Nutrition for 9 and 10 month old babies

While every child develops at their own pace, most babies around this age have become confident eaters. They rely less on breast milk or formula and typically enjoy 2 to 3 solid meals per day. They can eat soft, moist finger foods using their gums to chew. At this age, it's important to move away from purees and incorporate more finger foods in their diet to improve their oral motor skills. 

By now, babies should have been introduced to the nine most common food allergens and be regularly offered a variety of textures, flavors, and food groups to support their growth and expand their palate.

Important nutrients 

Around 10 months, babies begin to rely more on solid foods for their nutrition and less on breast milk or formula. It’s important to offer a balanced variety of foods from all the major food groups, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which will also provide a range of micronutrients like iron, calcium, and zinc. 

• Protein: Protein helps build muscle, strengthen the immune system, and provides satiety. Include a source of protein in every meal, such as: chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, or tofu. 

• Grains: Grains, or carbohydrates, are the body’s preferred source of energy. Opt for whole grains, which are higher in fiber to support digestion and gut health. Great choices include: brown rice, quinoa, rolled oats, or serve whole wheat breads or pastas.

• Fruits and vegetables: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, fruits and vegetables are a must at every meal. Aim for a variety of colors to ensure a diverse range of nutrients. Some examples of colorful fruits and vegetables: Red bell peppers or watermelon, orange persimmons or sweet potatoes, yellow squash or bananas, green broccoli or grapes, blue blueberries, purple eggplant, white asian pears, and pink apples. 

• Healthy fats: Fats are essential for energy, brain development, and absorbing key nutrients like calcium. Include healthy fats such as: fatty fish (salmon), olive or avocado oil, avocado, nuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. 

Keep in mind that some foods need to be adjusted in shape and texture to reduce the risk of choking. Finger foods should be soft enough that you can easily squish them between your fingers. Avoid giving hard, sharp, gummy, or sticky foods(like thick, globby peanut butter), as they can be choking hazards. 

Avoid small, round foods like whole blueberries, chickpeas, or grapes as they can pose a choking risk. These tiny, circular items can block the airway and can lead to true choking. Instead, modify their round shape to reduce the choking risk, such as cutting grapes in half or quarters lengthwise or lightly mashing blueberries or chickpeas.

Feeding skills

• Have mastered the palmar grasp, allowing them to pick up larger pieces of food with their palm.

• Are practicing the pincer grasp, and strengthening their ability to pick up small pieces of food between their index finger and thumb.

• Can take sips of water through a straw or an open cup.

• Can hold their bottle or cup fairly independently.

• Can safely mash soft, moist finger foods with their gums.

Sample meals for 9 and 10 month old babies

 Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs with a mango puree

• Oatmeal with cinnamon and bananas

• Yogurt with blueberries (halved) 

• Lightly toasted bread with mashed avocado 

Lunch

• Lightly toasted bread with a thin layer of peanut butter with a side of steamed, chopped broccoli

• Meatballs with couscous with a side of roasted butternut squash

• Salmon with mashed sweet potatoes and strawberries 

• Stir fried rice with peas

Dinner

• Whole wheat pasta with pesto, peas and parmesan cheese

• Cod fritters with roasted zucchini

• Roast chicken pieces with diced tomatoes and farro

Aim to include  two or three foods at each meal so your baby is exposed to a variety of foods, flavors, and textures throughout the day. 

Are 9 and 10 month olds picky eaters?

At this age, most babies are generally open to trying new foods, but some may start showing early signs of picky eating. Generally, picky eating becomes more noticeable around 18 months. A sensitive gag reflex or sensory or oral challenges can make eating more challenging for certain babies, and increase fussiness around food and meals. Additionally, children with a history of reflux, developmental delays, or other medical conditions may also struggle with picky eating behaviors or new foods.

Feeding tips

• Share family meals: Babies learn from watching and imitating. Plus, eating together builds healthy eating habits and reduces the burden of cooking two separate meals.  

• Involve your baby in the kitchen: Set your baby up in a high chair near you while you cook. Give them safe items like a wooden spoon to play with to keep them engaged and encourage interest in food from an early age.

• Embrace the mess: Babies learn from exploring their food with their hands before they eat it. Food play is developmentally appropriate, and mess is part of the process. 

• Add flavor: Don’t be afraid to offer bold, exciting tastes. Most herbs and spices are safe for babies—just avoid honey as well as added salt before 12 months, and continue to limit it as best you can to reinforce healthy eatinghabits. Use oils (olive, avocado, coconut) or fresh or dried herbs to flavor your baby's meals. 

• Expect change: Every phase of eating is just that—a phase. What your baby loves today might not be their favorite tomorrow, and that’s totally normal. Stay flexible and continue offering variety. 

If you have questions about your baby's diet, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician or registered dietitian for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.