What to feed your 1 year old? What is healthy food for the baby to gain weight? What schedule to follow? Are these questions revolving around your mind?
No need to worry about preparing special food for your one year old. Whatever the rest of family members eats can be eaten by your baby too. You need to take care of a few things like reducing salt and following hygiene tips.
This article presents good food ideas for 1 year old. It presents a food schedule, diet plan for the healthy weight gain of the baby.
What is the Good Food For 1 Year Old Baby:
These days, most of the babies are fed by commercial baby foods so that they may lose vitamins and nutrients during processing. You don’t need to be a master to prepare your baby food. Baby should require nutrients as adults do. A baby should require five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Be sure that your baby has these products each day. These are the healthy food items that can be given to one year old baby.
A. The portion of animal foods – milk, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry:
Here are the few animal foods that benefit your baby:
Chicken:
It contains less fat than other meats. Most of the fat is situated under the skin that can be easily removed.
Red Meat:
Red meat is the source of readily absorbed iron. Iron requirements rise when your baby is growing, especially between 6 months and 2 years. Make sure to include red meat two to three times a week.
Salmon Fish:
It is a source of essential fats that support brain function and the immune system. Make sure to include salmon fish at least once a week in your baby’s diet.
Cheese:
It is a good source of vitamin B2 and B12. Vitamin B2 is essential for converting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy.
Yogurt:
It is considered to be digested faster than milk. Yogurt is a rich source of calcium, protein, and phosphorous, which are all important for strong, healthy bones and teeth.
B. Legumes
Here are the few legumes that need to be introduced into your baby’s diet:
Beans:
They are considered to be a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibers, and protein. Make sure to include the beans in your baby’s diet whenever he/she is ready to make the transition from milk to solid.
It is the best idea to start with lentils as they digest very easily and then start feeding a variety of beans like black beans, garbanzo, pinto, etc.
C. Fruits and Vegetables:
Try introducing the fruits which are rich in vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, antioxidants and fibers.
Here are the few best fruits and vegetables to feed your baby
Citrus and Berry Fruits:
These fruits are rich in vitamin C and help in absorbing iron from other foods.
Raspberries:
They contain ellagic acid which can protect from cancer. They have the ability to pack more fiber in a few calories.
Lychees:
They are a rich source of fiber and vitamins. They will add sweetness to the baby’s diet.
Carrots:
They are the rich source of beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Its deficiency results in night blindness.
Tomatoes:
They contain Lycopene, which is an antioxidant pigment that helps to prevent cancer and heart diseases. If the tomatoes are cooked well with oil they can be absorbed more efficiently by the body.
D. Fats
Fats are the nutrients that the body uses to build nerve tissues and hormones. Excess amounts of fatty foods may cause health problems in adults.
For the kids under the age of 2 years, fats should not be restricted. Generally, kids should eat a varied diet with most of the calories coming from the fat.
Finger Foods for 12 Months Old Baby:
One year is the best age to include finger foods to your baby’s diet. Here are the few easy to prepare finger foods to feed your baby:
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Fruits
- Cheese
- Toasted paneer
- Homemade cookies/crakers
- Boiled eggs
How Often to Feed the Baby:
You can offer three meals, two snacks, and cow milk. If you are a breastfeeding mom, continue breastfeeding whenever your baby demands. Plan a schedule for meals and snacks as per the preferences of your baby.
You can feed your baby every two hours as your baby needs. Include three quarters to one cup of food three to four times a day in your baby’s diet.
Precautions to be followed while introducing solid food to the baby:
1. Do not jump from liquid to solid food. Take the baby through softer textures to semi solid foods and finally to solid foods.
2. Make sure to check for allergies before introducing any solid food to your baby.
3. The best time to feed the baby is when they have just woken up in the morning or from the nap time
4. Don’t force your baby to feed anything. It may be possible that they may not be hungry or don’t like that particular food.
5. A baby may not eat food properly on some days, it is absolutely fine. If the same situation continues for more than 4 days, then consult your pediatrician.
6. Your baby may not eat well during the teething phase due to the inconvenience caused. Increase breast milk or formula milk those days and reintroduce solid food once the baby is back to normal condition.
7. It is important to avoid the foods that may cause difficulty in breathing
- Slippery foods such as grapes, candy, large pieces of poultry
- Sticky food such as peanut butter and marshmallows.
- Small hard foods such as peanuts, raw carrots, popcorn, etc
8. Prepare one year baby diet plan, which includes breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, evening and dinner.
Sample One Year Baby Diet Plan:
Make sure to include cholesterol while planning your baby’s diet plan, which plays a prominent role in the normal development of your baby. You should not have to worry about the risk of gaining too much weight if you maintain 1,000 calories of caloric intake.
Here is a sample diet plan for one year baby.
Note: This menu suits the babies weighing approximately 9.5 kgs.
1. Breakfast:
- 1 cooked egg.
- 1/4 -1/2 cup of whole milk with or without cereal.
- 1/2 sliced banana
- 2-3 large sliced strawberries
2. Mid Day Snack:
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 slice toast or whole wheat muffins with cheese or peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup yogurt with cut up fruit.
3. Lunch:
- 1/2 sliced sandwich
- 1/2 cup cooked green vegetables
- 1/2 cup milk
4. Evening Snack:
- 1/2 cup sliced apple, 3 prunes, 1/2 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup milk
5. Dinner:
- 2-3 ounces of cooked meat (ground or diced)
- 1/2 cup pasta, rice or potato
- 2 tablespoons vegetables
[Also Read: What To Feed 9 Months Old Baby]
12 One Year Baby Food Ideas for Healthy Weight Gain:
Whether you are starting solid foods following breastfeeding, or traditional spoon feeding, Babies need finger foods for healthy development.
Here are the 20 simple healthy food ideas for one year baby
1. Banana Muffins:
Banana Muffins are the best for your baby’s breakfast. Bananas add the sweet to the muffins which your baby likes the most. Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B6, B12.
Ingredients:
- 2 Bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 100 grams melted oil or butter
- 160 grams of wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
How To Prepare:
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, vanilla, butter/oil and them well.
- Add flour and baking powder and beat for about 60 seconds to make a well mixed batter.
- Transfer this mixture into nonstick oil sprayed muffin tins.
- Bake at 180 degrees celsius for 15 minutes.
- Allow them to cool and serve.
2. Baby Pasta:
If your baby is ready to invite some texture in the food. It’s time to introduce pasta in your baby’s diet. Pasta is rich in glucose, which is the crucial fuel for your brain and muscles. Pasta is a whole grain food and hence can be combined with other healthy ingredients to make wholesome food for your baby.
The following recipe introduces new flavors to the baby and contains more nutrients than plain pasta.
Ingredients:
- Pastina
- Baby Spinach
- Broccoli
- Whole milk
- Unsalted Butter
- Flour
- Baby Swiss cheese
How To Prepare:
- Boil the pasta in a large water bowl as per the packing instructions.
- Chop spinach and broccoli into small pieces and add them to the pasta at the last minute of cooking.
- Drain the water.
- In a separate saucepan melt the butter, add flour and mix some milk.
- Add swiss cheese and stir till it turns creamy.
- Finally, add pasta and vegetables and stir well.
3. Sweet Potato Salad:
It is rich in carbohydrates and beta-carotene. It is a great source of nutrition for growing little one. Several essential nutrients in sweet potatoes are calcium, potassium, Vitamin A, C, and B-complex.
Ingredients:
- Two boiled and peeled potatoes
- one peeled cucumber
- one tomato
- lime
- salt
- Pepper
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
How To Prepare
- Chop the potatoes, cucumber, and tomatoes into cubes and mix them in a bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and sprinkle lime juice.
- It is ready! Serve this delicious and good textured salad to your baby
4. Barley Porridge with Apple:
The presence of phosphorous can help in strengthening your baby’s bones. It is well known that the inclusion of barley in the diet can help in the prevention of liver damage.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of barley
- ¼ cup of peeled and cubed apples
- 3 ½ cups of water
How To Prepare:
- Wash the barley and boil it in the pressure cooker for 3-5 whistles.
- Once the barley is cooked add apple pieces along with the remaining water and cook it on low flame for about 10 minutes before pureeing the mixture.
- Allow it to cool and serve the baby.
5. Scrambled Eggs Recipe:
Eggs are rich in nutritious values and help in healthy weight gain.
The following recipe is the best snack item for the babies
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Pepper powder
- Boiled milk
- Grated cheese
- Salt
- ½ teaspoon butter
How To Prepare:
- Beat the eggs and add it to the milk and mix them well
- Melt the butter in a pan and add milk and egg mixture to it. Stir the mixture until cooked.
- Make sure to cook the mixture until the raw smell of the egg leaves. Once the eggs are cooked they will become fluffy and dry.
- Now sprinkle grated cheese, pepper powder, and salt to it.
- Stir it and switch off. Serve it to your baby.
6. Carrot Meatballs:
The carrot meatballs are the perfect first finger food for babies.
Ingredients:
- 1 Lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup apple puree
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ chopped green onion
- 1 egg
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Prepare:
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1 inch balls.
- Place the meatballs onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and gently browned.
7. French Toast Fingers:
12 months is the best age to introduce french toast fingers in baby’s diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1/ 4 cup milk
- Bread
- 1 tablespoon Butter or Oil
- Blue Berries
- Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkle of cinnamon and ginger
- 1 ripe banana
How To Prepare:
1. Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl.
2. Apply melted butter over the griddle.
3. Dip the finger cut bread slices in the egg mixture and transfer to the griddle.
4. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes each side so that they turn into brown color.
5. Set the toasted bread pieces in the plate to cool and top with blueberries, banana or any other small cut fruit pieces as per the taste of your baby.
8. Black Bean Soup:
Black beans help in maintaining healthy bones and healthy weight gain of your baby. Here is a simple recipe with black beans.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked black beans
- 1/4 cup of frozen/chopped spinach
- Olive oil/coconut oil
- Half cut small clove of garlic
- Salt
- Water
How To Prepare:
1. In heating, pan add 2 tablespoons of olive/coconut oil and cut up garlic
2. Add chopped spinach and salt. Allow it to fry for 2 minutes.
Note: If you are using canned beans, add an additional 1/4 cup of water along with the water in the can. No extra salt is required.
If you are cooking beans yourself add a half cup of water and half teaspoon of salt.
3. Using a blender, mix all the ingredients such that there are no lumps.
9. Sweet Potato Waffles:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of whole wheat
- 1 Cup quick oats
- 3 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
- 4 ounces sweet potato puree
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
How To Prepare:
1. Combine whole wheat, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs, milk, yogurt, butter, potato puree, and brown sugar to the flour mixture and beat them properly until a smooth batter is formed.
3. Slightly grease the waffle maker and pour the batter onto the waffle maker as per the required size.
4. Cover the waffle maker with a lid and cook based on the waffle maker directions.
5. Pick out the waffles with a fork and serve it cool.
10. Pop Corn Chicken:
The chicken will help in boosting the immunity of your baby and maintaining healthy bones.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain flour
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Deboned chicken
How To Prepare:
1. Cut the deboned chicken into small pieces.
2. Mix flour, salt and cajun seasoning in a separate bowl.
3. Dip the chicken in the egg and coat with flour mixture.
4. Heat the oil in a pan and add chicken pieces to the pan once the oil is heated.
5. Make sure that the chicken is evenly cooked both sides.
6. Remove the chicken and drain the oil by leaving them on the kitchen paper for some time.
11. Baked Tofu Nuggets:
Tofu is rich in protein. Pediatricians recommend that Tofu should be fed to the babies who is 8 months or older. So, 1 Year is the best age to include tofu in the diet.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cups bread crumbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 spoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- Firm Tofu cut into nugget shaped pieces
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
How To Prepare:
1. Preheat the oven to 350-degree Fahrenheit.
2. Mix bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread olive oil all over the tofu and dip it in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the Tofus on the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven flip the tofus and place them back in the oven.
5. Serve it to the baby once cooled. It can be stored in a container for up to two weeks.
12. Banana Bread Fingers:
Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber. Here is a simple recipe with no added sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- Whole wheat bread slices
- 4 teaspoon milk
- 1 pinch cinnamon powder
- Oil or butter
How To Prepare:
1. Cut the bread pieces like long strips and kept them aside.
2. Mash the banana and add milk, cinnamon powder to it. Blend this till it becomes a smooth mixture.
3. Grease all the sides of bread pieces with butter or oil.
4. Dip the bread strips in the banana mixture and drop them into a pan with heating oil.
5. Make sure to cook the bread strips evenly on both sides.
6. Remove the strips from the pan and drain the oil by leaving the strips on a kitchen paper for sometime
Baby Food Ideas While Travelling:
Once your baby started eating solid foods, you need a little bit of preparation and planning.
Here are the few food items that can be carried easily while traveling.
Cereal:
It is the best handy food when you are on trips. It is also available in the market in different flavors. Choose the flavor that best suits your baby’s age.
It can be mixed readily with the expressed milk, formula milk, boiled or normal water.
[Also Read: Rice Cereal In A Bottle]
2. Whole Wheat Biscuits:
Biscuits are easy to carry and they come in a variety of flavors. Choose the whole wheat biscuits instead of maida biscuits. Whole wheat biscuits are rich in nutritional benefits.
3. Fruit Purees:
These are very easy to prepare while traveling. You simply need fruit, milk, bowl and a fork to mash. Add milk to the mashed mixture and feed it to the baby. Pack baby food in resealable bags.
4. Boiled Vegetables:
Raw vegetables are often hard to eat. Cooking softens the vegetables and makes them ready for consumption.
5. Yogurt:
Yogurt is very easy to carry and kids love it most. Make sure to pack in a travel-friendly jar to avoid any spill.
Less processed homemade food retains more nutrients. Feed your baby as per their appetite levels. These are the 12 common 12 months baby food for healthy weight gain. These recipes are rich in fiber which helps your child to stay away from constipation.
Constipation is usually caused by consuming high fat and low fiber diet. Other reasons for constipation include not taking sufficient fluids, not eating fruits and vegetables, eating a lot of dairy products, drinking a lot of cow milk. Taking cow milk in the right amount may not lead to constipation. As toddlers have little tummies, make sure each food that you serve is packed with nutrients that help them to grow healthy. Avoid sweets and empty calories.
