Foods, Tips, and Meal Plan for Feeding Your 9-Month-Old

With thousands of choices and a variety of voices of advice, the starting phase of parenting isn't simple. Amid staying up all long nights and diaper duties, feeding healthy food to your baby might seem like a challenging task.

How Much Food Should a Baby Eat at This Stage? 

Although babies may not be able to eat everything adults eat, their taste buds will be thrilled with the introduction of new foods and flavours. It can be stressful and confusing for many new parents to decide what to give and how much they should give to their child. 

However, remember that there's no absolute standard to which you have to adhere to. Avoid putting too much pressure on your food, and make sure to make it as healthy and natural as possible.

Since the experience is unfamiliar to your baby, they will try to eat the food and spit it out in case the flavour is not enjoyed. Be aware that a baby's stomach is about the size of a person's fist, and it's not difficult to fill them up. Additionally, because their taste buds are still developing, they might not enjoy all the types of food that you offer them. Some will prefer fruits, some will prefer vegetables, and others will decide what food texture they like. 

It can either be in the form of puree, mashed or even tiny pieces. It is important to test and fail in this phase to learn the preferences of your baby.

Do not forget that your baby also receives all the essential nutrients needed for formula or breast milk. It is important to ensure that your baby eats at least three meals per day in addition to the milk.

Best Foods for a 9-Month-Old Baby

Your baby is likely to be active or become an irritable eater with getting introduced to new foods, so make sure to select the best taste of food for your baby.

One of the meals that you can begin with to feed your nine-month-old baby includes:

• Fruits

Berries like blueberries, melons, cranberries, dates, figs, cherries, and citrus fruits can be cut into 1/4th of their size and then served to your baby. Ensure that these are cooked and either pureed or crushed before serving your child.

• Vegetables

Brocolli, Asparagus, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and parsnips, all of which can be cooked and mashed. They are nutritious and are a good choice for feeding your baby.

• Eggs and Meat

Eggs, fish and chicken that are thoroughly cleaned and cooked are some of the best options for your baby. Don't feed your baby raw meat or runny eggs.

• Water and Juices

Your baby's digestive system is growing; therefore, be sure that they drink plenty of fluids. Make natural juices (no added sugar) at home rather than feeding your child processed drinks.

• Cheese and Other Dairy Products

Cottage cheese, cream cheese, dahi or yogurt, ghee and butter can be given in very small amounts to your child.

• Cereals

Cooked quinoa, millet, whole wheat pasta (softened), rice and oatmeal are delicious options to feed your baby

• Grains

Toast, little pieces of chapatti, flatbread, and crackers give your child a healthy dose of grains.

• Legumes

Mashed lentils, beans and soups made from legumes are excellent options for providing tasty and nutritious food to your baby.

As your child's taste improves, try using small amounts of asafoetida, coriander, cloves, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf and garlic while cooking for him or her.

SAMPLE OF 9-MONTH BABY FOOD CHART

Being blessed with a baby boy or a welcome baby girl is an unforgettable and thrilling moment for any parent. As your child approaches nine months old, they are ready to explore different textures and types of food. It is important to offer a variety of healthy choices to help support the growth and development of your child. Here's a sample 9 month baby food chart that will provide you with an idea of what your baby boy may be able to eat at this age:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with formula or breast milk, mashed bananas, and chopped or pureed cooked vegetables (such as green beans or sweet potatoes).

• Morning snack: Small pieces of soft fruits (such as peeled mango or kiwi) or a small handful of sweetened, unsalted baby crackers.

• Lunch: Soft-cooked pasta with pureed vegetables, some grated cheese, and a small serving of mashed avocado or hummus.

• Afternoon snack: Small pieces of cooked chicken or tofu and cooked, mashed peas or beans.

• Dinner: Pureed or mashed cooked meat or fish, small pieces of soft and cooked vegetables (such as bell peppers) and mashed sweet potato or other cooked starchy vegetables.

• Evening snack: A smaller portion of formula or breast milk.

Keep in mind that every baby is different and might be prepared for different types of food at various stages of development. It's always recommended to speak with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional before you introduce different foods to your baby.

Foods to Avoid

It is essential to feed your baby clean and healthy food. Be aware and observe the texture of the food your baby likes so that you can include more of it in their next meal. While your child may join your family for meals, there are some food items that should be avoided in all circumstances.

• Honey

It's a source of bacteria that could cause serious health issues in your child by harming the intestines and eventually causing a rare condition known as infant botulism. It can also cause harm to a baby's emerging teeth.

• Some Types of Fish

Sharks, marlin, and swordfish have high levels of mercury, which can affect the baby's nervous system. Also, avoid shellfish to prevent food poisoning

• Whole Nuts

Don't feed complete nuts to children until they reach the age of five to prevent choking.

• Sugar

Sugary foods can be harmful to your child's teeth as they grow. These include ice cream, biscuits, and sweets.

• Salt

Don't add salt to your baby's food because the kidneys cannot take on the extra sodium. Avoid foods that are salty, like chips and namkeens, completely. Babies should consume less than 1 gram of salt daily.

• Citrus or Acidic Fruits

A few babies might have acidity issues due to citrus fruits. But a pinch of lemon is permitted in purees.

• Peanuts/Tree Nuts

This is a sensitive food and can cause allergic reactions in your baby. It is typically introduced one year onwards.

• Whole Milk

This could cause stomach problems and should never be supplemented with breast milk. It can also hinder the absorption of iron, which is essential to the development of a baby.

Tips for Feeding

• Begin by taking any solid food that you want to introduce to your child in a large spoon and then offer them small nibbles off the spoon.

• All fruits and vegetables can be given to babies at this age. However, you must create a plan and talk about it with your paediatrician before making a decision. This can prevent any reactions or allergies that your child may experience.

• You should follow a '4-day rule,' i.e., wait four days before introducing a new food item to check for allergies.

Time flies, and in a few months, your nine-month-old will be running and walking. Take advantage of this period by teaching healthy food habits and laying an excellent foundation for their food habits in the future.