Understanding Your Baby's Nutritional Needs

A follow up from the ultimate guide to introducing baby’s first food. Shall we call this Part 2?

So you have comfortable established a feeding pattern over the weeks, you would realize that as baby gets older, he/she is increasingly ready to try new flavors. Then go for it! Expand baby’s palate with different meals bearing in mind that they are packed with nutrients. At this stage we are gradually transitioning from puree to lumpier meals.

Here is a nutritional table that you may find useful.

Vitamins Benefits Food sources

Vitamin A Eyesight, growth and healthy skin Carrots, egg yolks, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, Mangoes

Vitamin B Healthy immune system, nails Yams, Millet, Oats,Broccoli, liver, tofu (awara)

and hair growth, healthy skin, bananas, avocados, milk, youghurt.

aids digestion

Vitamin C Healthy skin, good gum, teeth and Oranges, mangos, paw paw, potatoes, tomatoes, bones development, leafy greens.

Vitamin D Strong bones and teeth development Milk, fatty fish (salmon, sardines), eggs.

Vitamin E Serve as antioxidants Avocados, vegetable oils, nuts.

As your little one grows, their nutritional requirements change dramatically. From 9 to 12 months, babies are increasingly ready to explore new flavors and textures. This is a crucial stage where introducing solid foods not only nourishes them but also helps in their development. Let's dive into the essentials of your baby's food during these exciting months!

What Foods Should You Introduce?

Grains: You may introduce millet or oat which can be cooked and blended with bananas to add natural sugar or a choice of pap with unsweetened yoghurt to add flavor and pack up on protein. You can even make jollof rice which should be cooked till soft and then pureed or mashed.

Vegetables: Continue to offer a wide range of vegetables baby has been introduced to. Steam and mash broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, peas, or root vegetables like yams and potatoes. You can give these purees and mash as side meals or mix in everything to make a porridge.

Have you tried yam porridge recipe?

Legumes: Beans are a good source of protein and are packed with protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Why not try a pureed beans porridge with spinach and fish. Other legumes are peas, lentils.

Fruits: Babies enjoy cooked fruits like apple puree, pear puree, mango puree, but you can try mashing soft fruits like strawberry, bananas, avocados, and wait from 9 months to offer watermelon.

Protein: Between 9 – 12 months is when I would introduce eggs. Most babies are not receptive in the first few tries, but persistence is always the key! Meat, poultry, fish can be added to baby meals.

Dairy: Besides Yoghurt, I’m not very big on dairy foods, but you may consider cheese. Baby is probably still breast feeding or on formula and it’s been advised that its best to wait until baby is 12 months before introducing cow’s milk.

Preparing baby’s meals

If you have the opportunity to make baby’s meals fresh each day, all the better, but you can also make meals in batches that would last a few days. Pack baby’s food in small food pots enough for one meal and freeze immediately. Adequate care should be taken in storing baby’s to maintain the quality of your baby’s food.

Now that baby is a full blown eater, you can make baby’s food with extra flavors like onions, ginger, garlic, and herbs. I suggest staying away from putting salt and anything processed or canned in baby’s food until baby is 1 year old.

Picky Eaters: What to Do?

It's common for babies to be picky eaters at this stage. Keep offering a variety of foods even if they refuse them initially. It can take several tries before they accept new flavors. Sometimes, it's helpful to present the same food in different forms to see what your baby prefers.

Also, make mealtime enjoyable! Sit together as a family (if you can), let them see you eating the same foods, and encourage them to explore their meals with their hands. This not only makes mealtime fun but also helps them build a healthy relationship with food.

Safety Tips When Introducing Solid Foods

While exploring new foods, keep safety in mind. Always supervise your baby while eating, and be vigilant about choking hazards. Avoid foods that are hard or round, like whole grapes or nuts, until they are older. Continue to monitor for allergies by introducing new foods/items one at a time, waiting three to five days before adding another new item. This way, you can easily identify any allergic reactions should they occur.

Lastly, always consult with your pediatrician for personalized suggestions and recommendations tailored to your baby's specific needs. Again, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

I hope this guide provided some additional confidence that you are already on the right path. Happy feeding!