Almost a Toddler: A Nutritional Guide for 10-12 Months

In the final stretch before your baby's first birthday, you'll likely see a major leap in their eating skills and independence. At 10-12 months, they are mastering the art of self-feeding, are ready for a wide variety of tastes and textures, and can begin transitioning to eating modified versions of family meals. Nutrition during this period is about establishing healthy habits and ensuring a balanced intake of all food groups.

Mastering the Pincer Grasp and Finger Foods
Around this time, your baby will develop the "pincer grasp"—the ability to pick up small objects between their thumb and forefinger. This is a huge developmental milestone! Encourage this skill by offering small, soft, bite-sized pieces of food.

• Safe Pincer Grasp Foods: Cooked peas, small pieces of soft-cooked pasta, flakes of salmon, small cubes of soft tofu, and small pieces of soft fruits like banana or avocado.

Transitioning to Table Foods and Family Meals
Your baby no longer needs special "baby food." They can eat what you eat, as long as it's prepared safely. This is a wonderful way to expose them to a wide range of flavors and encourage them to be an adventurous eater.

How to Modify Family Meals:

• No Added Salt or Sugar: Set aside a portion for your baby before you add salt, sugar, or spicy seasonings to the family's portion.
• Cut Safely: Finely chop or shred meats and cut everything into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces. Ensure vegetables are cooked until very soft.
• Example: If you're having spaghetti with meat sauce, you can serve your baby small pieces of cooked pasta with the unsalted meat sauce, and a side of steamed broccoli florets cut small.

Structuring Meals and Snacks
By now, your baby should be on a predictable schedule of three meals a day, with one or two small snacks in between. Breast milk or formula is still important but should be offered after meals rather than before, so it doesn't fill them up. Aim to include a source of protein/fat, a fruit or vegetable, and a complex carbohydrate (like whole grain bread, pasta, or oatmeal) at each meal to ensure balanced nutrition.