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Best food for 15 months old baby


Baby and toddler meal ideas

If you need some inspiration to help you cook healthy and tasty food for your child, try these meal ideas.

These are not suitable as first foods but are fine once your baby is used to eating a wide range of solid foods. Read more about your baby's first solid foods.

When preparing food for babies, do not add sugar or salt (including stock cubes and gravy) directly to the food or to the cooking water.

You can find more recipes and meal ideas on the Start4Life website.

Breakfast ideas for babies and young children

  • unsweetened porridge or lower-sugar cereal mixed with whole milk and topped with fruit, such as mashed ripe pear or banana
  • wholewheat biscuit cereal (choose lower-sugar options) with whole milk and fruit
  • lower-sugar breakfast cereal and unsweetened stewed apple with plain, unsweetened yoghurt
  • toast fingers with mashed banana and smooth peanut butter (if possible, choose unsalted and no added sugar varieties)
  • toast fingers with a hard-boiled egg and slices of tomato, banana or ripe peach
  • toast or muffin fingers with scrambled egg and slices of tomato

Lunch ideas for babies and young children

  • lamb curry with rice
  • cauliflower cheese with cooked pasta pieces
  • baked beans (reduced salt and sugar) with toast
  • scrambled egg with toast, chapatti or pitta bread served with vegetable finger foods
  • cottage cheese (full-fat) dip with pitta bread, cucumber and carrot sticks

Dinner ideas for babies and young children

  • mashed sweet potato with chickpeas and cauliflower
  • shepherd's pie (made with beef or lamb and/or lentils or vegetarian mince) with green vegetables
  • rice and mashed peas with courgette sticks
  • minced chicken and vegetable casserole with mashed potato
  • mashed canned salmon with couscous and peas
  • fish poached in milk with potato, broccoli and carrot

Finger foods for babies and young children

Finger food is food that's cut up into pieces big enough for your child to hold in their fist with a bit sticking out. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well.

Examples of finger foods:

  • soft-cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, courgette, parsnip and sweet potato
  • carrot or cucumber sticks and avocado
  • fresh fruits, such as apple (soft-cooked if needed), banana or soft, ripe peeled pear or peach
  • toast, pitta or chapatti fingers
  • unsalted and unsweetened rice or corn cakes
  • strips of meat without bones, such as chicken and lamb
  • cheese on toast fingers, made with full-fat cheese, and cucumber
  • hard boiled eggs
  • omelette fingers

Healthy snacks for young children

Babies under 12 months do not need snacks; if you think your baby is hungry in between meals, offer extra milk feeds instead.

Once your baby is 1 year old, you can introduce 2 healthy snacks in between meals. For example:

  • vegetables, such as broccoli florets, carrot sticks or cucumber sticks
  • slices of fruit, such as apple, banana or soft, ripe peeled pear or peach
  • pasteurised, plain, unsweetened full-fat yoghurt
  • toast, pitta or chapatti fingers
  • unsalted and unsweetened rice or corn cakes
  • small strips of cheese

Getting your child to eat fruit and vegetables

It may take up to 10 tries, or even more, for your child to get used to new foods, flavour and textures.

Be patient and keep offering a variety of fruits and vegetables, including ones with bitter flavours, such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and cabbage.

Try to make sure fruits and vegetables are included in every meal.

To help your child eat more fruit and vegetables:

  • give carrot sticks, cucumber sticks or slices of pepper with hummus as a snack
  • give apple slices with smooth peanut butter as a snack
  • mix chopped or mashed vegetables with rice, mashed potatoes, meat sauces or dhal
  • add vegetables to classic savoury dishes such as cottage or shepherd's pie, spaghetti bolognese or casseroles
  • chop prunes or dried apricots into cereal or plain, unsweetened yoghurt, or add them to a stew
  • for a tasty dessert, try mixing fruit (fresh, canned or stewed) with plain, unsweetened yoghurt

Read more about helping your baby enjoy new foods and fussy eaters.

Drinks for babies and young children

Find out about drinks and cups for babies and young children.

Page last reviewed: 21 December 2022
Next review due: 21 December 2025

Healthy And Interesting Food Ideas For 15-Month-Olds

Age-appropriate, nutritious foods keep your little one healthy and nourished.

Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

Image: Shutterstock

Once your tiny tot hits 15 months, they can distinguish different tastes and may change their food habits. At this age, they would want to have more than just pureed and mashed foods. Hence, you could consider trying some healthy food ideas for 15-month-olds. These food options need to be healthy as well as appeal to your infant’s changing tastes.

Since your baby needs to have at least three meals a day with healthy snacks in between, you may want to try out various recipes. Hence, we have compiled a list of the best food ideas for a 15-month-old baby.

Foods You Can Feed A Toddler

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 50% of the calories should come from fat during the initial two years after birth (1). And the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests nearly 13 grams protein for a 15-month-old every day (2).
Therefore, plan a balanced meal wherein you add one source of protein to one source of carb with adequate amounts of fat to complete the dish. The meal plan for a 15-month-old can be a mix cereals, bread, rice, wheat, pasta, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dry fruits, dry beans, oil, milk, and dairy products. Below we list the essential foods that you may feed your baby.

Related: Rice Cereal For Babies: Health Benefits And Nutritional Value

1.

Cow’s milk (whole or full cream milk)

Several mothers ask us, “How much milk for a 15-month-old?” You may give 360-480ml cow milk (3) every day to meet the daily requirements of calcium and vitamin D.

  • As your baby is a toddler now, offer them cow milk in a cup and not in a bottle.
  • Divide 480ml of milk into three servings and these can be given in any form, such as milkshakes, puddings, yogurt, paneer, custard, etc., to offer a variety rather than plain milk. But always remember to give one form only once a day.
  • You may continue or stop breastfeeding now. You no longer have to offer formula milk as the solid food diet caters to all the requirements.

Quick fact

Full-fat milk is recommended for toddlers until two years of age, as the fat in milk is essential for optimal brain development. Children with a family history or those at a risk of obesity may be advised against consuming full-fat milk (7)(8).

2. Fresh fruits and vegetables

Encourage your toddler to develop a taste for as many unprocessed, fresh foods as possible. This includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that will not only add color to the plate but also make your baby’s meal nutritious. The daily dose of such a meal will help your toddler get a good supply of the basic nutrients necessary for growth and development.

Related: 16 Best Vegetables For Babies From Infancy To One Year

3. Cereals

Cereals are good sources of carbohydrates, which is the main source of energy to the body. A toddler needs the energy to fuel the developmental changes happening in their body. Hence, include several varieties of cereals, such as rice, wheat, and millets, in their daily diet, given during different times of the day. Fortified cereals with no added sugar or salt or artificial coloring can also be added to the diet.

4. Protein and fat diet

Protein-rich foods are a must in the toddler’s diet. If you prefer animal protein, add meat, chicken, and egg for a balanced intake of fat and protein. You can also try fish like salmon, canned light tuna, catfish, and pollock. But as you do so, remember to cook them well.
If you prefer vegetarian protein sources, cheese is a good source. It makes a great finger food for a 15-month-old and can be included in almost any meal. Similarly, add a variety of pulses to the diet. You can also add nuts and seeds in the meal but mash or powder them to avoid choking.

Note: Introduce one new food at a time with brief waiting periods. Look for signs and symptoms of any allergy which might come up with the addition of new foods in the diet.

Diet Chart For 15-Month-Old Babies

Early morning

      • ½ to 1 cup whole milk

Breakfast

      • ½ cup iron – fortified breakfast cereal or 1 cooked egg
      • Add fruit to cereal or offer as it is
      • ½ banana, sliced
      • 2–3 sliced strawberries

Mid-morning

      • 1 slice toast or whole wheat muffin
      • Apply 1–2 tablespoons cream cheese or peanut butter, or yogurt
      • A few fruit slices
      • ½ cup whole milk

Lunch

      • ½ Sandwich sliced turkey or chicken, tuna, egg salad, or peanut butter
      • ½ cup cooked green vegetables
      • ½ cup cereal

Evening snack

      • 2–3 tablespoons fruits or berries or 1–2 ounces cubed or string cheese
      • 1 cup whole milk

Dinner

      • 2–3 ounces ground or diced cooked meat
      • ½ cup cooked yellow or orange vegetables
      • ½ cup pasta, rice, or potato
      • ½ cup whole milk

Source: Healthychildren. org

Simple Homemade Recipes For 15-Month-Old

Here are a few simple homemade food ideas for your 15-month-old baby.

Breakfast recipes

1. Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Image: iStock

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 (adult)

You will need:
  • 3tbsp butter
  • 1tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup wheat flour
  • 3tbsp sugar
  • 1½tsp baking powder
  • ½tsp baking soda
  • ½tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1½ cup low fat buttermilk
  • 1 egg white
  • ¾ cup maple syrup
  • Cooking spray
How to:
  1. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk them together.
  2. While whisking, combine buttermilk, oil, egg, and egg whites in a bowl. Add the mixture to the flour mixture. Stir well.
  3. Heat a nonstick griddle coated with cooking spray, over medium heat.
  4. Spoon around one-fourth cup onto the griddle, per pancake.
  5. Turn over the pancakes when the tops are covered with bubbles and the edges are cooked.
  6. Serve with syrup and butter.

Quick tip

Replace the all-purpose flour with oats flour or almond flour to increase the nutritional value of pancakes for your toddlers.

2. Winter Squash Puree (Healthy Starter)

Image: iStock

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 to 1-1/2 cups

You will need:
  • 1tsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1tbsp precut fresh or frozen winter squash or pumpkin cubes
  • Water or milk as needed
How to:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. Mix olive oil and squash in a bowl. Toss them.
  3. Spread the squash on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast the squash for 20 minutes. Puree in a blender until smooth.
  5. Sieve the mixture and add water or milk to get the consistency.

3. Purple Puree

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2½ cups

You will need:
  • 1½ cups blueberries (puree)
  • 2 frozen spinach (10oz packages)
  • 1/2tsp lemon juice
  • 2tbsp water
How to:
  1. Place spinach in a pan and add water. Boil, cover, and simmer for seven minutes.
  2. Drain the water. Make a puree of spinach, blueberry, water, and lemon juice until smooth.

4. Ragi Idli

Image: iStock

Prep time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10 idlis

You will need:
  • 2 cups idli batter (fermented)
  • ½ cup nachi flour or ragi flour
  • Salt to taste
  • 1tbsp oil (to grease)
  • 1/4 cup + 2tbsp warm water
How to:
  1. Add warm water and the flour to a bowl. And mix to get a thick paste.
  2. Add the paste to idli batter. Add salt. Stir gently.
  3. Set aside for nearly 20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, boil the water in a steamer and grease the plates with oil.
  5. Pour the batter into molds and place the idli stand in the steamer.
  6. Allow it to steam for ten minutes and serve warm.

Related: 8 Simple Steps To Prepare Ragi Porridge For Your Baby

5. Oats Chilla

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 chilla

You will need:
  • 1 cup oats
  • Water as needed
  • ¼ cup chickpea flour
  • 1tsp cumin
  • Pinch of turmeric
  • ½ grated carrot
  • 1 small onion
  • Oil or ghee as needed
How to:
  1. Add powdered oats to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Add water as per requirement.
  2. Grease the oil on a pan. Heat it.
  3. Spread a ladle of batter on the pan. Drizzle oil around the edges.
  4. Flip it once it is cooked. Cook the other side too.

Healthy Snacks For 15-Month-Old

6. Oven-Roasted Green Beans (Finger Food)

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: ½ cup

You will need:
  • 1lb green beans (trimmed)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 2tsp extra-virgin olive oil
How to:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425ºC. Put jelly-roll pan for ten minutes in the oven.
  2. Take the beans in a bowl, sprinkle oil, add salt. Toss them well.
  3. On the pre-heat baking sheet, place bean mixture in a single layer.
  4. Bake for eight minutes until crisp and tender.

7. Dates Sesame Ladoo

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 20 min
Servings: 12 to 15 ladoos

You will need:
  • 300gm dates
  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup cashews or peanuts (roasted)
  • 4 green cardamoms
How to:
  1. Take a pan, add sesame seeds. Dry roast them on the medium flame.
  2. Cool and powder them.
  3. Mash the dates well and add sesame seeds powder. Knead for a few minutes to get a soft mixture.
  4. Make it into small balls. Store in an air-tight container.

8. Pasta Kheer

Image: iStock

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 servings

You will need:
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¾ cup pasta
  • ¼ cup jaggery syrup or organic sugar
  • 2 green cardamoms
  • 1 ½ rice flour mixed in ¼ cup water or milk
How to:
  1. Boil water in a pan. Add and cook pasta for a few minutes.
  2. Drain and keep aside.
  3. Heat butter and ghee in a pan, add cashews (if desired). Keep them aside after roasting.
  4. Pour milk into the same pan and boil. Add pasta and allow it to cook.
  5. Take a cup and add rice flour, water, and milk. Mix well without lumps.
  6. Pour this into the pan slowly, while stirring.
  7. Allow the pasta kheer to thicken. Sprinkle cardamom seeds on it.
  8. Add jaggery syrup or organic sugar as a sweetener.

9. Carrot Puree

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 cups

You will need:
  • 1 yam (peeled and cut)
  • 3 carrots (peeled and cut)
  • 2tbsp water
How to:
  1. Add yam and carrot to a pan with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Drain out water and puree the contents in a processor.

Related: Carrot For Babies: 11 Nutritious And Easy-To-Make Recipes

Lunch Ideas For A 15-Month Baby

10. Baby’s Little Pasta

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

You will need:
  • 1½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2tbsp uncooked pasta
How to:
  1. Add the chicken broth to a pan and bring it to a boil. Add pasta.
  2. Cook for seven minutes with intermittent stirring.

Quick tip

Add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and baby corn to your toddler’s pasta to enhance its nutritional value. Add eggs or other meats to make the meal protein-rich.

11. Khichdi (Indian Baby Food Recipe)

Image: iStock

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

You will need:
  • 2tbsp rice
  • 1tbsp tuvar dal (split red gram)
  • 2tbsp vegetables (grated and chopped)
  • Salt for taste
  • ½ tsp ghee
  • Turmeric (optional)
  • Pepper powder (optional)
How to:
  1. Wash the rice and dal together. Soak them in water for at least half an hour.
  2. Add chopped vegetables to the bowl containing rice and mixture.
  3. Pressure cook for two whistles on medium flame.
  4. After the pressure is released, mash the contents. Add salt, ghee, and turmeric. Mix well.

12. Yummy Warm Cereal

Image: iStock

Prep time:15 minutes
Servings: ½ cup (4 floz/125ml)

You will need:
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz/60 g) pearled barley powder
  • Water (as needed) or milk
How to:
  1. Boil water in a pan and slowly pour the powdered barley. Whisk continuously as you pour.
  2. Keep stirring and allow it to cook for ten minutes.
  3. Add water or milk to get the desired consistency.

13. Curd Oats

Image: Shutterstock

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

You will need:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 cups water/milk
  • ¾ cup fresh curd
  • Salt for taste
  • 1tbsp grated carrot or pomegranate seeds
  • 1tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
For seasoning:
  • 1tsp mustard seeds
  • 1tbsp oil
  • 1 dry red chili
  • 1 finely chopped green chili
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1.2 inch finely chopped ginger
  • 1tsp split black gram
How to:
  1. Cook oats in water for five minutes. Mix curd (well beaten) to the oats.
  2. Heat oil in a tempering pan and add all the ingredients for seasoning.
  3. Add this seasoning to the oat-curd mixture.
  4. Add salt and coriander leaves. Top with grated carrot or pomegranate seeds.

14. Curd Rice

Image: iStock

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

You will need:
  • 1 cup rice (cooked)
  • 1.5 cup milk
  • 1.5 cup curd
  • 2tbsp cream
  • Salt to taste
For seasoning:
  • 1tsp mustard seeds
  • 1tbsp oil
  • 1 dry red chili
  • 1 finely chopped green chili
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1.2 inch finely chopped ginger
  • 1tsp split black gram
How to:
  1. Mash the cooked rice add milk and keep stirring. Add the cream and curd.
  2. Heat oil in a tempering pan and add all the ingredients for seasoning.
  3. Add this mixture with oil to curd rice.

Related: Why Brown Rice Is Good For Babies

Dinner Ideas For 15-Month-Old Babies

15. Barley With Shiitakes And Spinach

Image: iStock

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 adult servings

You will need:
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2tsp olive oil
  • 1/2tsp chopped dried rosemary
  • 8 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
  • 3/4 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
  • 3tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 8 cups bagged baby spinach leaves
  • 1/4tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
How to:
  1. Heat oil on medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add garlic, rosemary, and onion. Saute for three minutes.
  2. Add mushrooms. Let them cook. Stir occasionally for eight minutes.
  3. Add cheese and spinach. Stir frequently. Cook for two minutes.

16. Banana & Avocado Guacamole

Image: iStock

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1½ cup

You will need:
  • 1 avocado (cut)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 garlic clove powder
  • ¼tsp lemon juice
How to:
  1. Scoop the flesh out of the Avacado half into a bowl.
  2. Peel banana, add the chunks into the Avacado bowl.
  3. Add garlic clove powder into the bowl. Sprinkle lemon juice.
  4. Mash them all using a potato masher.

17. Risotto Primavera

Image: iStock

Prep time: 40 minutes
Servings: 1½ cup

You will need:
  • 2 cups yellow squash (chopped)
  • 1½tsp olive oil
  • 3 cups asparagus (cut diagonally)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ¼tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups leak (chopped)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1½tsp fresh thyme
  • 1tbsp butter
  • 32oz chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt to taste
How to:
  1. Take a pan, add asparagus, squash, salt, black pepper, and saute on medium flame. Keep aside.
  2. Pour water and broth to another pan and keep them on low heat.
  3. Take a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Add leek and cook for five minutes. Add in one and half cup broth mixture, and cook.
  5. Add remaining broth mixture and keep stirring. Let the broth get absorbed.
  6. Add one-fourth cup thyme and cheese. Top it with veggies.

Things To Remember

You may try various recipes and combination of ingredients for the good of your baby. But you cannot force-feed them just because it is good for their health. Here are a few things to remember and dos and don’ts to follow:

1. Make food fun

It is now time to bring out your creativity with your toddler’s meal. Try pretending cauliflower or broccoli as trees on a mashed-potato island. Try cutting sandwiches, idlis, and more with cookie cutters to get them into the shapes of stars, animals, and more. Your little one would surely enjoy eating.

2. Eating habits change

Do not worry even if your toddler is a fussy eater. Their eating habits may change due to the change in the growth pattern. The food they loved last month may not remain the same now.
The toddler’s appetite may slow down in the second year, unlike the first year. Your baby must have tripled their birth weight in the first year, but the weight gain might slow down in the second year with an expected weight gain of just around 2.4kg.

3. Exploration time

It is time your little one is busy exploring the world and may not bother much about food. Also, their appetite is still not big enough to have one big meal. Be prepared for smaller meals several times all through the day.

4. No force, please

Remember, your toddler will eat when they are hungry. Do not force them to finish the plate or judge your little one by the quantity they are eating. Instead, check for their energy levels, physical as well as mental growth.

5. Allow self-feeding

Your toddler still needs your help while feeding but allow them to feed themselves if they want to. Do not worry if they get messy. A 15-month toddler will be able to hold and drink from a cup with a little assistance from an adult. They would show interest in eating with a spoon.

Quick tip

Do not label food as good or bad, involve your toddler in food preparation, and have at least one meal together as a family to encourage healthy food habits in toddlers.

1. Why does my 15-month-old baby chew the food but not swallow it?

If babies chew the food and do not swallow, the process is known as food pocketing. This may happen from weak muscles of the face and neck, sensory issues, behavioral disorders, cleft lip or palate, autism, nervous system disorders, low birth weight, and stomach problems. Talk to your child’s doctor if you notice swallowing problems in children (4).

2. How much water should a 15-month-old drink?

The suggested water intake for a 15-month old is 8 to 32oz or one to four cups daily (5).

3. What are the best foods for my 15-month baby to gain weight?

A 15-month baby can gain weight by eating high-calorie foods. You may offer them avocados, boiled and mashed beans, bananas, lentils, mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, whole milk yogurt, and fresh ground meat. Thinning these foods with formula, breast milk, or broth is ideal for feeding your baby (6).

Provide a balanced diet with fish, meat, and milk products for protein, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and cereals for your baby. A 15-month-old baby’s food usually contains pureed and finger foods. They can eat the same food prepared for the rest of the family but ensure that they contain less salt and spices. Avoid forceful feeding and allow the child to explore various foods and eat independently. Try presenting food in fun and creative ways to grab your baby’s attention. Whenever possible, try to eat together as a family to boost your bonding.

References:

1. Feeding and nutrition tips: Your 1-Year-Old; Toddler Nutrition; Healthy Children (2016)
2. Protein; Nutrition For Everyone; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2013)
3.Recommendations on milk intake for young children; Department of Health, Hong Kong
4.Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
5.Recommended Drinks for Young Children Ages 0-5; American Academy of Pediatrics
6.High Calorie Diet for Infants and Toddlers; UW School of Medicine and Public Health
7.Cow’s milk and children; National Library of Medicine
8.Cow’s Milk Alternatives: Parent FAQs; American Academy of Pediatrics

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Expanding the diet.

Nutrition for children from 1 year to 1.5 years. Menu and diet of a child after 1 year

Your baby has just celebrated his first "anniversary" - he is one year old. He has learned a lot this year. Should his eating style change now?

Perhaps we can say that your baby has entered a transitional stage in nutrition. He is no longer a baby. The kid will begin to master the "food environment" more and more and come closer in his eating habits and addictions to adults. But it takes some time for the baby to gradually adjust to a new style of eating. nine0005

By this age, the baby's digestive system has also undergone great changes. First, he already got his own teeth. As a rule, by the age of 1 year, children have 6-10 milk teeth. The chewing skills of the baby are rapidly improving. In this process, an important role is played by the interest in chewing food, which "gets" the crumbs in coarse or even unground form. Secondly, the activity of digestive enzymes produced in various parts of the baby's digestive tract has increased significantly. This means that he is already ready to digest and assimilate much more complex products than six months ago. Thirdly, the child has already become acquainted with many tastes of dishes; it is likely that he has already formed certain taste preferences. Further modification of nutrition should be associated not only with an increase in the nutritional value of the diet, but also with the expansion of the taste knowledge of the baby. nine0005

As a rule, breastfeeding after 1 year occurs early in the morning and late in the evening, before going to bed. Often, even at this age, night feedings are also preserved. There is nothing to worry about: it is impossible to overfeed with breast milk. In addition, recent studies allow us to say with confidence that nightly breastfeeding not only does not increase the risk of developing caries, but, on the contrary, prevents its development. Antibodies contained in breast milk inhibit the growth of staphylococcus aureus, which is the main cause of tooth decay. nine0005

If the baby has already stopped receiving breast milk, but continues to "sip" at night on a bottle of formula or even juice, then this should be stopped. Unfortunately, formulas differ in properties from breast milk. Therefore, their use, especially at night, significantly increases the risk of caries. The fact is that after them, as after any meal, the acid-base balance in the oral cavity is strongly shifted to the acidic side, which creates the prerequisites for the destruction of tooth enamel. And in general, by the age of one and a half, a baby should already be weaned from eating at night (this does not apply to breastfeeding), as this disturbs sleep, worsens appetite during the day and prevents parents from getting enough sleep. nine0005

When and how much to feed the baby?

Up to 1.5 years old, you can leave the baby five meals a day, but if you notice that the child refuses the last (fifth) feeding, then it's time to transfer him to the "adult" four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. In this case, the intervals between feedings are 3.5-4 hours. It is during this period, according to research, that the food eaten is evacuated from the stomach of the crumbs, that is, it is ready for the next meal. You should follow the established diet quite clearly: try not to deviate from the "schedule" for more than 15-30 minutes. If the feeding regimen is observed, a clearer work of the entire digestive system is observed: the food reflex determines the formation of a good appetite, digestive juices are produced in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities, which allows you to digest and assimilate food well. With erratic nutrition, such a reflex is almost not developed, the secretion of enzymes and juices decreases, and food is processed worse. Try not to give your baby anything between feedings - fruits, juices, dairy products, and especially sweets. This is especially true for children with reduced appetite. Such "snacks" reduce the appetite of the crumbs, knock down the established mechanism for the production of digestive juices, so during the main meals, he may refuse certain healthy foods. nine0005

The daily calorie content of a child aged 12-18 months is approximately 1300 kcal, the amount of food is 1000-1200 ml. The distribution of this amount during the day is quite even: breakfast and dinner - 25% each, lunch - 35%, afternoon tea - 15%. It is estimated that for every kilogram of body weight, a one-year-old child needs about 4 g of protein, 4 g of fat and 16 g of carbohydrates per day. At the same time, animal proteins should make up at least 70% of their total daily amount, vegetable fats - approximately 13% of the total amount of fat. nine0005

What to bring to the table?

By the age of 1, your little one has most likely become familiar with almost all kinds of foods. After 1 year, the modification of the diet involves both an appeal to new products, and a gradual change in the way they are prepared and the degree of grinding.

Breast or non-chest?
Despite the fact that the baby has already formally left the ranks of infants, it is probably too early to wean him, especially in the hot season (the latter circumstance significantly increases the risk of catching an intestinal infection). Many pediatricians believe that breastfeeding is worth around 20-24 months. After all, breast sucking not only gives the baby the opportunity to get delicious milk, but also allows you to feel maternal warmth and care, providing psychological comfort. We must also not forget that milk remains extremely useful even at this age: it contains special substances that stimulate the development of the nervous system, in particular the brain, many vitamins, antibodies, and is easily and completely absorbed. nine0005

Dairy products in the child's diet

Dairy products still occupy a large place in the diet. They are a source of valuable calcium, B vitamins, as well as a supplier of protein and milk fat. After 1 year, the baby can be offered kefir (up to 200 ml per day), yogurt (200-300 ml). It is best not to exceed the recommended amount, as lactic acid products are rich in acidic compounds, which can overload both the digestive and excretory systems of the baby. It is better that the yogurt is made specifically for baby food. If you give your baby "adult" yogurts, make sure that they are low-fat (dairy, not creamy) and contain as little sucrose, preservatives, flavors and other artificial additives as possible. Of course, it is better to prefer "live" yogurts - they allow you to maintain healthy intestinal flora. Such yogurts have a limited shelf life (usually no more than 2 weeks), and they can only be stored in the refrigerator, at a temperature of 2-8°C. If the yogurt packaging indicates that the shelf life is more than 1 month, then this product has been heat-treated and does not contain live lactic acid cultures. Milk formulas also remain relevant - the so-called "follow-up formulas", that is, those that are intended for feeding children after 6 months. Why, even after 1 year, is it worth offering them to the baby? The fact is that nutritionists are increasingly agreeing to postpone the baby's acquaintance with whole cow's milk at least until 2-2.5 years, which is associated with a high frequency of allergic reactions to cow's milk protein. nine0005

Other important dairy products are cottage cheese and cheese. The daily dose of cottage cheese can be increased to 70 g per day after 1 year. Some parents prefer to give it to their children every other day, but at a dose of about 140 g. Cottage cheese can be given in a "pure" form, or you can make pudding, casserole from it, closer to a year and a half - make cheesecakes. Cheese is often used in grated form as an additive to pasta. But some babies love to chew cheese with their teeth. In this case, this product will also contribute to the development of chewing skills. nine0005

Butter is most often used as an additive to cereals or spread on bread. The recommended dose is about 12 g per day. It is better not to subject the butter to heat treatment (that is, add it to ready-made dishes).

After 1 year low-fat sour cream and cream can be used in small quantities. Sour cream is best suited for dressing first courses, cream - for making sauces for second courses.

Fruits and vegetables in the child's diet

Fruits and vegetables should also be well represented on the baby's table. After 1 year, you can slowly introduce the baby to new types of fruits and berries: strawberries, cherries, cherries, kiwi, apricots, peaches, currants, gooseberries, chokeberries, sea buckthorn, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries and even citrus fruits. Of course, such acquaintances should be well thought out, and the mother will have to carefully observe the reaction of the crumbs to each new product introduced. In children with allergic reactions, it is best not to take new steps without consulting an allergist or pediatrician. Berries that have a fairly dense peel are best mashed, while soft juicy fruits (apricots, peaches, kiwi) can be offered to the baby in slices. Even if your beloved little one tolerates exotic fruits (citrus fruits, kiwi), do not give them a lot: these fruits contain quite a lot of vegetable acids, which in large quantities can irritate the delicate mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Grapes enhance the fermentation processes in the intestines and overload the child's diet with carbohydrates. However, it is relatively poor in vitamins. That is why nutritionists recommend starting its use at a later age - closer to three years. Fruits can be given to the baby at the end of the main meals, can also be added to porridge, mixed with dairy products. The recommended dose of fruits is about 200-250 grams per day. To this amount, you can add another 100 ml of fruit juice. If up to 1 year it was necessary to prefer clarified juices, then after 1 year it is quite possible to give juices and nectars with pulp to the baby. nine0005

Your baby's vegetable menu can be enriched with beets, turnips, tomatoes, green peas, beans. Legumes should be given to children in small quantities and only in a well-cooked and thoroughly chopped form, as these foods are rich in coarse fiber, which causes increased gas formation in the intestines, increases peristalsis, which can lead to abdominal pain and stool thinning. Vegetables are mainly used in soups and side dishes for meat and fish dishes. They can not only be boiled, but also stewed. At the age of 1 year, they are given in the form of mashed potatoes; closer to a year and a half, you can begin to offer the baby soft boiled or stewed vegetables in pieces. Closer to a year and a half, you can sometimes begin to offer crumbs and garden greens - dill, parsley, cilantro, wild garlic, spinach, lettuce, green onions. Finely chopped greens can be added to soups and main dishes before serving. nine0005

It is better to add vegetable oils at the final stage of cooking vegetables in order to heat them as little as possible, since in the process of heating any fat, carcinogens are formed that are harmful not only to babies, but even to adults.

Meat, fish, eggs in the child's diet

Meat products are given in the form of steam cutlets, meatballs, meatballs, meat soufflé and pudding in the amount of 100 g daily. Toward the middle of the second year, you can offer the baby stew in small pieces, but be careful not to choke. Many types of meat are still used in the diet: beef, veal, lean pork, rabbit, turkey, chicken, as well as offal - liver, tongue, heart, brains. Waterfowl meat (duck, goose) and lamb are rich in refractory fats, which complicates the digestion and assimilation of these meats, so they can be given only from time to time. nine0005

Fish should be offered once or twice a week for 30-40 g per meal as a substitute for meat dishes. You can cook fish cakes (steam) or meatballs, stew fish fillets.

Eggs are also of great importance in the nutrition of children after 1 year, as they are rich in valuable nutrients - easily digestible protein, valuable amino acids, vitamins (A, D, E), phospholipids, minerals, micro and macro elements. Egg protein is absorbed almost completely - by 96-97%, fats - by about 9five%. Only chicken and quail eggs are used to feed babies. Waterfowl eggs are excluded due to the high risk of transmission of dangerous infections. Quail eggs differ from chicken eggs not only in their higher protein content (with a large amount of the essential amino acid tryptophan), but also in their higher content of fat and cholesterol. Children under 1.5 years old should only be offered boiled eggs (hard boiled) or in the form of omelettes in milk (they can also contain various vegetables). Raw (and besides, “soft-boiled” and “pouched” eggs are digested worse, as they contain undenatured protein, and are also dangerous from the point of view of infection transmission. It is convenient to cook an omelette in a microwave oven. Then it will not be fried, as on pan, and baked, without a crust.The omelette mass is poured into dishes intended for microwave ovens (without using oil) and put in the oven for 2-3 minutes.In addition, eggs are added to other products during the preparation of various dishes (cheesecakes, pancakes Since eggs are a product with high allergenic properties (quail eggs are still much less allergenic than chicken eggs), they should not be given to children daily, it is better to do this 3 times a week or every other day. The recommended dose of eggs is % chicken eggs per day or whole - every other day. For quail eggs, the dose is approximately doubled.

Cereals, flour and bakery products in the diet of a child

Cereals are widely used in baby food. Oatmeal and buckwheat are especially useful for babies, you can also use corn, rice, millet and other types of cereals. It will be easier for a one-year-old baby to chew and swallow if the porridge has a uniform consistency, so soluble ("instant") porridges are often used. Closer to one and a half years, well-boiled cereals can be given without additional grinding. nine0005

From time to time pasta can be used in children's nutrition. They can be given as a side dish or seasoned with soup. However, they should not be abused, as they are rich in easily digestible carbohydrates. It is recommended to offer them to the baby once or twice a week.

Bread is also used in the nutrition of children of this age. Up to 1.5 years, it is better to offer babies only white bread: it is easier to digest. The total amount of bread per day should not exceed 100 g. Starting from 1.5 years old, you can include a little rye bread in the diet of crumbs (up to 50 g per day). Rye bread is not offered to children under 1.5 years old, since the sour dough from which it is made causes fermentation in the intestines. nine0005

Other products

Drinking can be presented with pure water (preferably not boiled, but bottled "for baby food"), dairy products, fruit and vegetable juices, compotes (it is desirable that they be brewed without any sweetener at all or with the addition of a small amount of fructose), weakly brewed tea, herbal decoctions (chamomile, fennel, mint, etc.). It is not recommended to give carbonated drinks (even mineral water) to children under 3 years old, since the carbon dioxide contained in these drinks irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Let the baby regulate the amount of fluid consumed. It will, of course, depend on the diet, season, ambient temperature and physical activity of the crumbs. nine0005

Table salt is used in small quantities - about 0. 5-1 g per day.

Grapes enhance fermentation processes, so it is recommended to give it to children not earlier than three years.

Sweets. You can add a little bit of sugar to sweeten some foods that are especially not liked by the baby. It is better to prefer fructose: it is absorbed and absorbed by the body more slowly and evenly (which almost eliminates sudden changes in blood glucose levels), does not require insulin to penetrate into the cells of the body (that is, it does not create overloads in the pancreas), disturbs the acid-base balance less oral cavity (and therefore less conducive to the development of caries). In addition, properly made, it is almost 1.75 times sweeter than sucrose, which allows it to be consumed in small quantities. To add flavor to cereals and cottage cheese, you can use fresh fruits and berries, as well as dried fruits. In addition, occasionally babies can be pampered with sweets (ideally, they can also be made on fructose - you can find such products on the shelves of health food stores) - marshmallow, marshmallow, marmalade, jam and, of course, honey (provided that baby can handle it). The total dose of sugars per day is 30-40 g for children 1-1.5 years old. nine0005

Apayeva Dorofeya, pediatrician

not so long ago they wrote that their baby doesn’t eat so much, but it was written with such an indignant accent, I even smiled a little:) I want to say that children are all different, even Adults have different appetites. And children are the same people as adults, mothers, there is no need to raise a panic. How much the child eats, so much he needs. He will not leave himself hungry, he has developed a protective reflex from birth, and he notifies of hunger by crying (if he still cannot speak). The most important thing is to gain a few grams in weight. And if, on the contrary, he loses a kilogram, then you need to sound the alarm. And if he is completely lethargic, he does not play. Other than that, your kids are fine! Let's turn on the mind, not emotions :) but on the topic: our son eats well, he doesn’t refuse anything, eats 200 grams, and even 300 for breakfast (porridge 200 and cottage cheese 100). Now he is 1.4 years old and he began to snack more often between main meals. Today, before the last feeding, for an hour, I begged for a steering wheel. I think this is due to his increased activity (he walks more on the street). nine0005

2017-07-30, Anastasia Trubilina

I do not agree with everything, there are statements from the category of harmful advice, namely:
Offering instant cereals to a child up to 1.5 years is complete nonsense, neither benefit in them, nor nutritional properties. And yes, they are absolutely delicious! If someone’s child can’t chew yet, you can grind the finished porridge a little with a blender, and gradually coarsen the pieces.
Drinking in the form of unboiled water, but bottled. Horror, even the most good and purified water "for children" seems to be poured in the neighboring basement, at best from the tap. nine0014 And of course, I was simply amazed - cooking an omelette in a microwave oven! Those. everyone knows that its waves are not useful even for adults, but they advise kids to cook in it. And what are double boilers or just put a cup of scrambled eggs in a water bath, apparently they don't know...

Moms and dads, your crumbs are the best in the world, they should get all the best. Do not give in and do not take the word of all the advice, analyze the information, and then act!

2011-07-29, Nadina nine0005

I didn't give my eldest son any sweets until he was 1.5 years old. He didn't ask. We didn’t eat sweet porridge, tea and compote without adding sugar and honey, we didn’t buy cottage cheese, that is, he received fructose from fruits and EVERYTHING. Everything ended sooo badly .... One morning he flattened himself at 8:30 and did not have breakfast for the first 40 minutes, and at 9:20 an ambulance took him unconscious with hypoglycemia (sugar 1, 7). Thank God they pumped it out. After the examination, the endocrinologist said that this happened due to a lack of carbohydrates in the baby's diet. That's how I "perebdila" with sweets. We are already giving honey to the youngest in tea, and we buy curds with fructose, and we give cookies ... Be attentive to the child's diet, do not limit your child too much. nine0014 And the article is excellent. Already from the experience of feeding two children, I judge.

2017-05-31

About the microwave oven struck and smiled! Complete nonsense, do such people really meet now. Curious to know what's wrong with microwaved food? Or do you think that after removing the food, radio waves remain in it? ))))) Dear, this is not radiation! There are no waves left. The principle of heating in a microwave oven is based on the dipole shift of polar molecules (water, for example) as a result of exposure to an alternating electromagnetic field. High-frequency waves are dangerous only at the moment of cooking inside the microwave oven compartment, but you can’t put a child there! Yes, and there is always a metal screen on the lid! After extracting food, it is no different from thermally cooked food. And what you say is a myth of ignorant people. Really smiled))))))

2012-02-25

we call meat any protein of animal origin (except fish). For example, chicken and turkey, as well as rabbit, we call meat. And yet we give every day.

If you personally call only beef and pork meat, that's your own business. If you have chosen vegetarianism for yourself and your child, this is also your own business. You just don't need to be amazed at the advice to feed meat to ordinary people, including children, because not all people want to be vegetarians. nine0005

My personal opinion is that meat does not pollute the body, and you can eat it every day. And I have seen enough of the children of vegetarians - small, undersized.

2013-05-06, LucyMO

And we also sometimes made porridge for a child up to one year old, as in the comment above - they crushed it in a blender and the child ate it with pleasure. There are useful substances in homemade cereals, a little, but still, and we corrected the lack of vitamins - we took pharmacy ones, the doctor prescribed our baby’s Alphabet, and we got a complete diet :)) so they gave the child up to 3 years old, the child did not get sick with anything serious and grew quite strong)) I think the ideal diet is to combine everything)

2012-03-07, Mashenka77

I don’t quite agree about cereals, instant cereals are enriched with vitamins and microelements, therefore, in terms of their nutritional and beneficial properties, they are not much inferior to cereals from grains, and children eat them more willingly, they have to adapt. Adapting is the main principle when introducing complementary foods with us, for example, my son refused to drink kefir in its pure form, I began to add mashed fruits or Heinz baby cookies to it, ate it from a spoon like a dessert with pleasure. nine0005

2012-09-30, Katya on Scooter

Total 49 reviews Read all reviews.

Nutrition of a sick child

Publication date: 12/15/2016 08:22

April 22nd, 2016 Olga.

While the child grows up, he will be ill with various diseases more than once. About 80% is accounted for by SARS. Any disease (we are now talking about the flu, SARS) is characterized by poor health of the child - malaise, cough, runny nose, weakness, and maybe intestinal upset. And all this affects the appetite of the child. If a child has caught a cold, mothers always ask themselves the question: how to feed him properly? Proper nutrition of a sick child will help to quickly cope with the disease. nine0005

During an illness, the baby always has a poor appetite. There are physiological reasons for this:

  • at elevated temperatures, blood circulation in the stomach slows down. because the body sends blood to vital organs: the heart and lungs. The process of digestion and assimilation of food slows down and the child needs less food than usual;
  • during an illness, the liver actively fights toxins, the products of the vital activity of viruses and the decay of damaged cells, so a large amount of food carries an additional burden; nine0134
  • the toxins themselves poison the body and the child, when he feels bad, not at all before eating;
  • blocked nose, sore throat, difficult to swallow.

  • Nutrition should be appropriate for the child's age;
  • do not introduce new foods into the diet during illness;
  • food should be sparing - liquid or semi-liquid;
  • make small meals if the baby does not want to eat, and the number of feedings can be increased;
  • if the child refuses to eat, let him drink more fluids (water, compote, fruit drink, rosehip broth). nine0134

From the diet during illness should be excluded:

  1. Indigestible foods - fatty meat, whole grain cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits.
  2. Foods harmful to the liver - fatty dairy products, chocolate, vegetable oil, lard, confectionery.
  3. Coarse, which can damage the mucous membrane - nuts, seeds, crackers, cookies.

Useful menu

During an illness, a child needs food that is well absorbed by a weakened body. Therefore, chicken broth, vegetable soups, stewed and boiled vegetables are perfect for feeding a child during SARS. nine0005

To avoid mechanical irritation of the stomach, choose foods that are low in fiber. What foods are low in fiber? These are potatoes, cauliflower, pumpkin, rice and semolina, animal products.

Potatoes are particularly delicate in fiber, so include mashed potatoes in your menu more often. You can cook mashed potatoes with sausage, cheese. Beautifully decorate the dish.

Animal protein must be present in the diet of a sick child, since it is a building material for protective antibodies. They are rich in lean meat - veal, beef, lean pork. For soups, use secondary broths from turkey meat, rabbit, chicken breast. nine0005

What else can you feed your child when they are sick? Yogurt helps out well, especially homemade, with the addition of berries.

We cook porridge for the child: semolina, oatmeal, you can also add berries from jam or defrosted.

A sick child needs vitamins. You can make vitamin drinks from rose hips, berries, cook jelly, dried fruit compote, berry juice. . Such drinks will alleviate the condition of the baby if the throat hurts. But with indigestion, milk should not be given at all. nine0005

To increase the appetite of the dish, it is desirable to arrange it beautifully so that the child immediately has a desire to eat it.

Nutrition for a convalescent child

After an acute period of illness, a period of convalescence begins, when the baby is on the mend and nutrition during this period plays an important role. The food of a recovering baby should be rich in energy in order to restore strength, contain minerals and vitamins, the food should be well absorbed.

As soon as the symptoms of the disease subside, do not rush to pounce on a child with enhanced nutrition, it will take a few more days to restore digestion. Continue to follow the diet, adding lean meat and fish, cheese, eggs, boiled vegetables and fruits to it. nine0005

Ideal for casseroles, puddings, steamed cutlets, vegetable soups. Introduce fruits and vegetables into the diet and do not forget about sour-milk products that will help restore the disturbed intestinal microflora.

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