Feeding a baby is like running a mini food experiment every day. One day they love mashed bananas, the next day, they act like you just fed them broccoli dipped in lemon juice.
If you’re struggling to keep your 9-12 month old excited about mealtime (and let’s be real, avoiding that dramatic food-flinging session), I’ve got you covered.
Here are 15 simple, nutritious, and totally baby-approved recipes to keep their taste buds (and your sanity) in check.
1. Avocado Banana Mash
This is the easiest, creamiest, and most baby-approved recipe ever. Just mash a ripe banana and half an avocado together until smooth.
The natural sweetness of banana makes it a hit, and avocado adds those healthy fats that are great for brain development. Bonus: No cooking involved! Perfect for those “I don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen” days.
2. Soft Scrambled Egg with Spinach
Eggs are packed with protein and iron, and spinach is a superfood—so this is basically a baby-power meal.
Beat one egg and cook it on low heat with a tiny bit of butter. Add finely chopped spinach and stir until soft and fluffy. Let it cool a bit before serving. It’s soft enough for tiny teeth and loaded with goodness.
3. Carrot and Sweet Potato Puree
Sweet potatoes and carrots are a match made in baby food heaven! Steam or boil one small sweet potato and a carrot until tender. Blend them with a bit of water or breast milk until smooth.
This puree is naturally sweet, packed with vitamin A, and perfect for those picky eaters who like a little sweetness in their food.
4. Lentil and Rice Porridge
Lentils are an iron powerhouse and easy to digest for little tummies. Cook ¼ cup lentils and ¼ cup rice in water until soft. Blend or mash it up until you get the right consistency for your baby. You can add a tiny pinch of mild spices like cumin for extra flavor.
5. Apple and Oatmeal Pudding
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option that keeps babies full longer. Cook ¼ cup oats in water or milk until soft, then blend with a steamed apple. This is like a warm, cozy hug in food form, perfect for a morning meal.
6. Chicken and Vegetable Puree
Babies need protein, and this puree packs a punch! Boil a small piece of boneless chicken with carrots and peas. Once cooked, blend it until smooth. It’s creamy, nutritious, and a great way to introduce new textures.
7. Mashed Peas and Potato
Mash together a boiled potato and a handful of steamed peas. You can add a little butter or olive oil for extra creaminess. The mild taste makes it a great side dish to pair with other meals.
8. Zucchini and Cheese Mini Pancakes
Grate zucchini and mix it with a little flour, egg, and shredded cheese to make a pancake batter. Cook small pancakes on low heat until golden brown. These are soft, cheesy, and easy for tiny hands to hold.
9. Salmon and Sweet Potato Mash
Salmon is packed with omega-3s, which are amazing for brain development. Bake or steam a small piece of salmon and mash it up with a boiled sweet potato. It’s creamy, nutritious, and surprisingly tasty!
10. Mango Yogurt Smoothie
Blend mango with plain yogurt for a naturally sweet and creamy smoothie. This is perfect for babies exploring new textures and flavors. Plus, it’s great for gut health!
11. Quinoa and Pumpkin Mash
Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that blends beautifully with pumpkin. Cook quinoa and mix it with mashed, steamed pumpkin for a filling, nutritious meal.
12. Blueberry and Banana Oatmeal
Mash a few blueberries into cooked oats and add a little mashed banana for sweetness. This makes for a colorful, antioxidant-rich breakfast that babies love.
13. Cottage Cheese and Avocado Spread on Toast
Mash together cottage cheese and avocado, then spread it on a soft piece of toast cut into small strips. This is a great way to introduce different textures and encourage self-feeding.
14. Vegetable and Chickpea Patties
Mash cooked chickpeas with grated carrots, breadcrumbs, and a little seasoning. Shape into small patties and cook on a pan until lightly golden. These are soft and easy for babies to hold.
15. Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
Boil butternut squash and carrots in water or broth, then blend until smooth. It’s naturally sweet and packed with vitamins—perfect for a cozy mealtime.
Final Thoughts
Feeding a baby doesn’t have to be a battle (at least, not every day). These recipes are not only nutritious but also easy to make and fun for your little one to eat.
Try them out and see which ones become your baby’s favorites! And if you’re dealing with a tiny food critic, just remember—it’s all part of the adventure.