Most first-time moms are unsettled about their little one’s eating patterns. Having a 16-month-old baby fuss around with food frequently could leave you agitated. Introducing new foodstuffs by experimenting with food ideas for 16 months babies could be a great way to feed them nutritious and delicious food. At 16 months, your baby is rapidly growing, and their energy levels are soaring. However, with their intuitive minds driving them to explore their surroundings, it is not easy to have them sit calmly and finish their meals. Hence, it may be challenging for parents to maintain a balanced diet. Read on as we share some food ideas to help you feed your 16-month-old.
1. Grains
From pasta to brown bread, there are a whole lot of grain choices to include in your baby’s meal plans. Whole grain muffins will make a quick breakfast and snack option for your baby. You can also sneak in extra fruits while preparing muffins. Cut out sandwich with a pastry or cookie cutter in interesting shapes to make it more appealing. Animals, stars, dinosaurs, and hearts are all fun options.
2. Milk
After your baby’s first birthday, you can continue breastfeeding him if you want. Or you can introduce him to cow’s milk. But give the milk in a cup, not a bottle. You don’t need to give him formula milk. Give your child a minimum of 350 to 400 ml milk every day. Milk does play an important role in your baby’s growth, but don’t give him more than the required amount. It may reduce his appetite for solid foods. It is better if he obtains all the nutrients from a varied diet. The best 16 months baby foods are excellent to feed. It’s essential that they get vitamin D and calcium in their daily diet. You may consult your pediatrician to know about the dairy milk alternatives.
3. Yogurt
If your baby doesn’t like milk, then you can offer him some yogurt. Threeservings of yogurt a day are enough for the development of a 16-month-old baby. Mix yogurt with his favorite fruit puree to serve as a delicious snack.
4. Fruits
The different hues, aromas, textures, tastes, shapes and sizes of fruits are sure to appeal to your toddler. So serve him a new fruit every day to tantalize his taste buds in a healthy way. You can offer him the goodness of seasonal fruits.
5. Poultry
Almost 15% of kids under three years of age do not get enough iron. Hence, it is important to include iron-rich foods in your baby’s diet. Poultry is an excellent source of iron and is a sure shot hit among children. Go ahead and explore some chicken recipes that will make your toddler drool.
6. Vegetables
Veggies are an essential source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Adding vegetables to your baby’s diet will work wonders for his immunity and protect him from various infections and illnesses. You can also prepare vegetable stock and add it to the different baby foods you prepare for your little one.
7. Beans And Legumes
Beans and Legumes are a rich source of protein, iron, dietary fiber, and B vitamins. You can serve your toddler baked beans for breakfast or lentil soup at dinner.
8. Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of proteins and other essential nutrients. You can serve this versatile food in various forms like hard-boiled eggs or egg scramble. Eggs are so healthy and yummy that you would want them to be a part of your toddler’s diet for years to come. Eggs can give so many 16 month old baby food recipes.
9. Fish
Your baby’s brain needs essential fats like EPA and omega three fatty acids to develop well. These healthy fats come mainly from fish. So at this stage, you must make fish an important part of your baby’s diet. Choose fishes that contain minimal mercury like Herring, Atlantic mackerel and salmon for your baby. Remember to remove all the tiny bones while feeding your baby.
10. Porridge
Porridge will make a highly nutritious breakfast for your baby. It is an excellent source of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and dietary fiber. Moreover, it will keep his little tummy full for a couple of hours and keep crankiness at bay.
