What do 12 month old children eat?

A 12-month-old's diet should be diverse and include a variety of foods from all food groups. Here's a breakdown:

Fruits &Vegetables:

* Offer a variety of textures: Soft, mashed, chopped, and finger foods.

* Include different colors: Red, orange, yellow, green, purple, etc.

* Try new things: Introduce new fruits and vegetables regularly.

* Examples: Applesauce, mashed bananas, blueberries, avocado, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli florets, carrots, and cooked spinach.

Grains:

* Choose whole grains whenever possible: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal.

* Offer a variety of textures: Toast, crackers, soft pasta, rice cereal.

* Examples: Toast with avocado, whole wheat pasta with sauce, rice cereal with fruit.

Proteins:

* Include lean protein sources: Chicken, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, eggs.

* Offer a variety of textures: Cooked and shredded chicken, mashed beans, scrambled eggs, small pieces of cooked fish.

* Examples: Chicken strips, lentil soup, scrambled eggs with cheese, hummus with crackers.

Dairy:

* Offer low-fat or fat-free dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese.

* Choose plain yogurt and add your own fruit or flavor.

* Examples: Yogurt with fruit, cheese sticks, milk with cereal.

Other:

* Water is the best choice for hydration.

* Limit sugary drinks and juice.

* Introduce small amounts of healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, nuts (ensure they are finely chopped or ground).

* Start offering finger foods: Soft cooked vegetables, small pieces of fruit, cooked pasta, soft bread.

Important Considerations:

* Allergy Awareness: Introduce new foods one at a time and observe for any reactions.

* Choking Hazards: Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces. Avoid hard, round, or sticky foods that could pose a choking risk.

* Variety is Key: Encourage your child to try new things, and don't be discouraged if they reject a food at first.

* Don't force them to eat: Offer a variety of foods and allow your child to self-feed and explore different flavors.

* Talk to your pediatrician: They can provide personalized guidance on your child's dietary needs.

Remember, this is just a general guideline. It's important to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice on your child's nutritional needs.

Previous:

Next:

  • How to Get Children to Eat Salads
    Getting kids to eat salad can be an uphill battle if they are averse to green, leafy vegetables. However, salad greens, such as spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard and kale are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber that your kids need for healthy develo
  • What to Put in a Kids Lunchbox
    Every morning can be a constant battle over what to put in your childs lunch box. They want sugary snacks and candy, and you want wholesome, healthy food that is going to keep them full and focused throughout their school day. A compromise is possibl
  • How to Get Kids to Drink More Water
    Water is free of calories, fat, sugar, additives and preservatives, and is more hydrating than other beverages, making it the best choice for your child, says dietitian Keli Hawthorne in the article "Does My Child Really Need to Drink Water?&quo