
Written by Aparna Hari
You will see a lot of quick progress in your baby in baby in the last few weeks of the first year. Some babies will be able to self-feed too, which can be a relief for parents and a new adventure for babies. While the prospect of babies eating on their own may create a a lot of mess, it lays the foundation for healthy eating and good table manners as babies grow. A 11 month baby food must be planned carefully keeping all these factors in mind.
By 11th month, your baby would have tried out most foods. It is important to continue including variety so that your baby gets all the required nutrition. You can also consult your pediatrician and start introducing family food, whatever you cook for the family minutes the salt and spices.
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At this age, the baby should be given three meals, two snacks and 3 servings of milk. Remember, your baby is growing rapidly physically and psychologically. They need a lot of energy to keep up with their needs. Growth spurts may increase their need for intake too. So, if your baby seems hungrier than usual, do not hesitate to add an extra snack such as fruit to their schedule. And remember to keep junk and sweetened aerated drinks at a minimum.
Healthy habits when instilled early carry for life. So, if babies are made to follow healthy habits in the early years of life, it helps them to pick up healthy choices. It is thus important to look out for any food allergies and also get the baby to try all types of food.
If you have followed our food schedules and guides thus far, you would have introduced most foods from all food groups to your baby. However, if you have left out on anything, this is a good time to add those foods to your baby’s diet plan. Continue using the 3-day wait rule to ensure that your baby doesn’t have allergies to newly introduced foods.
Remember, variety is the key. Allow your baby the freedom to experiment with their food in different ways by offering new foods and recipes. Your baby’s food plate should reflect the colors of rainbow. This is a sign of a healthy meal. Include grains, cereal, fruit, vegetables, milk products such as paneer and cheese, soy products, meat and eggs. Lentils and millets are also a must-include in your baby’s diet. Anything that doesn’t cause allergies or digestive issues must be included in your baby’s meal.
As in the previous months, you should avoid any milk other than breast milk and mother’s milk. Nuts that cause choking must be avoided. Do not give packaged junk foods, juices, and foods with preservatives. Unpasteurized foods must be avoided at all costs. Salt, sugar, honey, jaggery and saturated fats must be avoided. Do not give raw foods and foods that are not properly washed and cooked to your baby.
[Read : Health Benefits Of Honey For Babies]
A 11 month old baby meal schedule must include 3 main meals- breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. At least 3 breastfeeds of 120 to 150 ml per feed must be continued. You can always add an extra snack if needed and reduce milk intake slightly. This depends on your baby’s interest to have solids.
Here is a sample 11 month old baby sample schedule for a single day.
This is just a sample menu. The dishes or food items on the menu can be altered as per the needs of the baby. The baby should get 2-3 protein, vegetable and fruit servings along with a few whole grains on a daily basis.
Since your baby is used to most foods from different groups by now, planning your baby’s meal menu gets easier. You can use seasonal produce to make healthy and delicious meals for your baby. Those babies who are comfortable with finger foods can start having more of them in their meals.
Try to make mealtime fun for your baby by switching foods from different groups for each meal. You can give a proper meal to your baby in the afternoon and switch up dinner for light and easily digestible foods. Your baby will be more active during the day. The foods you plan for them must be filling and give them the energy they need. At the same time, the meals must include nutrients that are key for proper growth and development of your baby.
By 11th month, most babies can sit independently. Take advantage of this milestone and make mealtime a family affair. Sit with your baby at the dining table. Have the meal together. Encourage your baby to feed themselves.
Along with proper meal planning, it is important to create healthy eating habits in your baby. Along with family meal times, you can also minimize or avoid screen time during meals. Babies need to concentrate on what they are eating to ensure proper chewing and digestion. When gadgets and screen time get into the picture, babies do not know what or how much they are eating. This can cause unhealthy eating habits and results in weight gain issues.
As your baby reaches their first birthday, growth spurts become common. Your baby also needs loads of energy to keep them going. Include foods high in calories and dietary fiber to ensure that your baby gets all the energy they need. Continue giving breast milk at least till your baby turns a year old.
A 11 month old baby’s parents are always on the lookout to offer the most nutritious food for the baby. They look for variety and taste, together, which can be good for the health and development of the baby. Some of the easy homemade recipes that can be given to babies of this age are
Dosa is a staple breakfast in most Indian homes. It is nutritious, tasty and can be served with delicious accompaniments such as chutney and sambar. Dosa is naturally soft, and babies can easily eat it. Soaking in sambar can make eating dosas easier for your munchkin
Broccoli is a superfood that must be included in your baby’s diet. If your baby doesn’t like broccoli, you can make it interesting by mixing cottage cheese into it. Since babies love cottage cheese, they will be able to easily have this dish.
Blueberries help with bone development and improve eye health. They are also good for cognitive development and the nervous system. Yogurt is rich in prebiotics and excellent for gut health and digestion. The mix of blueberries and yogurt makes a healthy snack for your baby which can double up as a dessert for a yummy, sweet treat
Green beans are rich in vitamins, folate, iron, calcium and potassium which prevent allergies. Avocado is an excellent source of fibre and healthy fats which help in brain development and digestion as well. Combining both ingredients into a single dish makes a well-rounded healthy meal or snack for your baby.
Both bananas and oats are rich in fiber. They help with digestion and prevent constipation. A porridge made with bananas and porridge keeps your baby energetic throughout the day and provides the calories they need.
It is rich in fibre and helps to prevent constipation. They both offer energy for the growing babies.
These are nutrient-rich and have a high content of beta-carotene, vitamins and minerals which are good for the health of the baby.
An eleven-month baby is ready to eat almost all types of food but collating a list of foods can make things smoother. Feeding time is the most important for a baby so it should not be forced and made a punishment. It should rather be interesting and something a baby looks forward to. Certain tips and precautions are, however, necessary for making this a smooth journey.
Watch out for allergies when introducing any new food. Also, follow a 3-day rule to rule out allergies. Always offer fully cooked foods
It is important to sterilize all the utensils that are being used for feeding.
A 11 month old baby needs a lot of energy and nutrient-rich food to grow stronger. 11 month old baby food must include all foods that meet your baby’s nutritional requirements. Be careful about foods that can lead to allergies and infections. Try to introduce your baby to as many foods as possible before they turn a year old. This will make your little one a healthy non-fussy eater.
Her experience in impactful writing combined with her background in Home Sciences makes Aparna the perfect candidate for content writing in the pregnancy and parenting niche.Read more.
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