time a day.
Formula fed babies drink about 24 to 28 ounces a day. Older babies
begin to eat more solid food, their need for breastmilk or formula
will decrease.



Article Resource:
MA Department of Health
AZ Department of Health Services
Bureau of USDA Nutrition Programs
and
WIC