Introduction
As your baby transitions from infancy to toddlerhood, their nutritional needs change. They need more calories and a wider variety of nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. This is where baby food recipes for 12-18 months come in.
These recipes are designed to provide your toddler with the essential nutrients they need, while also introducing them to new flavors and textures. They are also easy to make and can be tailored to your child’s individual preferences.
Why Homemade Baby Food is Best
There are many benefits to making your own baby food at home. First, you can control the ingredients, so you know exactly what your baby is eating. Second, homemade baby food is typically more nutritious than store-bought baby food. Third, it is more affordable than store-bought baby food.
What to Look for in Baby Food Recipes
When choosing baby food recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the recipes are appropriate for your child’s age and development. Second, choose recipes that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. Third, avoid recipes that contain added sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.
Baby Food Recipes for 12-18 Months
Here are some of our favorite baby food recipes for 12-18 months:
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Oatmeal | 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup milk (breast milk, formula, or whole milk) |
Mash the banana in a bowl. Add the oats and milk and stir until combined. Serve immediately. |
| Sweet Potato Puree | 1 medium sweet potato 1/4 cup water |
Peel and cube the sweet potato. Place the sweet potato and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potato is tender. Drain the sweet potato and mash until smooth. Serve immediately. |
| Apple Cinnamon Puree | 1 apple, peeled and cored 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup water |
Place the apple, cinnamon, and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the apple is tender. Drain the apple and mash until smooth. Serve immediately. |
| Chicken and Rice Puree | 1/2 cup cooked chicken 1/2 cup cooked rice 1/4 cup chicken broth |
Place the chicken, rice, and chicken broth in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve immediately. |
| Vegetable Soup | 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 potato, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth |
Place the carrot, celery, potato, and chicken broth in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Puree the soup until smooth. Serve immediately. |
Tips for Feeding Your Toddler
Here are a few tips for feeding your toddler:
- Start by offering your toddler a variety of pureed foods.
- As your toddler gets older, you can start to introduce more textured foods.
- Let your toddler self-feed as much as possible.
- Encourage your toddler to drink from a cup.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if your toddler doesn’t like everything you offer them.
Conclusion
Feeding your toddler can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips and using the recipes provided, you can help your toddler get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
