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As your baby gets older, you’ll likely have to feed him or her more foods instead of just breast milk or formula. If you’re wondering what kinds of foods you should be feeding your little one when it comes time to start spoon feeding, here are ten recipes that are easy and delicious!
Lentil Dal
1 cup red lentils, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed. In a medium-sized saucepan add lentils and water. Bring to a boil and simmer until tender (15-20 minutes). Drain any excess liquid from lentils. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and garlic; sauté about 1 minute. Add cooked lentils to skillet; toss to coat with seasonings.
Oatmeal Cookies
Use 1/2 c. quick-cooking oats in place of 1/2 c. flour, and add 1/2 tsp. baking powder; reduce salt to a pinch and add cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla extract as desired. For added nutrition, substitute brown sugar for white, and add raisins or chopped dates to the mixture before baking.
Rice Porridge
As with many foods, rice is a great starter food because it’s soft and easy to swallow, making it less likely that your baby will gag while learning how to eat. Using white, short-grain rice is a safe option if you do not have access to brown rice or other whole grains. Rice also has less fiber than oatmeal (which could cause intestinal problems in babies), and fewer calories, as well.
Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
This sweet potato soup is absolutely delicious and also gives your baby loads of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The taste, texture, and appearance are so similar to a typical cream-based soup that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easily your baby will begin to eat it! And when they do, not only will they feel full but they’ll likely gain weight too!
Chicken Pot Pie
Place 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan with 2 cups of diced, raw chicken. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook over medium heat until chicken is tender (about 15 minutes). Drain fat. Stir in 2 cups diced cooked potatoes and 3/4 cup frozen peas or corn. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer, until potatoes are hot and tender.
Avocado Toast
Puree half an avocado, add a splash of milk, and mash together until smooth. Spread on toasted bread with shredded cheese and chopped tomatoes. This is a great recipe for both starting spoon-feeding babies as well as pregnant mothers who don’t feel quite ready to fully commit to savory meals yet! Avocados are packed with essential vitamins like E and K that help your baby grow strong bones and muscles. The avocado pulp is also full of good fats that nourish a baby’s rapidly growing brain.
Green Smoothie
This green smoothie is a great way to get your baby’s first taste of real food! This green smoothie recipe is full of protein and vitamins. It’s a delicious way to start their day!
Brown Rice Flour Crepes
If you’re spoon-feeding your baby, you may be looking for new recipes that are easy to prepare and relatively healthy. One great recipe is made with brown rice flour, which contains beneficial nutrients like niacin and zinc. To create these delicious crepes, mix together one cup of flour with three tablespoons of sugar or another sweetener, two eggs, and a half-cup of milk. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then whisk until smooth.
Chicken & Spinach Quiche
For parents on the go, making a home-cooked meal with a baby in mind doesn’t have to be difficult. This chicken and spinach quiche are great because it’s simple, quick, and healthy. The recipe includes protein from chicken breast, vitamins A & C from spinach, and calcium from whole milk. You can even use pre-made pie crust or buy them frozen! Try serving with a side of cauliflower rice or peas to round out your meal.
Banana Sushi
Peel a ripe banana and slice it into 1/2-inch pieces. Use a toothpick to pick up each piece and dip it in puréed sweet potato. Allow your baby to chew on raw veggies (like carrots or bell peppers) before starting spoon-feeding.
