As your baby approaches their first birthday, their culinary universe is expanding considerably. At 11 months, your little one is exploring flavors and textures, making every meal a moment of learning and pleasure. Knowing which foods to offer is essential to encourage a balanced and varied diet. This article addresses the fundamental principles of feeding babies at this age, emphasizing the different food groups to prioritize.
The Basics of Baby Nutrition
At this age, babies can consume a wide variety of foods. It is recommended to introduce solid foods gradually, while paying close attention to your child’s safety signals. Meals should be varied, containing fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and animal proteins.
Solid Foods: A Daily Discovery
At 11 months, your baby can learn to eat pieces and discover new textures. To do this, start by offering mashed foods or small pieces, well-cooked, and suited to their motor skills. Once they are comfortable with purees, incorporate small servings of well-cooked, tender vegetables.
Vegetables: A Palette of Choices
Vegetables should be an important part of your child’s diet. Opt for:
- Root vegetables such as carrots and beets;
- Squashes like pumpkin and butternut;
- Green vegetables such as spinach or green beans.
Always prefer fresh, seasonal vegetables, cut into appropriate pieces to encourage learning and development of chewing.
Fruits: A Delight in Every Bite
Fruits are also essential in the diet of an 11-month-old baby. Offer them:
- Stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots;
- Berries and red fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries;
- Citrus fruits, such as clementines and oranges.
You can offer them in pieces, mashed, or as purees according to your child’s preferences.
Starches for Energy
Starches are an important source of complex carbohydrates. You can introduce:
- Bread or crispbreads;
- Pasta;
- Rice or potatoes.
Serve them with vegetables and proteins to ensure good nutritional balance.
Dairy Products: A Source of Calcium
Dairy products provide essential nutrients for your baby’s development. Offer them:
- Cottage cheese,
- Fresh cheese,
- Plain yogurt.
Avoid products with added sugars and ensure to choose pasteurized cheeses to prevent any risk of contamination.
Meats and Fish: For Healthy Growth
Your baby can consume various types of animal proteins. Include in their diet:
- Scrambled eggs,
- Fish at least twice a week,
- White meats like chicken or veal.
It is advisable to cook meats well and remove all bones from the fish.
Quantity to Respect
The portions are also a point to watch. On average, your baby will need:
- About 500 ml of milk per day,
- Varied amounts of fruits and vegetables as desired,
- Appropriate portions of starches and proteins.
Respect your child’s appetite and avoid forcing them to eat.
Foods to Avoid
Some categories of foods remain prohibited in a baby’s diet. Avoid:
- Raw or insufficiently cooked meats and fish,
- Honey,
- Products containing quick sugars or too much salt.
Make sure every meal is safe and nutritious for your child.
What to Do if Baby Refuses Certain Foods?
It is common for babies to be reluctant to try new foods. In this case, continue to offer them these new textures, without pressure, allowing them to play with the food. Exploring food is an important step for their development.
Always take the time to observe their reactions and adapt to their tastes in terms of preparation and presentation of dishes.
It is not uncommon to hear advice regarding baby nutrition at this age, but each child is unique and develops their personal preferences. Taking the time to evolve with them, in line with their discoveries, will bring about harmonious health and successful dietary education.
Often, sharing meals as a family becomes a beautiful learning opportunity for the little one. Seeing parents enjoy the variety of dishes, they will be encouraged to explore their own plates with curiosity.
Adopting a caring and attentive approach during this stage allows for building solid foundations for a balanced and enjoyable diet throughout their growth.
