Your little one has just turned 13 months and is entering into the phase of toddlerhood. However, they may begin to display fussiness while eating, leaving you to think about various food ideas for a 13-month-baby that may help introduce them to a variety of nutritious foods. There may be a change in feeding habits in most babies at this age, which could be due to their altered growth patterns. They may refuse to eat the foods they used to love earlier, which could make you feel jittery, thinking they may miss out on the essential vitamins and nutrients required for their optimum growth. Altogether, a 13-month-old toddler requires appropriate nourishment to meet the needs of their constantly developing body and mind. Also, this is the time most babies make a shift to solid foods from exclusive breast or formula feeding. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure they have a well-planned, nutritious meal at all times of the day. So, keep browsing to explore various food ideas for your 13-month-old that could help you incorporate healthy foods into their routine. Here are the top 10 ideas for 13 month old baby food:
1. Grains
Toddlers need 3 (84 grams) of grains daily. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that half of these grains should be whole. A 1/3 cup serving of cereals, ¼ cup serving of cooked rice or pasta is equivalent to 1 ounce (28 grams). Pasta should be soft cooked and mashed with a fork.
2. Fresh Fruits
Fruits are the best foods to serve to your 13-month-old baby. Give seasonal fruits in abundance. Make 1 cup of fruit a part of his daily diet. Introduce orange and other acidic fruits slowly in your baby’s diet. Fresh fruits are an ideal part of a 13 month old baby food plan .
3. Juices
You can serve your child fresh fruits and juices, but avoid adding any artificial sweetener. Do not give canned juices as they contain excessive sugar and preservatives. 1 cup serving is enough for your baby. Juices are an amazing option for 13 months old baby food.
4. Meat
You can give white meat to your baby as soon as he turns a toddler. The protein in meat will supply your child with all the energy he needs to learn and play. Meat should be cooked and shredded finely. You can also puree the meat to a smooth texture. Offer him 2 ounces (56 grams) of protein-rich foods daily.
5. Vegetables
Soft cooked vegetables are great finger foods for kids. Chop raw vegetables into small pieces or steam to make them easier to eat. Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, peas, and celery are good options. Do not overcook the vegetables. If you want to make the vegetables soft, then mash them gently with a spoon. These are amazing food for 13 month old baby
6. Dairy
When your child turns 13 months, you can continue with breastfeeding or start giving him whole milk to drink. A regular supply of calcium will support his teeth and bones. Serve the milk in a cup, not a bottle. Offer 350 ml to 400ml of milk daily. More than a pint of milk (plus minus 500ml) will prevent his body from absorbing iron. Also, too much milk will not leave enough room in his tummy for other foods.
7. Yogurt
If your toddler does not enjoy drinking milk, then you can offer him yogurt instead. Plain yogurt is an excellent source of protein. It also contains calcium and beneficial active cultures. 4 ounces (112ml) of yogurt is enough for a 13-month-old baby.
8. Beans
Beans and legumes will be a healthy addition to your infant’s diet. A 1 ¼ serving of kidney, navy and black beans will supply your baby with a good amount of protein. Cut the beans in halves to reduce the risk of choking.
9. Water
Make sure you offer water to your baby to quench his thirst. Water is great for your infant’s the teeth. And it won’t add extra kilojoules to his diet.
10. Nuts
You can also introduce small amounts of creamy peanut butter in your baby’s diet. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over a celery stick and serve to your baby. Do not give whole nuts as it can choke him.
Tips:
Carefully monitor the foods that you give your baby the first time.
Do not freak out if your baby coughs or chokes a little. But if he is coughing and frequently choking, then stop giving it right away.
Chop the foods into toddler-friendly pieces so that he can chew it quickly.
Introduce your baby to different foods at meals. Let him use his fingers to choose what he would like to eat.
Encourage your toddler to develop a taste for fresh and unprocessed foods.
Expand your baby’s taste buds by experimenting with new spices and flavorful combinations.
