What can a 12 month old eat?

A 12-month-old is entering a fun stage of exploring new foods and developing their eating skills! Here's a breakdown of what they can eat, keeping in mind every baby develops at their own pace:

Foods to introduce:

* Fruits &Vegetables:

* Soft and ripe: Bananas, avocado, peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini (steamed or cooked), applesauce.

* Finger foods: Soft berries (blueberries, raspberries), melon chunks, steamed broccoli florets, green beans.

* Grains:

* Rice: Cooked brown rice, rice cereal (iron-fortified).

* Pasta: Cooked pasta, preferably whole wheat.

* Bread: Soft, crustless bread (wheat or white), toast.

* Protein:

* Meat: Ground beef, chicken, turkey (cooked and finely chopped or ground).

* Fish: Cooked and flaked salmon, cod, or other mild white fish.

* Beans: Mashed black beans, lentils (cooked).

* Eggs: Scrambled, boiled, or cooked into a frittata (ensure yolk is cooked through).

* Dairy: Full-fat yogurt (plain or with minimal added sugar), cheese (soft cheeses like cottage cheese or string cheese).

* Other:

* Legumes: Cooked and mashed chickpeas, lentils.

* Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil (for cooking).

* Water: Offer water frequently throughout the day.

Things to remember:

* Chopping and Size: Cut food into small pieces (no bigger than a pea) to prevent choking. Foods that are sticky or chewy can be challenging, so stick to softer options initially.

* Texture: Introduce new textures gradually. Start with purees and move to soft, mashed foods.

* Allergy Awareness: If there's a family history of allergies, introduce allergenic foods (eggs, peanuts, shellfish) one at a time and observe for any reactions.

* Variety is Key: Offer a variety of foods to help your baby develop healthy eating habits and prevent picky eating.

* Avoid:

* Honey: Until age 1, as it may contain spores that can cause infant botulism.

* Salt and Sugar: Avoid excessive use of salt and sugar.

* Unpasteurized Foods: Milk, cheese, and juices.

* Choking hazards: Hard candy, popcorn, nuts, and whole grapes.

Feeding Tips:

* Offer small portions: Start with a teaspoonful and gradually increase as your baby eats more.

* Be patient and encouraging: Don't force your baby to eat, and let them explore different tastes and textures.

* Make mealtime fun: Engage your baby with playful interactions and create a positive experience.

* Lead by example: Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself.

* Consult your pediatrician: If you have any concerns about your baby's eating habits, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.

Enjoy this exciting time of food exploration with your 12-month-old!

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