Snag this awesome list of food for 1 year olds to toddlers, and the 9, 10, and 11 month old babies in between learning to eat table and finger foods. Includes a free printable list too!
Wondering what types of food to feed give your baby or 1 year old? As a pediatric occupational therapist and mom, I’ve got your covered. You’ll find that most of the ideas I am sharing are for babies 10 months and up, but it really depends on how well your baby or toddler is chewing foods. You could be introducing these a little earlier or later.
In general, these are perfect foods for 1 year olds and those a little younger!
Wait, I’m worried about my baby or toddler choking on solid food!
If you’re worried about your baby choking make sure you check out our guide on baby gagging. Understandably, this is a common concern. Keep in mind that gagging and choking are two different things. It’s quite common for babies and toddlers to gag occasionally.
If your baby or toddler gags a lot with new foods they might be getting used to the texture. Or, they may need help learning to chew.
However, if it’s happening a lot you’ll want to talk to your doctor and for sure head to that guide. This is something I’ve seen a lot as an OT and the sooner you address it the better.
Of course, any concerns at all about your child’s eating or variety of foods should be brought up with your child’s pediatrician.
And, if you’re wondering when you should first serve the ever popular crunchy breakfast cereal, Cheerios, then head to When Can Babies Eat Cheerios.
Are these Food Appropriate for My Baby or Toddler?
These guidelines are based on my experience as a licensed occupational therapist and the 17 years of experience working with hundreds of families. The suggestions are also in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations.
If your baby hasn’t started eating yet, learn how to transition them to table foods, or if they’re constantly refusing please head to our 7 step guide for when baby won’t eat.
To be honest, I wanted to have a resource for myself, since Isaac (10 months old) is right in the middle of this transition and I am struggling to make sure he has enough variety.
I do have to admit that Isaac isn’t (hmm, need to choose my words carefully here,) the best eater.
He chews and manages food very well, but unless the texture isn’t right, he isn’t very interested. Of course, this is very frustrating! To make sure I optimize my chances at success (aka: he actually eats something other than Gerber Puffs or Cheerios), I need a go to a list with all of my ideas (plus some new ones), so I am not scrambling in the craziness of meal prep.
If you’re in the same boat, check out our free workshop to help your toddler learn to eat a wider variety of foods.
The list is organized into three categories:
- fruits/vegetables
- carbs
- proteins
When putting together meals, plan for at least one food in each of these three groups. Also, keep in mind that if you mash up a casserole or lasagna, all three categories may be covered in one shot. For example, with the lasagna: spaghetti sauce= protein, noodles= carbs, and meat or cheese= protein.
Let’s get started…
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Tips for Feeding Table Foods to Babies
- Make sure everything you give your baby for the first time is closely monitored. Chew a small piece in your mouth first and pay attention to how hard it is to chew. If it doesn’t break down easily and quickly, it probably isn’t a good choice.
- Stay calm if your baby coughs or chokes a little, it will happen. If you freak out, they will freak out. If they are coughing or choking on a food frequently, stop giving it to them and re-introduce at a later date.
- Cut food into small pieces so they can chew it easily. Cut beans in half and make sure meats are soft and moist. Help your baby with foods that are difficult to pick up, don’t make the pieces bigger until you are sure they can manage them.
- This is a list of table foods, not necessarily finger foods, although many of them are. For example, spread hummus on crackers or serve cottage cheese.
- Have your baby or toddler eat with the rest of the family. It’s the best way for them to see other’s eating a variety of healthy meals and food groups. They learn so much from watching YOU eat!
- If your baby is under 1 they’ll still be drinking formula or breast milk. You can serve some during the meal in an open cup, straw, or sippy cup. Children at this age typically don’t need fruit juice, but water is a great option. Once a child has their first birthday they can be transitioned to cow’s milk.
- At every meal offer a fruit or vegetable, carb, and protein for a balanced meal. Snacks don’t have to include a protein. Baby food is optional, but by this age focus on moving them towards all table food at a meal.
- Cutting foods into small pieces can be a pain, but offer small pieces that are easy to pick up and small amounts so they aren’t overwhelmed. This also helps prevent choking hazards of overstuffing and too large pieces that they can’t manage. You can also cut food into stick shapes if your child is able to manage that well.
- This suction mat is also my favorite if your using a chair that pulls right up to the table or if your going to a restaurant. Check out the little pocket to catch the food, brilliant. I used this with all three of my kids, and it’s held up amazingly! Seven years of use, not too shabby.
- If you use a high chair, these suction bowls are awesome for trays!
Before we move on, if your baby is 9-10 months old and struggling to eat table foods, be proactive. They can learn to eat with some specific strategies.
Check out the free workshop that will help you get your baby or toddler on the right track: 5 Easy Changes Parents Can Make To Help Babies & Toddlers Eat Table Foods Well!. Includes a free workbook:)
Food Ideas for 10-11 month and 1 Year Olds
Protein Ideas
Tofu
Meatballs (gluten and dairy free optional with this link)
Meatloaf
Cheese shredded from a hand grater (it is thicker and easier to grab this way)
Salmon
Chicken (make sure it’s a soft texture)
Homemade mini Chicken Nuggets (gluten and dairy free option)
Turkey (ground or breast cutlet)
Hard-boiled egg
Scrambled egg
Hummus
Black Beans
Cheese Spreads
Cottage Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Crumbled Goat Cheese (or use as spread)
Plain Pulled Port (make sure it’s extra soft)
Shreds of Pot Roast (make sure it’s extra soft)
Yogurt
Tzatziki Sauce (may need to puree if there are large pieces of cucumber in it)
Peanut Butter (now safe to give to babies/toddlers, spread thin or thin out with water)
Olive oil (great healthy fat, drizzle on top of carbs or veggies)
Carb Ideas for Baby and Toddler
Toast
Plain or Buttered Bread
English Muffin
Bagel
Cheerios
Barley
Corn Grits/Polenta
Brown Rice
Short Pasta
Graham Crackers
Town House Crackers
Pancakes
Crepes
French Toast
Tortilla
Pita
Oatmeal
Quinoa
Cream of wheat
Fruit and Vegetable Breads (ie: Zucchini, banana)
Muffins
Fresh Fruit/Vegetable Ideas for Baby and 1 Year Old
Peaches
Watermelon
Plum
Mango
Banana
Avocado
Potato
Sweet Potato
Applesauce
Pears
Peas
Cooked Diced Apples
Cooked Diced Carrots (great to use pieces from soups)
Cooked Diced Celery
Pureed Soups (ie: tomato, butternut squash)
Inside of Baked Potato
Mashed Potato
Mashed Sweet Potato
Broccoli (make sure it’s extra soft)
Cauliflower (make sure it’s extra soft)
Puree Fruits
Butternut Squash
Zucchini
Strawberries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Raspberries (many babies will find these too tart, but still give it a try)
Spinach (use in casseroles or foods you’re mashing up)
*If your baby is struggling with the taste or texture of fresh fruits you can also try freeze dried varieties. They’re also great as quick health snack while you’re traveling.
Baby Meal Plans
Below, I am outlining some various meal plans, just to give you some ideas. Many of the meals would suit a toddler or big kid as well. Again, depending on how your child is managing foods, you may need to dice or mash foods more. I would encourage you to think of what you are eating and if you could modify it for your baby. Ideally you want your baby (soon to be toddler) to be eating what you are eating.
This may mean some planning ahead.
Mash up or chop up what you are eating into small pieces. Once you get into this frame of mind, you will be surprised to think of all the foods your baby can enjoy, too!
Also, I try to vary textures at each meal. Meaning, I want one kind of food that need to be eaten from a spoon and at least one that is finger-fed. It doesn’t always work out this way, but that’s the goal. especially as they are transitioning off of all pureed foods.
Breakfast Ideas for 10 -11 Month and 1 Year Olds
- English muffin with cream cheese and chopped strawberries
- Cottage cheese (depending on age, may need to chop coarsely in food processor), diced pear, and graham crackers
- Diced hard-boiled egg, diced toast with butter, and applesauce
- Cream Of Wheat with pureed berries and plain whole milk yogurt (yes, mix this all together)
- Pumpkin waffles and diced banana
Check out toddler breakfast ideas for more inspiration.
Lunch Ideas for 10-11 month and 1 year Olds
- Tortilla folded in half (quesadilla style) with a little melted cheese inside and mashed avocado
- No sugar added applesauce, zucchini bread, and shredded mozzarella pieces
- Tomato soup with black beans and blueberry cornbread
- Hummus spread on pita with diced fruit salad (or whatever fruit you have on hand)
- Shreds of pot roast in tzatziki sauce and pureed mango-banana sauce (blend pieces of mango and banana together, leaving it a little chunky)
Head over to toddler lunches for 17 more easy and healthy ideas perfect for 1 and 2 year olds!
Dinner Ideas for 10-11 Month and 1 Year Olds
- Ricotta or cottage cheese, spaghetti sauce, spinach, and whole wheat noodles chopped coarsely through a blender or food processor. Also, give some pieces of noodles to finger feed
- Tilapia, steamed and slightly overcooked broccoli, and polenta
- Meatballs, barley, and diced carrots
- Mashed sweet potatoes, tender turkey breast or cutlet, and pieces of buttered bread
- Canned salmon (I always use wild Alaskan), quinoa, and diced apples/butternut squash
Find even more food ideas for babies and toddlers in Ultimate List of Baby/Toddler Meal Ideas and if you’re looking specifically for high calorie foods, click on over to High Calorie Foods for Baby and Toddlers.
Want a Free Printable Food List for 10-11 Month and 1 Year Old’s?
Yup, you heard me right, grab our Mega List of Toddler Foods and Meal Ideas Printable full of tons of finger food ideas for toddlers and babies, with Bonus High Calorie Foods. You can print this out and hang it right on your fridge. I’ll send it right to your inbox!
More for Babies and Toddlers
How to Transition Your Baby to Table Foods
Toddler Portion Sizes: How Much to Serve
How to Teach Your Baby or Toddler to Feed Themself
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Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 19 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
Thank you so much for this information! I have an 11 month old. We have been transitioning to solids but I have had the hardest time finding good resources for food ideas and tips. Your blog has eased my nerves about this new adventure my baby and I are embarking on. I am so excited about utilizing your ideas!
Thanks so much Morgan, make sure you take a look around, if you click on the article index under start here in the menu bar, you’ll find lots of resources for little ones!
Hi Alisha, I just have to say that I have been researching on how to transition 13 month old to table food and this was absolutely the most helpful article I have found so far. I have already fed him some of the things you mentioned, like the cooked sliced up carrots, cheese, ground turkey, etc. He rejects it most of the time, is there any type of approach that you use or should I just keep trying until he becomes interested? Another question I had is when you cook any of type of meat, what fat do you use to cook it with as in butter or olive oil? I’m also have the worst time weening him off the bottle. But again thank you so much for writing this article!
Thank you so much Jade, I’m glad it has been helpful. Is he eating the crunchy meltable foods well? Does he like those, can you offer more of those (different flavors, brands, types?) Also, I would try expanding the variety you are giving him. Have you tried a wide range?
I would keep offering him and demonstrating, for sure! As for the oil, totally your preference, I use both. Have you seen the bottle weaning article? Use the search bar or click under start here and go to the article index and you’ll see it there. You’ll really want to watch those feeding times because if he is having to much milk that could keep him from wanting to eat. Oh, you saw the transitioning to table foods articles too, right? Let me know if you need more direction!
I have a 12 month old who has NEVER liked eating! For the last 6 months the most I have ever got him to eat was about 5 bites of a purée. Now that I can feed him a variety of foods, I was wondering if you had any tips or suggestions that will help me? I gave up on purées about 2 months ago and do beans, eggs, yogurt, soft noodles from soups, stuff like that and still only get 3-5 bites and he’s pushing it away. I’ll throw a couple gerber puffs on his tray and he’ll pick them up and eat a good amount. So I’ll dice up a fruit or veggie to see if he’ll do the same thing but he doesn’t. I’m losing my mind please help! I love the foods you have listed along with the meal plans, I’m just afraid to try them because he wastes everything I have ever made him and it is getting so expensive.
I am also experiencing the same thing with my 16 month old.I have tried alot but she never likes anything not even formula milk. There’s not even a single item I can say she likes no fries, snacks, sandwich, fruit, veg, pasta, soup, yogurt, cheese NOTHING 🙁 I am still breastfeeding her and wants to quit but I can’t as she don’t want to have anything else. I still give her cerelac and everything mashed like potatoes, vegetables. If I dice up a fruit or veg she wastes everything and if I force her to eat she starts to gag or sometimes vomit.Can someone tell what should I do to make her start eating like normal babies do.
Hi Maria, you are totally in the right place! I’m an OT and have helped lots of kids with similar difficulties before. I have so much written here that I think will be helpful. Click on the “articles” tab in the menu bar and scroll down to milestones. I would strongly recommend reading the posts on “how to transition your child to table foods” and “help for babies and toddlers”. That will be a great start, take a look there and then let me know what questions you have.
I have a 2-year old who Is not much of an eater and it’s making me mental! I’m so excited to see some of what you’ve written
I am very happy to have found your website, particularly your food page. You are a great source of knowledge. I have 13-month old twin girls. One eats solid food well and even feeds herself. The other will pick up food and just hold it or throw it on the floor, but won’t bring it to her mouth. If I try to guide her hand to her mouth she drops the food on the floor and jerks her hand away. Am I on the right track with continued attempts to guide her? She also refuses to drink anything other than milk and will not use any kind of cup (I’ve tried just about every sippy kind, including just using a straw). Also I am having trouble figuring out how to eliminate the bottle from their routine. When they wake from naps or nighttime sleeps they are used to getting a bottle of milk. Especially if they wake really thirsty. They still seem to really want it. I wish I had a sample schedule of what their eating/drinking schedule should look like. Something that shows when they’d get milk and snacks and meals. Do you know where I can find something like this? Thanks for the great blog!
I generally avoid foods which require baby to chew them properly. Whatever you make should melt in her mouth instantly. Otherwise if the baby doesn’t chew properly there is chance of indigestion and her throwing up.
“Make sure everything you give your baby for the first time is closely monitored. Chew a small piece in your mouth first and pay attention to how hard it is to chew. If it doesn’t break down easily and quickly, it probably isn’t a good choice.” This is a wonderful tip. I always wonder whether my 1 year old son can chew something or not.
Good, I’m glad it helped!
Alot of great ideas! So glad i saw this page.
Alot of great ideas! So glad i saw this page.
So happy I found your site…..breathing again knowing that my 10 month old and I have been on the right track.
better call saul online
So happy I found your site…..breathing again knowing that my 10 month old and I have been on the right track. He loves eating and is ready to move on from pureed. I was so nervous with what to give, size,texture and then over think the choking. Ahhhh..deep breath I finally found my guidelines.
Thank you so much Shelley, I appreciate it! Enjoy all the fun eating that is ahead!
hi my baby is 14 months old she is not eating any food anyone can suggest any food
It sounds like there may be some other issues going on. Make sure you look at the article index in the menu bar, there are tons of ideas and strategies. Especially see the how to transition to your baby to table foods. Good luck!
Hi! This is great information as I was getting bored with the same old stuff and latley he doesnt want to eat meats…will chew it and then spit it out. I make sure its small and soft….how can I get the emails? If you could send me some more of your info that would be awesome!! gentle_Alyssa@outlook.com 🙂
I just added you. You should receive a confirmation email. If it didn’t work at the top of the right side bar there is a box that says follow by email subscription, just add your email there. Thanks!
im so glad i found this website! my daughter is 14 months and still has NO teeth, so for me i thought that meant no real food. so up until now, all i have been feeding her is puffs, yogurt melts, bits of apple, oatmeal, and 3rd solid foods. now from reading this site i feel HORRIBLE about not introducing her to real food. I am just so afraid of choking BC she has no teeth. Well today for the first time I gave her scrambled eggs, and tiny pieces of chicken and cooked broccoli and red peppers and she did great!! Loved everything and despite no teeth chewed well. I am most nervous about crackers, how will she chew that w no teeth? What foods are best for 14 month old w no teeth? Thank you, your website is amazing, keep up the good work! Jenn
Hi Jenn, don’t worry, but I would get started with anything on this list. Kids don’t need teeth to chew and even if she had teeth it would likely be her front ones which don’t require chewing. She should be chewing on her gums where her molars will be. Good luck!
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Thank you SO much for posting this! I have a 9 month old and have been looking everywhere for menu examples, as he is starting to ween off baby food. This is fantastic!