12-18 Months Baby Food Chart -Now your tiny little bundle of joy is one year. I am sure you have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful journey with your baby:) You have watched as your baby grows from first smiles to first steps. By now, your baby is ready to enjoy a variety of family foods.
What kind of foods should I give my 12-18 months old?
You can give all the foods you cook for your family with fewer spices. Offer a variety of food each day. Your child may have few front teeth now, can chew some foods. But it is still a good idea to mash or cut into small pieces (½ inch or less) while giving the meat or any hard foods if it is tough to chew.
Now your child is one year, she can drink cow's milk. Cows milk is a readily available source of calcium, and it also provides essential vitamins and proteins for your child. Also, you can continue breastfeeding as long as you and your baby are comfortable.
How to introduce cow's milk to my baby?
Prefer whole milk until three years as toddlers need fat in their diet for growth and development. Give only 200 - 300 ml (at the max) of cow's milk (in a cup) per day. Anything beyond the recommended amount of cow's milk leads to less appetite in toddlers. Also, don't dilute the milk with water as it reduces its nutrition content.
If your baby is not interested in taking plain milk, you can try to flavor the milk with natural homemade flavors, or add milk to porridge's/kheer/desserts or include dairy products such as curd/yogurt, paneer, cheese, etc.
Should my 12-18-month-old feed herself?
By now, your toddler might be ready for self-feeding, though she might not be able to do it perfectly. She should be able to hold and drink from a cup with little help and may be interested in eating with a spoon/fingers. Foods can be cut into pieces so she can feed herself with her fingers. Encourage self-feeding if your toddler is ready, and eat as a family whenever possible. It helps in developing good eating habits.
What finger foods can I give to my toddler?
Finger foods such as chunks of soft-cooked vegetables, fruits, cheese, toasted paneer, homemade cookies/crackers, and boiled eggs are easy to prepare and loved mainly by children of this age, and they can experiment on feeding themselves.
What changes can I expect in my one-year-old baby's appetite?
After one year, your baby's growth rate naturally slows down, and hence, your baby's appetite might have decreased than before. Also, your toddler might be interested in exploring the world around than eating. The quantity of food consumed on each day may vary from large to small amount depends on the appetite of your child. Be assured that your child knows when she is hungry, and they won't stuff needlessly.
How to encourage my fussy eating toddler?
Here are some tips for the fussy eating toddler
- Never force your baby to finish the meal. Let them take their own time and enjoy the food. If your baby refuses food, try again a little later on.
- Encourage self-feeding by offering plenty of finger foods.
- Let your baby experience the food even it is more of playing and a mess.
- Offer a variety of nutritious small meals.
- Reduce sugary foods and avoid processed/junk food as much as possible.
- Be an example for your child in food habits.
How many meals for 12-18 months baby
For a 12-18 months baby, you can offer three meals, two snacks, and cow's milk. If you are a breastfeeding mom, You can continue breastfeeding whenever your baby demands. Choose the timings for meals and snacks according to your child's preference. Try to give food at regular intervals. If your child refuses food, try again a little later on.
How much quantity for a 12-18-months baby per day?
To ensure your child gets a balanced meal, aim for a variety of foods from four primary food groups, as listed below. For the quantity of food, always be guided by your child's hunger as appetite varies from baby to baby, and most babies change from day-to-day. Here is an approximate amount. Offer a serving from within these portion size ranges at each meal and snack.
- Whole Grains, Cereal & Carbohydrates - ¼ cup to ½ cup
- Fruits & Vegetables -¼ cup to ½ cup
- Milk & Dairy Products - 1 cup
- Meat/Protein/Meat Alternatives - ¼ cup
SAMPLE INDIAN FOOD CHART OR DIET PLAN FOR 12-18 MONTHS OLD BABY
Here is a sample food chart with recipes (please click on the hyperlink to get the recipes) for a 12-18 month old baby. Please consider the below points before using this food chart:
- The below table is prepared to include a variety of foods with adequate nutrition in your toddlers' diet.
- Customize this chart based on availability, convenience, and your baby's preference. There is no need to follow this chart strictly.
- If your child is allergic to any ingredient listed in the recipe, make sure to remove the same before preparing.
- Some recipes below are prepared with more spices if it's a family recipe. Adjust the spices according to your baby's preference.
- If breastfeeding your baby, always feed on demand, irrespective of the schedule.
- Here is the collection of 12-18 months of Indian Baby Food Recipes. Please customize the sample charts below with the recipes per your baby's preference.
- Check other posts for Toddler - 20 Breakfast recipes
Days
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Early Morning
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Breakfast
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Mid-Morning
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Lunch
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Evening
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Dinner
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Day 1
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Soft Boiled Carrot Sticks
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Rice with egg curry or Vegetables Dal Khichdi
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Day 2
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Oats Pancakes or Oats Moong Dal Dosa with Coconut Chutney
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Sliced Bananas or Sliced Cucumber
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Tomato Dosa or Steamed Dosa with Coconut Chutney
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Day 3
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Rice with fish curry or Vegetables Masala Rice
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Broccoli cutlet or vegetable Cutlet
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Appam with coconut milk or Vegetables stuffed paratha with curd
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Day 4
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Sambar Sadam or Dal Rice with boiled egg
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Soft Boiled Green Gram or chickpeas or black-eyed peas
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Chapati with vegetable Kurma or veg sabzi
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Day 5
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Rice with chicken curry or Spinach Khichdi
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Ghee Fried Banana | Sweet Bread Dosa or Bread Uttappam | ||
Day 6
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Cut Fruits (Watermelon
/Papaya
/Chikku)
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Sweet ghee roasted bread with honey | Oats Porridge with Milk or Poha with milk | ||
Day 7
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½ cup to 1 Cup Milk
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Paneer Sandwich or Pongal with mildly spiced sambar
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Plain Yogurt/curd mixed with homemade fruits jam
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Spinach Rice or Beetroot Khichdi with omelet | Apple Milkshake or Banana Milkshake | Idli or Dosa with mildly spiced chutney or sambar |
Notes:
- Never introduce more than one food when adding new food to your baby.
- Check for allergy symptoms when introducing new food to your baby, and stop feeding your baby if you find any signs.
- This food chart is prepared to give an idea of what foods can be included in a baby's diet. It should not be considered medical advice.
- Always check with your pediatrician before introducing any new food.
Also, Check out the food charts for 6 months to 3 years of Homemade Baby food recipes
- 6 month old baby food chart
- 7 months Baby food recipes
- 8 months Baby food recipes
- 10 months Baby food recipes
- 11 months Baby food recipes
- 12-18 month baby food recipes
- 2-3 Years old food chart
Deepthi
18 -24 months baby food chart
Kalyani
Work in progress.. I will try to share soon
Nina Tijoriwala
Liked the details.Thanks
Kalyani
Thank you for the positive feedback:)
Veda
Hi I’m a mother of 16 months old baby how gain baby waith
Kalyani
Don't worry about weight if your baby is active, including foods like banana, potato, sweet potato, ghee, dry fruits nuts, urad dal, sesame seeds, milk, milk products, chicken, eggs, helps in weight gain (in any form your baby prefers). I will try to share detailed recipes soon
Veda Suraj
Thank you mam I have one more question my baby have white spots on teeth ..any reason for that
Kalyani
Two reasons: 1. too much fluoride 2. early tooth decay. Check with the dentist.
Lisa Williams
Hi, I am a mom of a 6-month-old baby boy. My question is my baby is not weighted as he needed at this age, Now how can I improve this? If you had any suggestion, I would much appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your advice.
Kalyani
By six months, babies weigh approximately double the birth weight. Just check the same. Don't worry about weight if the baby is active.,. Include healthy weight gain foods like avocado, banana, potato, butter, eggs, sweet potato, cheese, etc.
Lisa Williams
Hi Kalyani,
Thanks for your suggestion. But my baby has another problem that is he is not interested in breastfeeding; I think it is a significant problem for his unwanted weight. Can you help me with this? What should I do right now for this?
Kalyani
Breastfeeding helps in healthy weight gain. Please continue at least till one year as it provides essential nutrients that baby needs for the first year. Try to express breastmilk and add it to food or feed directly. However, it's always better to feed on demand. you can also opt for formula after discussing with baby's doctor
Sudhamai
Please share paratha recipies Fir babies 12 to 18 months
Kalyani
I haven't posted one yet. I will try to share in the future.
Madhu
Hello...hope u r doing good...I just wanted to let you know thay I am grateful for all the hardwork and insights that you have put in..I have tried to follow most of your recipes and enjoy visiting yout diary often. THANKS.
Kalyani
Thank you so much for your kind words and appreciation:)
Saranya
Hi
Thank you for sharing such a helpful chart.
After 12 months should we have to grind the baby food?
Kalyani
No need to grind it. Just mash it and give.
Snehal
18-24 months baby food chart
Kalyani
Similar to this chart with all family food with fewer spices. I will share detailed chart soon
Nahid
My child is 18 month old he often suffer from gas bcoz of he vomit and I had to stop his dairy products and he lose weight quickly kindly suggest me
Kalyani
try ajwain water : https://gkfooddiary.com/ajwain-water-baby-toddlers-kids-uses-health-benefits/
Rubi
Hello Kalyani. I had downloaded you app a few months back but an unable to find it now. Can you help me with it as i have to recommend it to my family plus have to download it on a phone. Thanks a lot. Quick reply awaited.
Kalyani
Hi Rubi, The previous app was the short version, and we have removed it for some technical issues. Sorry for that, Now We are working on developing a complete app and let you know once ready.
vijaya
Hi,
Can you please give me idea for preparing crackers for a year old
Kalyani
will try to share soon
Hyma
Madam my baby teeth also same how to check if any drining water problem
Bathembu Futshane
Thank you very much. I We have a 19 month old and we are struggling with how to transition from the baby stage foods to the new stage she is growing so this will help a lot. Thank you.
Kalyani
Thanks for your positive feedback. I am glad it helped!
Nandhini
Hi, My son is 15months old. He was suffered from cold and fever 20days back. From that day he refused to eat solid food still right now. He only needs breast milk alone. Also I introduce cow milk due to lack of food intake but doesn't drunk a single spoon. How can I manage this situation?? Kindly suggest me.
Kalyani
it is common. try these easily digestible foods first. https://gkfooddiary.com/foods-to-offer-during-cold-cough-in-baby-toddler-and-kids/
Divya
Yeah I also need like snack recipes whenever they are urged to eat something
Divya
Hi Kalyani garu,
Your initiation is very helpful to million moms.. Thanks a lot Kalyani garu. I have a one common question. What are the best timings for baby food I mean whole day ?
Kalyani
set a routine based on the baby's schedule. morning around 8-9, lunch around 12-1 and early dinner before 7
Kalyani
check this: https://gkfooddiary.com/recipes/evening-snack/
Divya
Thank you so much
jayalakshmi
hi mam i have one doubt please tell me. that is dry fruits are daily used in 19 months baby or not. and also peadiasure, boost, are used or not
Kalyani
You can give 1-2 dry fruits daily. please avoid commercial drinks and instead, you can try this homemade drinks for your baby: https://gkfooddiary.com/15-unique-homemade-flavored-milk-toddlers-kids/
Chinchu
Hello, my son is 13 months old.in a day he drinks 350 ml whole milk but nowdays he is not eating that much..so i am assuming that it is bcoz of milk.my doubt is how much dairy he should consume in a day so that i can reduce the amount of whole milk
Thankyou
Kalyani
You can give 350 ml of cows milk per day at the max. if you want to reduce the quantity, replace it with other dairy products like curd, paneer, etc
Chinchu
Thank you for the reply kalyani. In a day hw much dairy(including curd ,milk n cheese) he should have ? Can you say the quantity in ml pls
Kalyani
400 ml in total
Sejal
Hello kalyani
My daughter is 15months old now. But she dislike milk
I tried elachi milk
Dry fruit milk
Chicolate
In bottle , glass , bowl but everytime she refuses
I want to quit feeding now n want her to drink milk instead of bf
N also she refuses to eat spices, very choosy she is
She likes plain roti plain rice with ghee or milk roti thats it
Please guide me
Kalyani
Each baby is different, and they meet their milestones in their phase. Also, breastfed babies may not like cows milk taste in the beginning. it is normal and So don't worry much.
Encourage self-feeding to improve eating habits and Try soft finger foods like banana, steamed tiny cut carrots, peas, potato, pasta etc..patience is a key..sure the baby will grow out of it soon
Adhithya
My baby is one year old..he only sleeps at night after having cow milk at night around 10 PM...as I have stopped breast milk recently...is it safe to give mill at night ??
Kalyani
yes no problem if the baby digest it well and no tummy troubles
Precious
Please l have some questions 1. What can l use to clean my 15monhs old baby's teeth. (I have been using baby toothpaste and foam and he struggles soo much during the process of cleaning that l fear am not cleaning it properly ) Now l have discovered a crack on his incisors with brown color at the back of the incisor l don't know how nest to get rid of that brown colour. It looks like its permanent already pls any remedy ?
Kalyani
At this stage, cleaning your baby's teeth by wiping with a soft cloth or brushing with a small soft toothbrush and water should be enough. After a few months, you can start with a tiny amount of toothpaste. Check with the baby's pediatrician about the brown color.
veena
my baby one and half year food refuse why
Kalyani
how long it is happening?
Hira
My baby also refuses almost everything
Mabel
Hi Mam,
My girl baby is 15 months ols. I started cows milk from 11 months old.. from day one she doesn't like cows milk.. i tired different version (badam milk,jaggery,cardamom milk,warm milk). still rejecting cows milk. I m breastfeeding her. Kindly suggest . I have been trying 5 months . I m worried .
Kalyani
check this: https://gkfooddiary.com/15-unique-homemade-flavored-milk-toddlers-kids/