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.
So my daughter only has 2 teeth but she is 11 months, is it still safe to give her these foods listed? I’ve done a few like eggs and cottage cheese and she did fantastic but I wasn’t sure if it was sokay to add additional food because she only has 2 teeth. Any advice would be so greatful!
Hi Eileen! Babies actually don’t need teeth to chew, so I wouldn’t worry if she doesn’t have many. Their gums are strong and are made for chewing! So definitely keep exploring solid foods with different textures, just monitor closely while she eats 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
Hello! When feeding my 11 month old do I just cut everything into cube shapes no matter what it is? Like plain bread, how would I cut that for her? Seems so simple but I’m just not sure and I don’t want her to choke. Thanks in advance. 🙂
Hi Desiree! Thanks for reaching out! Yes, at that age, soft, cubed, bite-sized pieces work best! For soft bread, that might look like pulling apart tiny pieces by hand. For toast, that might look like cutting thin strips or square pieces. Toasted bread tends to be easier, since soft bread can sometimes stick to the roof of baby’s mouth. We have more tips here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello! Thank you for this great list. It will make it considerably easier for me to plan meals for my 7 month old. I would like to ask you about what i can give her among those foods which you listed? She showed interest in foods since she was 4 months old and that is when we started giving her purees but that is all i give her and that too not everyday.. i just have a hard time knowing what i can give her and what i can’t.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
You’re so welcome!! We’re so glad that you found it helpful 🙂
Best,
Andrea
I’m sorry but.. you didn’t answer my question 😅
I guess it wasn’t clear?
Oh I’m so sorry about that! You can really puree almost any of the foods on the list into a smooth puree and give those to a 7 month old. It sounds like you haven’t introduced solid foods beyond purees yet. You’ll continue to provide purees and then introduce solid foods. When first teaching to chew, we suggest starting off with dissolvable solids like gerber puffs or graham crackers. Our Teach Your Baby to Chew Article is a great resource to give you more details!
Best,
Andrea
What are your thoughts about giving a beefsteak tomato as a first food? I was thinking the insides of it would be an interesting texture kind of like chia seeds. But it’s not something that would dice well and I’m not sure if it would be a gagging or choking hazard? Just curious what you think. 🙂
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for reaching out! A tomato would be a challenge as a first food because of all the different textures. It also doesn’t break down easily, so may pose a choking hazard for an inexperienced eater. It might make a good sensory exploration activity though, so much for a little one to feel and smell. We have a post on Teaching How to Chew that might be helpful! I hope that helps!
Best,
Andrea
Hello! I have a 1 year old son that has a milk protine allergy and have no idea what kinds of foods to cook him! Could you give some ideas?
Hi Rebecca,
Going dairy free, especially with a picky eater can be really difficult! You might try a milk alternative in recipes that typically involve milk or leave off the cheese. Tacos can be a meal that is easy to adapt for everyone’s needs. You might check out our Gluten Free/ Dairy free post for more ideas.
Best,
Andrea
Hi,
My baby girl just turned 8 months a few days ago. She has, in the past week, really nailed chewing the puffs and other first boxed baby foods of the like. She is seeming to be over the baby oatmeals and pouch foods though. She likes to hold the spoon when I hand it to her but the pureed baby food doesn’t really get eaten. I feel a desire to give her real food, but is it too early? She just now got the hang of chewing puffs and halved melts and creamies. Should I wait until 9 months or is it safe to get her started this early? I should note that I tried the blw approach a little with finger sized cucumber, avocado, scrambled egg at 7 months and she just threw it in the floor. I was also calm on the outside for her sake but inside….so worried about her getting choked on such big bites. That’s when I found your site and tried a different approach. But now I’m just not sure if it’s to early to advance her on.
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for reaching out! Each child progresses at their own level! If you feel she’s ready and she’s safely eating dissolvable solid type foods you might try soft cubed foods like fruit breads or ripe avocado. You can also check out our Teaching How to Chew Guide, it might be a great starting point.
Best,
Andrea
Thank you! We had a pretty good day yesterday. She let me feed her 3 or 4 small pieces of watermelon because she can’t pick them up and put them in her mouth yet. And she had a lovely sensory experience with ricotta cheese! What made it in her mouth seemed to go over well. Today she played with “sand” made from graham crackers and baby cereal and that went well. But none of her feeding sessions did. She won’t let me help her anymore and can’t get puffs off her hand into mouth. She picked up the tomato flavor curl and got it to her mouth but was turned off by taste. I mashed up a banana and put it on her tray. She touched it but none of it made it to her mouth. I ate all of it with her, except banana. She watches me intently but, still no go with trying anything herself. I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m so, frustrated I just want to cry.
Hi Nikki,
We know it can be so frustrating! It sounds like you she had so many good experiences in there. You’re doing a great job! It can take a bit of time. You might also check out our free table foods workshop. It’s full of helpful hints. You can save your seat HERE. Let us know if you have any questions at all!
Best,
Andrea
Hello. My 15 month old baby has no appetite. I am very confused on what to give her. Do you have any advice on what is best to offer her to have her appetite back?
Hi Faye,
We’re so glad you’re here! Toddlers appetites tend to go up and down. If her appetite doesn’t improve, you might check in with the doctor. If it is more picky eating, then we have a free table foods workshop that would be helpful. You can save your seat HERE. I hope that helps!
Best,
Andrea
Thank you for all of the great information! I have a 13-month old that prefers to feed herself and mostly uses her hands. We find that utensils end up being a distraction. We started solids at 6 months and have been doing non-purees for the last 2 months. Our problem is she doesn’t really eat a lot. Some days she barely eats any solids, and just wants to breastfeed. A lot of times, we’ll sit her in her high chair and she’ll eat a tablespoon of food, and then she’ll lose interest and want to get out of the chair, so breastmilk still makes up a significant portion of her daily calories and I have continued to breastfeed on-demand. Is this normal for 13 months? Any ideas on how to help her be more interested in eating table foods? At mealtimes, we offer the table food first, and if she doesn’t want to eat, we of course don’t force her. When she was younger (6-9 months) she was a great eater and would happily eat what we ate. Once she hit 11-ish months she no longer wanted to be fed. Currently, the only food she enjoys eating is pasta, broccoli, raw dark green leafys (like from a salad), baby puffs (like Happy Baby brand or Lesser Evil Lil puffs), cooked spinach (sometimes), and banana (sometimes). We keep trying new foods, while also still including some foods she likes to try and slowly expand her palette. Appreciate any advice. Thank you.
Hi LB,
Thanks for reaching out! Figuring out how to transition to less milk and more table food can be tricky. You might want to try to drop one typical breastfeeding session around mealtime and offer her a straw or open cup to drink with the meal. This can be filled with milk, water or breastmilk. This will also encourage cup drinking skills. The reduction in the amount of milk during that one feeding will also encourage her to be hungry for table food. We also have a sample feeding routine for 13 month old babies that might be helpful. I hope that is helpful! Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
Best,
Andrea
My 13 month old shows some interest in eating finger foods. He grasps and gets it to his mouth really well, chews, and then just spits all the food out. I’ve tried lots of different foods and have been stuck in this cycle for over a month. I keep giving him pouches bc I want to make sure he eats (he’s also super tiny). I’m not sure what to do? I have an appt w a specialist but not for several months. He doesn’t seem to get straws or cups either. Anything I can do or advice?
Hey Sara,
Thanks for reaching out to us! With him not getting the straw/cup, I’d maybe try to work on some oral motor skills and work on him drinking from open cup, as these skills might help to transfer over. Providing him with a drink in open cup can help flood the mouth to help him learn to swallow the foods that he is chewing as well. Check out these 34 Oral Motor Exercises that You Never Knew You Needed for some ideas!
Best,
Desiree
My daughter is a really great eater, and I think she’s ready to start eating some of the same foods as us, texture-wise, but I have read some things about being careful of salt content with infants. Do you worry about the salt content if serving baby the same foods you’re eating? At what age is this no longer as much of a concern? Thanks!
Hey Molly,
I’d make sure to talk this over with your pediatrician as they are able to help you in this area. However, generally speaking if you are providing them foods that you are eating say for dinner, and it’s higher in salt, then I’d make sure the other meals are lower. Also, when cooking trying to keep the salt off and only adding it to your own plates as needed can help as well!
Best,
Desiree
Hi, my daughter just loves food whatever we are eating. But she just takes two bites and runs away. She can chew also but doesn’t want her food that way. Doesn’t like to sit on the high chair at alll. Also, wanted to ask if giving her 10 to 12 oz of milk is enough as u tend to add milk to her meals too but i think she loses appetite. Is more needed or is it enough ? And lastly, if whole wheat bread with jam is okay to be given in the morning?
Thanks alot for the article.
Hey Afreen,
So glad you reached out! I’d first check out her seating, you can read about it here. Also, I’m not sure how old your child is, but you can read about milk requirements here.
Best,
Desiree
Hi. This website is great. I’m struggling with what to give my 13 month old, he is on 1 year plus baby food but as he suffers with severe acid reflux he constantly gags and has really bad acid attacks all the time since he has been born, he goes floppy and almost like choke like symptoms and we always end up taking him to A & E as they are aware of his condition. We have tried now for the last 3 months to move him onto things such as toast eggs beans banana etc but he can’t seem to handle it- and really does choke on them.. I’m just soo worried now .. he has started to have things like banana, mash potato and sweet potato and cheese in bread and pasta.. but he won’t try carrots broccoli or even toast. As a mother I’m worried people would talk that my little one is not eating a variety of foods but honestly I have tried .
Thanks for reaching out, we know how hard it can be to get your little one to transition to table foods. I’d try to keep up the variety with presenting other similar textures (soft cubes) which are the same as the banana, such as avocado. We do have a free workshop that walks you through this transition with some great tips as well. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My 1 year old loves to eat. But when in high chair he screams if his food is not there immediately. He shovels it in his mouth so fast and if you try to just feed him one bite at a time he screams. And as soon as he has eaten all his food and we know he has to be full. He screams. We love to go out to eat. So we are trying to teach him good habits at the table. By putting him in high chair at home and not letting him down till we are done eating. But it’s the same at home as it is in restaurants. He is screaming every second he is in chair unless his mouth is full. So waiting on food and waiting on another bite is screaming. Not sure what to do. My other children never acted this way.
Thanks
Tammy
Hey Tammy,
Thanks for reaching out! I’d check into his chair seating to see if there can be any adjustments that he may need to make it more comfortable and appropriate for him. You can read all about it HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi, I’m having trouble getting the email of the printable lists. Is there anyway someone would be Able to send it to me?
Also my child has been (swating) with his hands me and the spoon away while feeding him. What are some things to do to change that kind of behavior at the table.
Noting he’s only 10 months.
Hey Ashley,
You can reach out to us at hello@yourkidstable.com to request a printable since you are having trouble with it. Secondly as for your son. I’d try not to draw too much attention to it, but I’d also make sure that you are providing him with his own spoon that he can hold onto and scoop into the food and be able to touch/explore the food during feeding time as well. This can help keep him engaged with the food and decrease the swatting.
Best,
Desiree
Hi I seem to be having issues with getting a copy of the mega foods list also. Any way you can send it to me? Just looking at the site has been very helpful with getting my 14 month old started on the right path to eating. Out of all the sites I’ve checked out, yours really is the most useful and helpful. 🙂
Hey Natasha,
So sorry you are having trouble with getting the printable! I am glad that you are enjoying our site and information! You can reach out to us at hello@yourkidstable.com and let us know which printable you are having trouble with and we can help!
Best,
Desiree
Confusion over what a 9mo old should be eating.one grandparent wants to feed table food other wants all organic fruits and vegetables? My concern is the size of foods you suggest for feeding herself? Seem awfully large for 9mo with only 3 baby teeth. Mention peanut butter isnt there a chance for allergy
Hey Liz,
Babies actually don’t need teeth to chew, so I wouldn’t worry if she doesn’t have many. Their gums are strong and are made for chewing! If you are concerned with the peanut butter you can bring it up to your pediatrician to see what they recommend. We do think a mixture of table foods and puree is great!
Best,
Desiree
My 9 month old is showing signs of wanting to feed himself I’m looking for new food ideas that if filling not just snack foods. So far he likes everything! Lol
That’s awesome Becky! The printable will have some great ideas for you!
Best,
Desiree
This article is so helpful! Thanks for having everything listed out! But I do have a question about feeding foods with added salt such as hummus. This has been the most.. problematic.. in our transition because everything we eat or purchase out will have added salt and we were told to limit or not give any. What is the rule of thumb for allowing salted foods or allowing them to eat what we eat? Would be great to get an opinion on this!
Hey Jenny,
This is a great question. Generally if you are having your toddler eat something out or higher in sodium I would then offer them other foods for the rest of the day that are lower in sodium to balance that out. Same goes for if it seemed to be a higher sodium day, the next day I’d keep it lower. Hope that helps!
Best,
Desiree
Wow, I can’t tell you how brilliant your website is and how much it’s helped my boyfriend and I with our little picky baby Emery!! Meal time was getting very hard for all of us in the last months … Even though I’m an OT too🙈 Thanks a million!!!
So glad we can help Marjolaine!! Feel free to utilize the search function on our website to locate any topics of interest/need 🙂
Best,
Desiree
great post and great website.