Every food in our directory that is suitable for babies 9–11 months old, grouped by category with age-specific preparation notes. Use this as a planning reference alongside guidance from your health visitor.
363 foods · medical questions belong with your clinician.
Continue offering cooked apple that is very soft, now cut into strips or bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with developing pincer grasp. You can also try offering raw apple finely grated and mixed into porridge or yoghurt. Only offer raw apple pieces if they are extremely ripe, thin, and wide enough to be safe, though most babies will still manage cooked apple more easily at this stage.
Continue to offer ripe, soft apricots, now cut into smaller pieces or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can cut a halved apricot into quarters or thick slices, ensuring pieces are large enough to handle but soft enough to gum. If the apricot is small and round, quarter it lengthwise to reduce any round shape that could pose a risk.
Continue offering avocado in soft strips or wedges as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also cut ripe avocado into smaller pieces, roughly the size of a chickpea, to encourage self-feeding with fingers. If the pieces are too slippery, try rolling them lightly in ground flaxseed or hemp hearts to add grip.
Offer bite-sized pieces of ripe banana that are roughly the size of a chickpea or slightly larger strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Continue to ensure the banana is very soft and ripe. If your baby is managing smaller pieces well, you can offer thin rounds, though flattening them slightly or cutting them into half-moons can make them easier to pick up and reduces any risk from the round shape.
Continue serving ripe, soft blackberries whole or gently flattened as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also cut larger blackberries in half lengthwise if preferred, though whole soft berries remain safe and manageable. Offer them alongside other finger foods or stirred into yoghurt or overnight oats.
Continue offering very ripe blood orange segments with any tough membranes removed, or cut the peeled fruit into wide strips that are easy to pick up. At this age, your baby may start to bite off pieces, so monitor closely and ensure the fruit is soft enough to dissolve easily in the mouth. You can also offer small pieces of the peeled flesh for practising the pincer grasp.
Continue to quarter ripe blueberries lengthwise to remove the round shape, or flatten smaller berries completely. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, these smaller pieces become easier to pick up and self-feed. You can also serve quartered blueberries in yoghurt, mixed into pancakes, or alongside other soft finger foods.
Continue offering ripe, soft boysenberries in manageable pieces such as strips or halves. If the berries are particularly small and round, quarter them lengthwise to reduce any risk. Your baby may now be developing a pincer grasp, so smaller pieces become easier to manage.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can serve ripe cantaloupe in smaller strips or short, thick slices that are easier to pick up with fingers and thumb. Continue to ensure the flesh is soft and ripe, and remove all skin. You may also offer small, bite-sized pieces if your baby is showing strong chewing skills and can move food around their mouth confidently.
Peel the cara cara orange and remove the segments, taking off the tough membranes. Cut segments into smaller strips or leave whole if they are a manageable size for your baby's developing pincer grasp. You can also offer bite-sized pieces of the segment flesh, torn or cut into pieces roughly the size of a chickpea, as your baby practises picking up smaller foods between thumb and forefinger.
Continue to serve very ripe, soft cherries with stones removed. Quarter small cherries lengthwise or flatten them to remove the spherical shape, then offer as finger food. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, quartered pieces are ideal for practising this skill whilst remaining safer than whole or halved fruit.
Continue to use very ripe clementines and peel completely. Serve whole segments with or without pith, or cut them into strips if your baby prefers. For smaller clementines, quarter the segments lengthwise to prevent any round shapes, and flatten slightly if needed to ensure they are not spherical. At this age, babies can often manage whole segments as their pincer grasp develops.
Continue offering ripe, soft cloudberries, either left whole or gently flattened to make them easier for your baby to grasp with their developing pincer grip. At this stage, most babies can manage the delicate skins without difficulty. You can also serve cloudberries stirred into finger foods like pancakes, oatmeal, or mashed into smooth nut or seed butter spread thinly on toast strips.
Continue offering ripe, soft coconut meat in strips or pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can now serve slightly smaller pieces, roughly the size of an adult finger, as long as the coconut remains soft and easy to chew. Remove any tough skin to ensure the texture stays manageable.
Continue to cook blackcurrants until very soft, then flatten or lightly mash them to reduce choking risk. At this age, you can offer them as a topping on pancakes, stirred into yoghurt, or mixed into oatmeal. If your baby is developing a pincer grasp, you may serve small, flattened pieces on their tray for practice picking up soft foods.
Continue offering very soft, ripe dates with the stone removed and tough skins peeled away. You can now serve dates cut into thick strips or flattened pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. If dates are particularly sticky, you can roll them lightly in infant cereal or finely ground oats to make them easier to handle.
Continue offering ripe, soft dewberries whole or cut into halves or quarters lengthwise to encourage developing pincer grasp. At this age, most babies can manage the berries with their fingers and will self-feed more confidently. You can also serve them in small clusters or flattened slightly to make them easier to pick up.
Offer ripe dragon fruit cut into thick strips or bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can peel the skin away completely at this stage and cut the flesh into manageable chunks. Continue to ensure the fruit is very soft and ripe so it breaks down easily in your baby's mouth.
Continue to cook elderberries until very soft, then serve them mashed or slightly chunky, depending on your baby's chewing skills. You can mix cooked elderberries into porridge, yoghurt, or other soft foods, or offer them on their own for finger feeding practice. At this stage, most babies can manage small, soft pieces without needing the berries to be fully puréed.
Continue to offer ripe, soft feijoa halves that your baby can hold and bite from, or cut the flesh into thick strips or wide pieces that are easy to grasp with developing pincer grip. If the feijoa is small and round, quarter it lengthwise to reduce any risk. You can also scoop out the flesh and serve it in a bowl for spoon practice or mix it into other foods.
Continue offering ripe, soft figs cut into strips or flattened pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You may also offer quartered figs lengthwise, ensuring each piece is soft enough to squash easily between your fingers. Remove any tough skin if necessary, and supervise closely as your baby practises biting and chewing.
Continue to serve the juicy pearls scooped from the skin, either on their own or mixed into yoghurt, mashed banana, or other soft foods. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, they may enjoy picking up individual pearls, though this can be tricky given how slippery they are. You can also offer a halved finger lime with the flesh exposed for your baby to suck and explore independently.
Continue to quarter ripe, soft grapes lengthwise into strips and flatten each piece to reduce the choking risk. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, these thin, slippery pieces will help them practise picking up smaller foods. Always supervise closely and ensure grapes are not served whole or halved.
Continue to quarter ripe grape tomatoes lengthwise into strips and flatten or smash each piece to keep them safe. At this age, your baby may enjoy grape tomatoes mixed into pasta, stirred through scrambled eggs, or served alongside other soft finger foods. Always ensure the pieces are soft enough to squash easily between your fingers.
Continue to offer ripe grapefruit segments with the membrane and seeds removed, now cut into smaller strips or pieces that are easier for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The peel can still be left on as a handle if it helps your baby manage the fruit. Expect some mess, as grapefruit is very juicy and may squish in your baby's hands.
Continue offering ripe, soft guava in strips or pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up as their pincer grasp develops. You can also serve smaller bite-sized pieces if your baby is managing finger foods confidently, though slightly larger pieces remain safer. If using a round variety, quarter small fruits lengthwise to reduce choking risk.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, offer honeydew in smaller strips or bite-sized pieces that are still soft and ripe. Pieces roughly the size of a grape half work well for practising picking up food with the thumb and forefinger. Continue to ensure the melon is very ripe and juicy so it breaks down easily in your baby's mouth.
Serve ripe, soft huckleberries halved or quartered lengthwise to maintain a manageable size as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also continue to flatten whole berries gently if they are very soft. At this age, many babies can manage small pieces of soft fruit, but continue to adjust the size based on your baby's individual chewing ability.
Continue offering ripe jackfruit in soft strips or smaller wedges as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can now cut the flesh into pieces that are a bit smaller but still large enough for your baby to pick up easily with their thumb and fingers. Always ensure the fruit is very soft and free of any seeds or stringy fibres that could pose a choking risk.
Serve ripe, soft jujube in smaller pieces or strips that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Continue to remove the stone and quarter small, round jujube lengthwise to flatten any spherical shape and reduce choking risk. You may leave the skin on if it is soft and tender, but peel tougher skins to aid chewing.
Continue offering ripe kiwi in strips or wedges that are easy to grasp, or move to smaller bite-sized pieces if your baby has developed a pincer grasp. You can cut a peeled kiwi into thick slices or quarters lengthwise to provide manageable portions. At this stage, many babies enjoy holding a whole peeled kiwi half and biting directly from it.
Select ripe, soft kumquats and quarter them lengthwise if they are round in shape, removing all seeds before serving. You can leave the peel on if it is very soft, or continue removing it if your baby finds the texture challenging. Serve the pieces as finger foods that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp.
Offer ripe, soft loganberries as whole berries gently flattened or cut lengthwise into halves or quarters to create strips that are easier for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve them as slightly larger pieces than bite-sized to encourage biting and chewing practice. Continue to ensure the berries are fully ripe and very soft.
Serve ripe loquat halved and pitted, with the flesh cut into strips or bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. If the loquat is small and round, quarter it lengthwise and flatten slightly to reduce choking risk. Continue removing all seeds and peeling if the skin is too tough to chew.
Serve ripe, peeled, and deseeded lychee cut into quarters lengthwise or in thick strips that are easy for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Continue to ensure the fruit is very soft and flatten any rounded pieces to reduce choking risk. Your baby may now be able to bite off smaller pieces, so monitor closely and adjust the size if needed.
Continue offering very ripe mango in manageable strips or pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You might cut the mango into shorter, thicker strips or bite-sized pieces if your baby is starting to self-feed more confidently. Keep the texture soft and always remove the skin, as this stage is all about practising chewing and moving food around the mouth.
Continue offering bletted medlar spread on toast fingers or mixed into yoghurt and porridge. You can also serve soft pieces or strips of the flesh with skin and seeds removed, ensuring the fruit is fully bletted and yields easily to gentle pressure. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, smaller soft pieces of the flesh can be offered for practice picking up food.
Serve ripe miracle berry cut into soft strips or small pieces with the seed removed. You can offer halves or quarters depending on the size of the fruit. Continue to ensure the berry is very soft and easy to mash between the gums.
Offer ripe, soft mulberries whole or gently flattened if they are particularly plump. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp and can pick up individual berries between thumb and forefinger. You can also serve them in strips or torn pieces if your baby finds whole berries easier to manage.
Continue to serve very ripe, soft nectarines, which may be cut into smaller strips or flat pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. If the nectarine is particularly small and round, quarter it lengthwise to reduce the choking risk. The skin may still be removed if it feels tough, though very soft, ripe skin can usually be left on at this stage.
Continue to peel oranges completely and remove all membranes and seeds. Cut peeled segments into strips or smaller pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure pieces are soft enough to squish easily between your fingers, as firmer oranges can still pose a challenge at this age.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer ripe papaya cut into soft strips or bite-sized pieces that are easy to pick up. The pieces should still be very soft and easy to mash between fingers. You can continue offering larger pieces if your baby prefers to hold and bite from a larger portion.
Continue to serve ripe passion fruit pulp on a preloaded spoon or mixed into yoghurt, oatmeal, or mashed banana. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer the pulp in a small bowl and allow them to scoop it with their fingers or a spoon. The slippery texture is excellent for self-feeding practice.
Cut ripe, soft peaches into strips or smaller pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can offer thin slices or bite-sized pieces, ensuring the fruit remains soft enough to squish between your fingers. Continue to remove the pit and peel the skin if it is still difficult for your baby to chew.
Offer ripe, soft pear cut into thick strips or pieces roughly the size of two adult fingers. You can leave the skin on if it's thin and soft, as your baby's chewing skills are developing. For round varieties, quarter the pear lengthwise and ensure each piece is soft enough to squash easily between your fingers.
Continue offering ripe, soft persimmon cut into strips or wedges that are easy for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also offer thin slices or bite-sized pieces if your baby is successfully biting and tearing food. If serving round Fuyu persimmons, quarter them lengthwise to reduce any choking risk and ensure the fruit is soft enough to squish easily between your fingers.
Continue offering very ripe, soft pineapple in strips or slightly smaller wedges that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Cut pieces about the size of an adult finger, roughly 2–3 cm wide, ensuring the fruit is tender enough to mash easily between your fingers. Remove all skin and core, and check that the flesh has minimal fibrous strings that could pose a choking risk.
Continue using ripe plantain cooked until very soft, but you can now cut it into shorter strips or bite-sized pieces that are easier for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure the plantain is still soft enough to mash easily between your fingers, as babies at this age are practising their chewing skills. You can also offer slightly thicker slices that your baby can bite pieces from, but always supervise closely and ensure the texture remains soft.
Continue offering ripe, soft plums cut into thick strips or quarters with the stone removed. If the plum is small and round, quarter it lengthwise or flatten it slightly to reduce choking risk. You may leave the skin on if it is very soft and thin, but peel tougher skins as needed.
Continue serving ripe pomegranate arils with all skin and membrane removed, patting them dry to aid grip as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can offer a small handful of arils on their tray or mix them into other foods like mashed avocado, oats, or grain salads. As dexterity improves, your baby will become more successful at picking up individual arils.
Continue to peel away the membrane from pomelo segments and offer them as soft strips or smaller pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can cut larger segments in half lengthwise to create manageable pieces. At this age, babies often enjoy feeding themselves bite-sized pieces, so adjust the size based on your baby's ability to pick up and manage smaller foods.
Continue soaking prunes until very soft, then cut them into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can quarter prunes lengthwise if they're particularly round or plump to reduce any choking risk. Prunes can also be chopped and mixed into oatmeal, yoghurt, or served alongside other soft foods.
Continue to cook quince until very soft, then cut it into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece is soft enough to squish easily between your fingers. You can also mash or chop cooked quince and mix it into porridge, yoghurt, or serve it alongside other soft foods.
Continue offering ripe, soft raspberries, either whole or gently flattened if your baby is still learning to manage round shapes. At this age, many babies can pick up whole berries using a pincer grasp, so you can place a few directly on their tray. Raspberries can also be mixed into porridge, yoghurt, or mashed with banana to create simple combinations.
Continue cooking rhubarb until very soft, then cut it into smaller strips about the size of an adult finger that your baby can pick up independently. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer bite-sized pieces of stewed rhubarb either on their own or mixed with yoghurt or other soft foods. Ensure the texture remains very soft and easy to mash.
Continue offering ripe, soft salmonberries in manageable pieces or strips that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You can serve them whole if very soft, quartered lengthwise, or lightly flattened to reduce roundness. At this age, many babies enjoy picking up individual berries or pieces and self-feeding.
Peel a ripe satsuma and separate into segments, removing any obvious seeds and tough membranes. Cut segments in half lengthwise to create strips or pieces that are easier for developing pincer grasp. You can also flatten any particularly round segments slightly to reduce rolling and make them safer to manage.
Cut ripe starfruit into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Continue to remove the tough ridges and any firm skin. You can also offer thin star-shaped slices if the fruit is very soft, which makes for an interesting shape to explore.
Continue offering ripe, soft strawberries cut into thick strips or slices that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. If serving whole or halved strawberries, quarter small round fruits lengthwise to reduce choking risk, and flatten any spherical shapes. The fruit should still be soft enough to squish easily between your fingers.
Continue to spread tamarind paste very thinly on lightly toasted bread, cutting into strips or smaller rectangles that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. As your baby becomes more confident, you can offer slightly larger pieces of toast, but keep the paste layer minimal due to its strong, sour flavour. Consider pairing with mild toppings like avocado or nut butter to balance the taste.
Peel a ripe tangerine and break into individual segments, removing any seeds. For younger babies in this age range, continue offering whole segments as finger foods. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, you can break segments into smaller pieces, roughly the size of a chickpea, making them easier to self-feed with developing finger skills.
Continue offering very ripe cherry tomatoes quartered lengthwise into strips or smaller pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can flatten each piece slightly with your fingers to reduce the round shape if needed. At this age, babies can manage slightly smaller pieces but still benefit from lengthwise cuts that break up the spherical form.
Continue offering ripe tomato roma in strips or soft pieces that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Quarter small roma tomatoes lengthwise to reduce any roundness and flatten the pieces slightly if needed for safety. Raw is fine when very soft, or you can roast wedges until tender to serve alongside other finger foods.
Continue to serve very ripe ugli fruit with membranes removed for easier chewing. You can now offer smaller strips or pieces of the flesh that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Make sure the fruit is still very soft and juicy, and consider serving it in a bowl to contain the juice as your baby practises self-feeding.
Continue offering ripe, soft watermelon in wide strips or rectangles that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp, or in slightly smaller pieces if they are managing well. The pieces should still be large enough to be safe but easier to handle as coordination improves. Always remove all seeds and ensure the flesh is very soft and juicy.
Continue to finely grate yuzu zest and use it as a flavouring on finger foods and family meals your baby is eating. Sprinkle a small amount over soft cooked vegetables, grains like rice or quinoa, or mild fish to add interest and complexity. You can gradually increase the amount slightly as your baby becomes accustomed to the flavour, though it should still be used sparingly.
Continue cooking acorn squash until very soft, then remove the skin and cut into smaller pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Offer bite-sized chunks about 1 to 2 centimetres across, or thin coin-shaped slices that are easy to pick up. The squash should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure it remains safe and manageable for your baby's developing chewing skills.
Continue to cook artichoke hearts until soft, then cut them into smaller pieces such as bite-sized coins, florets, or short strips that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Each piece should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You can also mix chopped artichoke into pasta, grains, or scrambled eggs to encourage self-feeding with a spoon or fingers.
Continue offering cooked arugula in soft, easily mashable pieces, either on its own or mixed into other foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, or risotto. At this age, your baby may manage smaller clumps or strips of the wilted leaves as their pincer grasp develops. You can also fold cooked arugula into fritters, omelettes, or pancakes to make it easier to hold and eat.
Continue to cook asparagus until soft, then offer the tender florets on their own, cut spears into rounds or coins, or serve as shorter strips that match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers but can be slightly firmer than at 6 months as chewing skills improve. You can also offer asparagus mixed into mashes, fritters, or omelettes to vary textures and flavours.
Continue to cook aubergine until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as coins, small strips, or florets. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers, as your baby is developing their pincer grasp and may try to pick up smaller portions. You can serve aubergine mixed into pasta, stirred into dhal, or offered on its own as finger food.
Continue to cook baby corn until soft, then offer it whole or sliced into rounds to encourage developing pincer grasp. Your baby may now bite off pieces, so ensure the baby corn remains soft enough to mash easily between your fingers. You can also chop cooked baby corn into smaller pieces and mix into soft grains or serve alongside other finger foods.
Continue to cook bamboo shoots until very soft, and now you can offer them as smaller pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece is still soft enough to mash easily between your fingers. You might also mix soft, chopped bamboo shoots into rice, noodles, or stir-fries to help your baby practise scooping with their fingers or a spoon.
Continue cooking bean sprouts until very soft, and serve them as small, manageable pieces or in clumps that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can offer them on their own as finger food or mixed into dishes like scrambled eggs, rice, or noodles. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before serving.
Continue to cook beetroot until very soft, and now you can offer smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized strips as your baby's pincer grasp develops. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby's developing chewing skills. You can also try mixing soft beetroot pieces into other foods like porridge, yoghurt, or mashed potato for variety.
Continue to cook green pepper until very soft, but you may now cut it into smaller pieces such as thick strips or bite-sized squares as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Ensure each piece still mashes easily between your thumb and finger. You can also offer soft cooked pepper diced and mixed into grain dishes, scrambled eggs, or pasta to encourage self-feeding with a spoon.
Continue to cook red bell pepper until very soft, then cut into smaller pieces that suit your baby's developing pincer grasp, such as coin-sized rounds or short strips. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby's chewing abilities. You can also offer diced or chopped soft red pepper mixed into other foods like pasta, rice, or scrambled eggs.
Continue to cook yellow bell pepper until soft, then cut into smaller pieces such as wide strips, chunky coins, or bite-sized florets that match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they're soft enough for emerging teeth and growing chewing skills. You can offer slightly smaller pieces now as your baby learns to pick up food with their thumb and forefinger.
Continue to cook bok choy until soft, then cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces such as florets, coins, or strips that are easier for developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby to chew and swallow. You can also chop cooked bok choy finely and mix it into grains, noodles, or soft scrambled eggs to add nutrition and flavour.
Continue to cook broad beans until very soft and remove the skins. At this age, you can offer individual skinned beans for emerging pincer grasp practice, or continue serving them in small clusters or slightly flattened patties. You can also mix cooked broad beans into pasta, grains, or other finger foods to add nutrition and variety.
Continue to cook broccoli until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Serve soft florets broken into bite-sized pieces, coins sliced from the stalk, or short strips. All pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety as your baby practises chewing.
Continue to cook Brussels sprouts until very soft, then cut them into quarters or thick coins that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also offer soft florets or halves, ensuring each piece is tender enough to mash easily between your fingers. As your baby's chewing skills improve, slightly larger pieces are appropriate as long as they remain soft.
Continue to cook butter lettuce until soft, and offer it in smaller pieces such as coins or strips to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should mash easily between your fingers, ensuring they are soft enough for your baby to chew with their gums. You can also layer cooked leaves with other foods, such as mashed beans or soft grains, to add nutrition and interest.
Continue offering well-cooked butternut squash in shapes that encourage your baby's developing pincer grasp. Try bite-sized pieces, thick coins, or shorter strips that are still soft enough to mash easily between your fingers. As your baby's chewing skills improve, you can offer slightly smaller pieces, though they should remain very tender and easy to break down with the gums.
Continue cooking carrot until very soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces like thick coins or shorter strips as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before serving. Soft carrot sticks or roasted wedges also work well as babies become more confident chewing and biting.
Continue to cook cassava until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. You can also offer cassava mashed or as part of mixed dishes like stews.
Continue steaming or roasting cauliflower until soft, and now you can offer smaller, bite-sized florets as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Cut the florets into pieces roughly the size of a 10p coin, or serve thin strips if your baby prefers. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safe chewing and swallowing.
Continue to cook celeriac until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces such as bite-sized cubes, thick coins, or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for this age. Try mashing cooked celeriac and mixing it into other foods, or serve it as part of a mixed vegetable medley to encourage self-feeding.
Continue to cook celery until soft, then cut it into smaller pieces such as half-moons, short strips, or bite-sized chunks that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece still mashes easily between your fingers to remain safe. You can mix cooked celery into soups, stews, or pasta dishes to add texture and flavour as your baby becomes more confident with varied foods.
Continue to cook chard until very soft, then cut into smaller pieces that match your baby's developing pincer grasp, such as bite-sized strips or roughly chopped pieces about 2 to 3 centimetres. The leaves should still mash easily between your fingers but can be offered in more manageable sizes as baby learns to bite and chew. You may also stir finely chopped cooked chard into porridge, pasta, or other mixed dishes.
Continue to cook chicory until very soft, and offer it in bite-sized pieces such as small strips, coins, or florets that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. You can mix cooked chicory into grain dishes or serve alongside other foods to encourage self-feeding with fingers.
Continue to cook collard greens until soft, removing the central stems before serving. You can now cut the leaves into smaller pieces such as wide strips or roughly torn pieces that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Ensure the greens still mash easily between your fingers and consider serving them mixed into other foods like mashed potatoes or grains to add variety.
Continue to steam or roast corn until very soft, and serve it on the cob in manageable pieces your baby can grasp independently. You can offer slightly smaller sections now, such as thick coins or short strips, as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Ensure kernels still mash easily between your fingers, and expect your baby to scrape and gum the kernels with increasing efficiency.
Continue to cook courgette until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as thick coins, short strips, or bite-sized chunks that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece can be mashed easily between your fingers as a test for readiness. You might also serve courgette mixed into soft pasta, fritters, or mashed into other foods.
Continue to offer cooked cucumber cut into soft strips, coins, or small florets that mash easily between your fingers. If your baby is showing strong chewing skills and can move food around their mouth well, you may begin to offer thick strips of raw cucumber with the skin on, ensuring they are wide enough to prevent biting off small pieces. Monitor closely as your baby explores this firmer texture.
Continue to cook daikon until very soft, and cut it into smaller pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers. You can also offer soft florets or chunks that your baby can pick up and self-feed, and mix daikon with grains or other vegetables for variety.
Continue to cook the rice until soft and mix through a small pinch of dulse flakes. You can now form the rice into small balls or thick patties that are easier for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Alternatively, serve the dulse rice in a bowl and let your baby scoop with their hands or practise with a spoon, as this supports self-feeding skills.
Continue cooking edamame until soft, though they don't need to be quite as tender as for younger babies. Serve the whole cooked beans for pincer grasp practice, or press them gently to flatten slightly if your baby finds them difficult to pick up. You can also mix cooked edamame into other foods like soft rice or mashed vegetables to add protein and texture variety.
Continue to cook endive until soft, then cut it into smaller pieces such as bite-sized coins, strips, or individual soft florets that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby to chew. You can also try offering slightly larger pieces that your baby can bite from if their biting skills are emerging.
Continue to cook fennel until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. You can mix cooked fennel with other soft vegetables or serve it alongside proteins like flaked fish or lentils.
Continue to cook green beans until soft, then cut them into smaller pieces such as coins or short strips to encourage your baby's developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they're safe and manageable. You can also offer whole soft green beans if your baby is managing finger foods well.
Continue to cook Jerusalem artichoke until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or short strips that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they're safe and manageable. You can also offer lightly mashed Jerusalem artichoke mixed into other foods like porridge or grain dishes.
Continue to cook jicama until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. Try mixing cooked jicama into grain bowls or serving alongside other cooked vegetables for variety.
Continue to cook kale until soft, then cut it into smaller florets, coins, or short strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they're soft enough for your baby to manage. You can also finely chop cooked kale and mix it into scrambled eggs, pasta, or risotto to help your baby practise scooping and self-feeding with utensils.
Continue to cook kohlrabi until very soft, then cut it into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or smaller strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece still mashes easily between your fingers to support safe chewing practice. You can also offer kohlrabi in small soft florets if you've roasted it or as part of mixed vegetable medleys.
Continue to cook leek until very soft, but you can now offer it in smaller, bite-sized pieces such as rings or half-moons that your baby can practise their pincer grasp with. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they remain safe and manageable. You can also offer soft strips that baby can bite pieces from as their chewing skills develop.
Continue to cook lotus root until very soft, then cut it into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or small strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for this age. You can toss the cooked pieces in a little ground cumin or mild herbs to introduce new flavours.
Continue to cook mizuna until soft, then offer it in pieces that match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Cut the cooked leaves into smaller strips or roughly chop them into manageable pieces that mash easily. You can also mix soft mizuna into other foods like porridge, mashed vegetables, or pasta for added nutrition.
Continue to cook chestnut mushrooms until soft, then slice them into smaller pieces such as thick coins, florets with stems, or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Test that each piece mashes easily between your fingers to ensure it is safe to chew. You can incorporate cooked mushrooms into scrambled eggs, pasta, or grain bowls for variety.
Continue to cook white mushrooms until soft, then offer them as coins, florets, or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe to eat. You can also chop cooked mushrooms and mix them into pasta, grains, or scrambled eggs to add flavour and nutrition.
Continue to cook mustard greens until very soft, removing tough stems. Offer smaller pieces such as soft strips, coins, or roughly chopped florets that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for babies who are learning to chew.
Continue to cook Napa cabbage until soft, and offer it in smaller, bite-sized pieces such as coins or short strips that baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety as chewing skills emerge. Try folding cooked cabbage into soft scrambled eggs, mixing it into rice or noodles, or serving it alongside other finger foods.
Continue to tear nori into smaller strips, around 3–5 cm long, as your baby's pincer grasp develops. At this age, babies can manage smaller pieces and may enjoy nori wrapped around soft finger foods like flaked fish or mashed sweet potato. Nori can also be crumbled over foods like porridge or scrambled eggs to introduce a savoury, umami flavour.
Continue to cook okra until very soft, then cut it into bite-sized pieces such as rounds or short strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they're soft enough for gumming. You can also offer whole small okra pods for babies who are confidently biting and tearing food.
Continue to cook onion until very soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as rings, half-moons, or roughly chopped pieces from soups and casseroles. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers but can be sized for practising the pincer grasp. Cooked onion mixed into dishes like lentil stew or vegetable curry works well at this stage.
Continue to cook pak choi until soft, then cut the stems into thick coins or strips and separate the leaves into manageable pieces. You can also offer whole small leaves or quartered baby pak choi if your baby has developed a pincer grasp. Ensure all pieces mash easily between your fingers before serving.
Continue to cook parsnip until soft, then cut into smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safe chewing and swallowing. You can also offer small soft florets if roasting parsnip in chunks, giving your baby a variety of shapes to practise with.
Continue to cook pattypan squash until very soft, but you can now offer it in smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks. These pieces should still mash easily between your fingers and be large enough for your baby to practise their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve soft florets or scoop-shaped pieces that encourage self-feeding.
Continue to steam or sauté pea shoots until soft, but they can be slightly less wilted than for younger babies as your baby's chewing skills develop. Serve them in small handfuls or mix into finger foods like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, or grain dishes. Your baby may now manage picking up individual cooked shoots, though small clumps remain easier to grasp.
Continue to cook green plantain until very soft, then cut into smaller pieces such as thick coins, bite-sized chunks, or shorter strips that match your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers but can be smaller now to encourage self-feeding with thumb and forefinger. You can also serve mashed green plantain on a preloaded spoon or mixed into other foods.
Continue to cook pumpkin until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as bite-sized cubes, thick coins, or shorter strips as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Each piece should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure it's safe and easy to manage. Pumpkin can also be stirred into porridge, mixed with grains, or added to soups and stews.
Continue to cook radicchio until very soft, but you can now cut it into smaller pieces such as bite-sized strips or coins that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. Try mixing soft, cooked radicchio into grains like rice or quinoa, or serve alongside other soft vegetables to encourage self-feeding with utensils.
Continue to cook radish until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins, florets, or short strips. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so smaller pieces about the size of a chickpea work well. Ensure all pieces mash easily between your fingers before serving, as babies are still learning to chew effectively.
Continue to cook red cabbage until soft, but you can now offer it in smaller pieces such as coins or shorter strips that match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Each piece should still mash easily between your fingers. At this stage, babies can often manage bite-sized pieces of soft cooked cabbage, which they can pick up and feed themselves more easily.
Continue to cook romaine until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as bite-sized strips or roughly chopped leaves that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The lettuce should still mash easily between your fingers, ensuring it's safe for your baby to chew and swallow. You can also mix cooked romaine into other dishes like pasta or grains to add variety.
Continue to cook runner beans until soft, then cut them into shorter strips, coins, or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby to chew and swallow. At this stage, you can mix cooked runner beans into pasta, grains, or other family meals to add variety and nutrition.
Continue to cook Savoy cabbage until soft, and adjust the size to suit your baby's developing pincer grasp. Offer bite-sized pieces such as small florets, coins cut from rolled leaves, or shorter strips that your baby can pick up between thumb and finger. Ensure each piece is still soft enough to mash easily, as chewing skills are still emerging at this age.
Continue to offer lightly steamed or moistened nori strips, which can now be cut into smaller pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also tear or cut softened nori into bite-sized pieces and mix them into porridge, mashed rice, or scrambled egg. Nori remains easiest to manage when slightly softened rather than crispy and dry.
Continue cooking shallots until very soft, then offer them as individual layers separated from the whole, cut into coin-shaped rounds, or as smaller strips approximately one to two centimetres wide. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so you can offer slightly smaller pieces that still mash easily between your fingers. Shallots can be stirred through pasta, mixed into soft grain dishes, or served alongside other cooked vegetables.
Continue to cook shiitake caps until soft, then cut them into smaller pieces such as bite-sized chunks, thin slices, or quartered wedges that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before serving. You can also finely chop cooked shiitake and mix into grain dishes, scrambled eggs, or pasta to add flavour and nutrition.
Continue to cook snow peas until very soft, then cut them into smaller pieces such as strips or coins to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. You can also serve them as soft florets by cutting the pods into bite-sized segments.
Continue to cook soybean sprouts until soft, then offer them in small pieces or soft strips that baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. You can also mix the cooked sprouts into noodles, rice, or scrambled eggs to add texture and nutrition. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before serving.
Continue offering well-cooked spinach in soft, gummable pieces that mash easily between your fingers. You can now offer smaller strips or roughly chopped cooked spinach, either on its own or mixed into foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, or mashed potatoes. At this age, babies can also enjoy spinach stirred into porridge, risotto, or mixed with soft grains like quinoa or couscous.
Continue to cook sugar snap peas until very soft and remove the string. You can now offer smaller pieces such as coins or shorter strips to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. Always check that the pieces mash easily between your fingers before serving, as texture remains important at this stage.
Continue to cook swede until very soft, and now you can offer it in smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers. Try serving swede in a mash mixed with other root vegetables or as part of a finger food platter.
Continue to cook sweet potato until very soft, but you can now offer slightly smaller pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips as your baby's pincer grasp develops. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You can also offer mashed or fork-crushed sweet potato for spoon practice, or mix it into other foods like porridge or lentils.
Continue offering taro cooked until very soft, now cut into smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks as your baby develops their pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers but can be sized to encourage self-feeding with fingers. You can also offer taro mashed and mixed into other foods like lentils or served as small soft florets if roasted whole then broken apart.
Continue to cook tatsoi until very soft, and offer the leaves and tender stems as smaller pieces, such as coins or bite-sized strips. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so you can cut the cooked leaves into smaller portions that encourage self-feeding with fingers. Tatsoi can be mixed into soft grains, scrambled eggs, or served alongside other finger foods.
Continue to cook turnip until soft, but you can now offer it in smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks that baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You might also offer roasted turnip wedges that baby can bite pieces from, or mix diced turnip into other dishes like risotto or lentil stews.
Continue to cook wakame until very soft, then cut into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces around 2 to 4 centimetres long to match your baby's developing pincer grasp. You can also chop cooked wakame finely and mix it into porridge, mashed vegetables, or grain dishes to add minerals and introduce the flavour. Ensure pieces remain soft enough to mash easily between your fingers before serving.
Continue to cook water chestnuts until very soft, then cut them into bite-sized pieces such as coins, small wedges, or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before offering. Water chestnuts can be stirred into grain dishes, mixed with soft vegetables, or served alongside proteins as part of a balanced meal.
Continue to cook white potato until soft, then offer it as thick coins, cubes, or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe to eat. You can also offer roasted potato wedges or serve mashed potato formed into small patties or loaded onto a spoon for your baby to practise self-feeding.
Continue to cook yam until very soft, then cut it into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or smaller strips that suit your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You can also offer mashed yam loaded onto a spoon for your baby to practise self-feeding.
Continue to cook yellow squash until soft, then cut into smaller pieces such as half-moons, coins, or bite-sized strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers, ensuring they remain safe and manageable. You might also offer small soft florets if roasting the squash whole or in large chunks.
Continue to cook zucchini until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks as your baby develops their pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for gumming and early chewing. You might also try offering soft zucchini fritters or mixing cooked, chopped zucchini into other foods like pasta or grain dishes to add variety.
Continue to rinse and mash the anchovies thoroughly, checking for bones. At this age, you can mix mashed anchovy into pasta, rice, or couscous, or spread it on small pieces of toast for self-feeding. You can also stir it into soft scrambled eggs or blend it into a simple tomato sauce for extra protein and omega-3s.
Continue offering mashed anchovy spread on toast strips, or begin offering small flakes of rinsed anchovy on top of toast that baby can pick up and self-feed. You can also offer small, soft bites of toast with anchovy spread as pincer grasp develops. Always check carefully for any small bones before serving, even in tinned varieties.
Continue to spread anchovy paste thinly on lightly toasted bread and cut into strips, or offer smaller pieces about the size of a large chickpea as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also cut the toast into quarters or triangles to encourage self-feeding with both hands. Check that the toast remains moist from the paste and hasn't dried out or become too crisp.
Continue offering beef mince in small, soft patties or meatballs that babies can pick up with their developing pincer grasp, aiming for roughly chickpea-sized portions. You can also serve it mixed into pasta dishes, shepherd's pie, or stir-fries where the mince naturally breaks into smaller pieces. Ensure the mince remains tender and moist, avoiding any dry or overcooked bits that may be harder to chew.
Continue to cook beef steak until tender, then offer it as shreds, small flakes, or soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can mix shredded beef into mashed vegetables, pasta, or rice to make it easier to scoop. Keep the meat moist by serving it with its cooking juices or a little sauce to prevent dryness.
Offer fully cooked bison mince in soft shreds, small flakes, or bite-sized pieces mixed into foods like pasta, rice, or vegetables. You can also form the mince into small, soft meatballs that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Continue to keep the texture moist by cooking the mince in sauces or adding a little healthy fat or broth.
Continue offering bone broth jelly in strips, or try cutting it into small, soft cubes that your baby can practise picking up with their developing pincer grasp. The jelly will be slippery, so expect some mess as they explore. You can also stir small pieces into other foods like mashed vegetables or porridge to add moisture and protein.
Continue to cook the fish until fully tender and carefully remove all bones and skin. At this age, you can offer the branzino as flakes or small, soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Keep the fish moist by mixing it into grain bowls, serving it with vegetable purées, or drizzling with a small amount of olive oil or yoghurt.
Offer buffalo mince as small, soft bites mixed into foods like pasta, rice, or lentils, or formed into small meatballs that your baby can pick up independently. Shredded mince remains a good option, especially when combined with sauces or vegetables to keep it moist. Ensure pieces are tender enough to squash easily between your fingers and avoid any dry or overcooked edges.
Continue to offer chicken breast fully cooked and moist, either shredded, flaked, or cut into small, soft, bite-sized pieces that encourage your baby's developing pincer grasp. Ensure the chicken remains tender and check carefully that there are no bones if using other cuts. You can serve it plain or mixed into dishes like pasta, rice, or vegetable mashes to add variety and moisture.
Continue offering whole drumsticks with the bone in, or shred the meat into smaller pieces or flakes as your baby's pincer grasp develops. At this age, many babies enjoy picking up bite-sized pieces of chicken and self-feeding with increasing independence. Always double-check that no small bones or hard cartilage remain, and keep the meat moist to support easier chewing and swallowing.
Continue to cook chicken thigh until tender and remove the skin and bones. You can now offer shredded chicken, small flakes, or bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea, which are ideal as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Mix shredded chicken into porridge, pasta, or mashed vegetables, or serve pieces alongside other finger foods.
Continue to offer fully cooked, tender clam meat shredded into smaller pieces or flaked into soft, pea-sized bites that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Check carefully that no bits of shell remain and ensure the pieces are moist, not dry or rubbery. Try mixing chopped clams into pasta, stirring them into soft grains like quinoa or couscous, or adding them to soups and stews.
Continue to cook cod thoroughly and check meticulously for bones. You can now offer smaller flakes or bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea, which are easier for developing pincer grasp. Alternatively, continue with finger-length strips if your baby prefers to hold and bite pieces themselves, ensuring the fish remains moist and tender.
Continue to cook Cornish hen until tender and remove the skin and any bones. Offer the meat as small, soft, bite-sized pieces or flakes that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also continue offering strips if your baby prefers to bite pieces off themselves, and serve with a dip or sauce to keep the meat moist.
Continue offering shredded crab or flaked into small, soft pieces that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. Keep the texture moist by mixing crab into scrambled eggs, stirring through pasta with a little olive oil, or folding into soft vegetable patties. Always double-check for shell fragments, as babies at this age are exploring more independently and may put larger pieces straight into their mouths.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can begin offering crab sticks shredded into small, soft pieces or cut into shorter, bite-sized strips that are easier to pick up with fingers. Continue to check that the texture remains soft and tender, and remove any tougher edges. You can also mash or flake crab stick into pasta, rice, or vegetable dishes to add protein.
Continue to cook cuttlefish until tender, then shred it into small soft pieces or offer flakes that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You can also cut it into small soft bites about the size of a chickpea, ensuring the pieces are moist and easy to chew. Mix shredded cuttlefish into soft grains like rice or pasta to help your baby practise self-feeding.
Continue offering duck breast as shreds or flakes, or move to small, soft bite-sized pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Ensure the meat remains tender and moist, and check carefully that there are no tough or dry edges. You can mix shredded duck into grain dishes, mashed vegetables, or pasta to add variety and make it easier for your baby to self-feed.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer smaller pieces of boiled egg such as pea-sized bites of egg white or crumbled yolk. Strips are still a good option if your baby prefers to use their whole hand. Continue to keep the egg moist by serving it alongside other foods or mixing crumbled egg with yoghurt, mashed vegetables, or a small amount of oil.
Continue to cook scrambled egg until fully set and keep it moist to avoid dry edges. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer smaller bite-sized pieces that are roughly the size of a chickpea. You can also continue to offer strips if your baby prefers to hold larger pieces, or serve scrambled egg in a bowl for scooping practice with hands or a spoon.
Continue to cook elk mince until tender and serve it as small, soft meatballs, flattened patties, or mixed into pasta or grain dishes with plenty of moisture. You can also offer shredded elk mince that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp, ensuring pieces are soft enough to mash between gums. Avoid overly dry preparations, and consider mixing with vegetables or legumes to add moisture and flavour.
Continue to cook emu mince until tender and serve it as small, soft flakes or shreds mixed into pasta, grains, or vegetable dishes. You can also form the mince into small meatballs or mini burger patties that are easy for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Keep the texture moist by cooking with sauces or broths.
Continue offering soft fish cakes in finger-length strips to encourage self-feeding, or break them into small, soft, bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Check carefully for any small bones, especially in homemade versions, and ensure the texture remains soft and moist throughout. Serve alongside vegetables or mashed potato to create a balanced meal.
Offer fully cooked flounder as flakes, shreds, or small soft bites that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Continue to check meticulously for bones and keep the fish moist by serving it with a sauce, yoghurt, or mixed into foods like mashed potato or pasta. You can also continue offering small strips if your baby prefers to hold larger pieces, adjusting the size as their self-feeding skills improve.
Continue to cook goose until tender and remove skin and bones. Offer shredded meat, small flakes, or soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Keep the meat moist by serving it with its juices or mixing it into foods like pasta, grains, or vegetables to make it easier to manage.
Continue to cook the haddock thoroughly and check for bones before serving. You can offer the fish as flakes, small soft bites, or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Serve the haddock alongside vegetables or mixed into soft foods like mashed potato or pasta to keep it moist and easy to manage.
Continue to cook halibut until tender and fully cooked through, checking carefully for bones. Offer the fish in flakes or small, soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve strips that are easier for baby to hold if they prefer, keeping the fish moist with a drizzle of olive oil or served alongside a soft vegetable purée.
Continue cooking chicken hearts until tender, then cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces roughly the size of a chickpea that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also continue offering shredded pieces or slightly larger chunks for babies who prefer to bite pieces off themselves. Keep the texture soft and moist to support self-feeding.
Cook the herring thoroughly and flake it into bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea, checking carefully for any bones. You can offer the flakes on their own, mix them into soft grains like quinoa or couscous, or serve slightly larger strips that your baby can bite pieces from using their developing pincer grasp. Keep the fish moist by serving it with a little olive oil, yoghurt, or mashed vegetables.
Continue to cook kidney until very tender, then cut it into small, soft, bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea or slightly smaller. You can also continue to offer shredded kidney or thin flakes that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Serve kidney in stews, mixed with pasta, or alongside soft cooked vegetables to keep it moist and easy to chew.
Continue to cook lamb chop until tender, then remove the bone and trim away fat and gristle. Shred the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces or offer slightly thicker strips that baby can bite pieces from as their jaw strength develops. You can also serve small, soft chunks of lamb mixed into grains, pasta, or vegetable dishes to encourage developing pincer grasp, ensuring all pieces remain moist and easy to chew.
Continue offering lamb mince in soft, moist preparations such as mini meatballs, deconstructed shepherd's pie, or mixed into pasta sauces or stews. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer smaller bite-sized pieces of mince patties or meatballs, roughly the size of a chickpea. Always ensure the mince is well-cooked and moist, and supervise closely as your baby practises picking up smaller pieces.
Continue to cook chicken liver until fully tender, then shred or flake it into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your baby's developing pincer grasp. You can mix shredded liver into porridge, mashed potato, or pasta to help with texture and flavour, or serve it on its own for self-feeding. Ensure pieces remain soft and moist to support safe chewing and swallowing.
Continue to cook lamb liver until fully tender, then offer it in smaller, bite-sized pieces or shreds that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You can also serve slightly larger strips for biting practice, or mix shredded liver into dishes like pasta, rice, or mashed root vegetables. Keep the texture moist and avoid overcooked, dry edges that become harder to chew.
Continue to cook lobster fully until tender, and offer it as small, bite-sized flakes or shreds that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve slightly larger soft pieces that are easy to chew and swallow. Check carefully for any remaining shell or cartilage before serving, and keep the meat moist to prevent it from becoming dry or difficult to manage.
Cook the mackerel until tender, remove the skin, and check meticulously for bones. Flake the fish into small, soft pieces or offer bite-sized chunks that baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. You can mix flaked mackerel into pasta, grain bowls, or mashed potato, or serve alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Cook mussels thoroughly and remove from the shell, then offer as small, soft bite-sized pieces or continue with shreds depending on your baby's chewing ability. You can mix shredded or chopped mussel into pasta, risotto, or grain dishes to add moisture and flavour. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, smaller pieces will support self-feeding practice.
Continue offering natto rice balls in a log shape, or form them into smaller rounds about the size of a large grape that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure the rice remains soft and sticky, as babies at this age are still developing their chewing skills. You can also serve the natto rice mixture in a small mound on a plate for your baby to scoop with their fingers.
Continue to cook octopus until very tender and remove the skin. You can now offer smaller pieces such as shreds or soft, bite-sized pieces roughly the size of a chickpea, as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Keep the octopus moist and serve it on its own or mixed into dishes like rice, pasta, or soft vegetable medleys.
Continue to cook ostrich mince until tender and offer it as small, soft meatballs, flattened patties, or mixed into dishes like pasta sauce or shepherd's pie. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can shred or flake the cooked mince into small, bite-sized pieces that they can pick up themselves. Keep the mince moist by cooking it in sauces or mixing with a little healthy fat.
Continue to offer fully cooked oyster that is finely chopped or shredded into soft, small pieces that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. You can mix the chopped oyster into porridge, mashed vegetables, or soft grains to add nutrition and variety. Always check each piece carefully for any shell fragments before serving.
Continue to offer pheasant shredded or in small, soft, bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure the meat remains moist and tender, and check thoroughly for any bones before serving. You can mix shredded pheasant into pasta, grains, or vegetables, or offer small flakes alongside other finger foods for your baby to self-feed.
Continue to cook pollock until fully tender, then flake it into small, bite-sized pieces or offer larger flakes that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Always check carefully for bones before serving. You can mix the flakes into pasta, soft grains, or scrambled eggs to add variety and make the fish easier for your baby to scoop.
Continue to cook pork mince thoroughly and serve it in moist preparations such as pasta sauces, stir-fries, or mixed into rice or couscous. You can offer smaller meatballs (about the size of a walnut) that are easier for developing pincer grasp, or flattened patties that your baby can pick up and bite. Ensure the mince remains soft and avoid dry or overcooked edges that could be difficult to chew.
Continue to cook pork tenderloin until tender and offer it as shredded meat, small flakes, or bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, smaller pieces will allow them to practise picking up food with their thumb and forefinger. Ensure the pork remains moist by serving it with a little cooking liquid, gravy, or a suitable sauce.
Continue to cook prawns thoroughly until tender, then offer them as small shreds, flakes, or soft bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea. At this stage, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so smaller pieces allow them to practise picking up food between thumb and forefinger. Serve prawns on their own, mixed into pasta or rice dishes, or combined with soft vegetables to add moisture and make them easier to manage.
Continue to cook quail breast until tender and offer it as shreds, small flakes, or soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. Ensure the meat remains moist by mixing it with sauces, mashed avocado, or yoghurt, or serving it alongside vegetables cooked in the same cooking liquid. Always check carefully for any small bones that may have been missed during preparation.
Continue to offer tender shredded rabbit or flakes, or progress to small, soft bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Always check carefully that no small bones are present, and keep the meat moist by serving it with a bit of the stewing liquid or mixed into soft foods like rice or vegetables. You can also offer slightly larger pieces for your baby to bite from as their chewing skills improve.
Continue to cook salmon until tender and flaky, removing skin and checking for bones. Offer bite-sized flakes or small soft pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also continue offering strips if your baby prefers, or serve flaked salmon mixed into soft foods like mashed potato or pasta to help with texture practice.
Continue to offer cooked sardine as soft flakes or small, pinchable bites that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve sardine mixed into pasta, stirred through grains like rice or quinoa, or spread onto strips of toast. Always double-check for any small bones, even in boneless varieties.
Continue to cook scallops until tender and offer them as shreds, flakes, or small soft bites that are easy for your baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You may also offer scallop cut into small pieces about the size of a chickpea, ensuring each piece is moist and soft. If serving larger pieces, make sure they are still tender enough to break apart easily in baby's mouth.
Continue offering fully cooked, boneless sea bass in flaked or shredded form, now in smaller, bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also offer slightly larger strips that baby can bite pieces from independently. Keep the fish moist and tender, and consider mixing flakes into soft grains like quinoa or rice, or serving alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Continue offering soft seitan strips or begin shredding or cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Ensure the seitan remains moist and tender, and consider mixing shredded seitan into pasta, rice, or mashed vegetables. Avoid dry or overcooked pieces, which can become chewy and harder to manage.
Continue to cook shrimp until tender and peel completely. At this age, you can offer shredded shrimp, small soft flakes, or bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Serve shrimp mixed into pasta, stirred through rice, or offered alongside soft cooked vegetables for a complete meal.
Continue to offer cooked smoked salmon trim in shreds, flakes, or small soft bites that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. Check very carefully for any small bones before serving. You can mix the flaked fish into scrambled eggs, pasta, or offer it alongside soft vegetables.
Continue to cook the sole until tender and check thoroughly for bones. You can now offer small, soft flakes or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Strips are still a good option if your baby prefers to hold larger pieces, and you can also mix flaked sole into mashed vegetables or grains to add variety.
Continue to offer tender, well-cooked squid in shreds, flakes, or small soft bites that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. Ensure the squid is moist and tender rather than rubbery or overcooked. You can mix shredded squid into pasta, risotto, or soft grains to add protein and variety to meals.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can shred or tear surimi sticks into smaller, bite-sized pieces that are easy to pick up between thumb and forefinger. Strips or flakes work well at this stage, and you can mix them into dishes like soft rice, pasta, or mashed vegetables to encourage self-feeding. Continue to check that the texture remains soft and moist to support safe chewing.
Continue offering finger-length strips of fully cooked tempeh, or begin breaking it into smaller bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can shred or flake cooked tempeh and mix it into grain bowls, mashed vegetables, or pasta dishes. Keep tempeh moist by serving it with sauces, dips, or mixed into foods with natural moisture.
Continue to cook tilapia until tender and fully cooked through, then remove the skin and check thoroughly for bones. Offer the fish in small, soft flakes or bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp, keeping the texture moist to make swallowing easier. You can also serve slightly larger pieces that your baby can bite from, or incorporate the flakes into pasta, rice, or vegetable dishes.
Continue offering tofu in strips, or break it into smaller bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can crumble or cube the tofu into soft, pea-sized pieces and mix it into grain bowls, pasta, or vegetable mashes for variety. Baking or lightly pan-frying tofu with mild spices or herbs adds flavour and helps your baby explore new tastes.
Continue to preload silken tofu onto a spoon for self-feeding, or stir it into thicker foods like oatmeal, mashed sweet potato, or scrambled eggs. At this age, babies may also enjoy silken tofu blended into smoothies or soups. You can encourage developing pincer grasp by mixing small spoonfuls into grain bowls or pasta dishes that are easier to scoop.
Continue offering fully cooked trout in flaked pieces or small soft bites that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Check meticulously for any remaining bones, as babies at this age are becoming more independent eaters. Keep the fish moist by serving it with a sauce, mashed avocado, or mixed into pasta or grains.
Continue to offer fully cooked tuna steak in flakes, shreds, or small soft bites that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Check carefully for any bones, even though tuna steaks are typically boneless. Keep the tuna moist by mixing it with a small amount of unsalted butter, olive oil, mashed potato, or natural yoghurt to make it easier to handle and swallow.
Continue to cook turkey breast until tender and offer it as shreds, flakes, or small, soft bite-sized pieces that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure the meat remains moist throughout the meal by serving it with a sauce, gravy, or mixed into soft foods like mashed potato or porridge. You can also offer slightly larger strips for your baby to bite and tear if they are comfortable with this skill.
Continue to cook turkey mince until tender and moist, avoiding dry or crumbly textures. You can now offer slightly smaller pieces, such as meatballs roughly the size of a large grape, or serve the mince crumbled and mixed into foods like pasta, rice, or mashed vegetables. Encourage self-feeding by allowing your baby to pick up pieces with their developing pincer grasp.
Continue cooking veal mince until soft and serve it in small, moist pieces mixed into pasta, grains, or vegetables. You can offer it in slightly larger meatballs or patties that baby can hold and bite from, ensuring they remain moist and tender throughout. At this age, babies can begin to pick up smaller pieces of mince with their developing pincer grasp, though keeping it in a sauce or mixed with other foods helps with coordination.
Continue to cook venison mince until soft, serving it as small, moist clumps or formed into mini meatballs roughly the size of a chickpea. Babies at this age are developing their pincer grasp, so bite-sized pieces mixed into pasta, rice, or vegetables work well. Keep the mince moist by cooking it in tomato sauce, adding it to casseroles, or mixing with yoghurt or soft cheese.
Continue to cook whitefish mix until fully tender and check meticulously for bones. Offer small, pea-sized flakes that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp, or slightly larger soft bites. You can also form the cooked fish into small patties or mix it into pasta, grains, or vegetable dishes to add moisture and variety.
Continue serving amaranth porridge in a scoopable consistency, encouraging your baby to practise using a pre-loaded spoon or their own utensil. You can also shape cooled, thicker amaranth porridge into soft patties or balls that your baby can pick up and self-feed. Mix in finely chopped cooked vegetables, ground meat, or nut butter to boost nutrition and flavour.
Continue offering soft-cooked Arborio rice as loose grains on the tray, or shape it into small, soft patties or balls that are easier for developing pincer grasp. You can also pre-load a baby-safe spoon with the sticky rice and place it on the tray for your baby to practise scooping. Mix the rice with mashed vegetables, lentils, or finely shredded meat to add nutrition and flavour.
Continue offering soft arepas cut into wide strips or smaller pieces about the size of a dice as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also serve a whole small arepa (ensuring it remains very soft) so your baby can practise biting pieces off. Try spreading the arepa with hummus, nut or seed butter (thinned if necessary), or mashed beans to introduce complementary flavours and textures.
Continue offering lightly toasted bagel strips in the same size, allowing your baby to practice biting and tearing with emerging teeth. You can now offer slightly shorter strips (around 3–4 cm) as your baby develops their pincer grasp, though longer pieces still work well. Try topping with cottage cheese, hummus, or mashed banana to add variety and nutrition whilst keeping the texture soft and manageable.
Continue to cook basmati rice until soft, and you can now offer it as loose grains in a bowl for your baby to practise scooping with their hands or a preloaded spoon. Alternatively, shape the cooked rice into soft patties or small balls that are easy to grasp with developing pincer grip skills. Mixing the rice with mashed vegetables, lentils, or finely shredded meat adds flavour and nutrition whilst helping the grains stick together.
Continue to soften bran flakes well, but you can leave the mixture slightly thicker to encourage self-feeding with a spoon. Offer in a small bowl with a pre-loaded spoon for your baby to practise scooping, or shape the softened mixture into small, soft patties that your baby can pick up with their fingers. You can also stir softened bran flakes into porridge or yogurt for added texture and iron.
Continue offering strips of soft sourdough bread in a size your baby can hold easily, or cut into smaller pieces as their pincer grasp develops. At this stage, babies may enjoy sourdough topped with hummus, mashed beans, or soft cheese to practise picking up finger foods with different textures. You can also serve sourdough alongside other foods as part of a balanced meal, encouraging self-feeding and exploration.
Continue offering wholemeal bread strips, now with the crust left on if it's soft, as your baby's biting and chewing skills develop. You can cut the bread into smaller pieces or offer mini sandwiches cut into fingers to encourage self-feeding with their pincer grasp. Spread toppings like mashed beans, cream cheese, or nut butter to introduce variety and make the bread more nutritious.
Continue cooking buckwheat groats until soft, and offer them loose in a bowl for your baby to practise scooping with their fingers or a pre-loaded spoon. You can also shape the cooked groats into soft patties or mix them into veggie fritters to encourage pincer grasp development. Serve alongside other foods as part of a balanced meal.
Continue to cook bulgar wheat until soft, but you can now offer it with a slightly looser texture as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Pre-load a spoon with the cooked grains mixed with yoghurt or vegetables and let your baby practise bringing it to their mouth. Alternatively, form the cooked bulgar wheat into soft patties or fritters by mixing with mashed vegetables, egg, or cheese, which creates easy-to-hold finger foods.
Continue offering soft chapati in strips, or tear into smaller bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also roll chapati around soft fillings like mashed lentils or cooked vegetables to create small wraps. Encourage self-feeding and offer a variety of textures alongside chapati to support developing chewing skills.
Continue to soften cheerios thoroughly in milk or yogurt until they are no longer crunchy. At this age, babies may enjoy practising their pincer grasp by picking up individual softened cheerios from a bowl or tray. You can also mix them into porridge or mashed fruit for added texture and variety.
Continue to prepare chia pudding with the same ratio of seeds to liquid, ensuring a thick, spoonable consistency. Encourage your baby to practise scooping with a pre-loaded spoon or their hands, as this helps develop fine motor skills. You can also serve chia pudding as a topping for pancakes or mix it with stewed fruit for variety.
Continue offering congee in a slightly thicker consistency that holds together better on a spoon, allowing baby to practise scooping. You can also shape cooled congee into soft, flattened patties that baby can pick up with their hands and self-feed. This is a good age to begin adding small, soft mix-ins like finely chopped cooked vegetables, lentils, or shredded meat to boost nutrition and introduce new textures.
Continue serving corn grits as a thick porridge that baby can scoop with their fingers or a preloaded spoon. You can also shape cooked, cooled grits into soft patties or fingers that are easy for baby to hold and self-feed. Mix in finely chopped vegetables, cheese, or cooked egg to add flavour and nutrition.
Continue offering soft corn tortilla strips, or begin cutting them into smaller pieces about the size of a large postage stamp as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also fold a soft tortilla around mashed beans, scrambled egg, or shredded chicken to create a simple wrap, cut into manageable pieces. Ensure the tortilla stays moist and pliable by warming it or pairing it with wet fillings.
Continue to serve couscous mixed with yoghurt, mashed vegetables, or other binding ingredients, or try forming it into soft patties or balls that your baby can grasp and bite. You can also offer couscous as loose grains alongside other finger foods, and provide a pre-loaded spoon to encourage self-feeding with utensils. At this age, babies can manage slightly less binding, so couscous can be a bit more textured.
Continue to serve cream of wheat as a thick porridge for spoon practice, or try forming cooled, cooked cream of wheat into soft patties or balls that your baby can pick up with their fingers. You can mix in mashed fruit, nut or seed butter, or yoghurt for added flavour and nutrition. At this stage, many babies enjoy practising their pincer grasp by picking up small, soft pieces or scooping with a spoon on their own.
Continue offering crumpet strips, or try cutting the crumpet into smaller pieces about the size of a large chickpea to encourage developing pincer grasp. You can toast the crumpet lightly for a bit more texture as your baby's chewing skills improve, but keep it soft enough to squish between your fingers. Serve with a variety of toppings to expose your baby to different flavours and boost nutritional content.
Continue offering soft dosa strips, or tear the dosa into smaller bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also roll dosa around soft fillings like mashed potato or cooked vegetables to create easy-to-hold wraps. Encourage self-feeding by placing pieces on your baby's tray or offering a pre-loaded spoon with dosa and accompaniments.
Continue offering strips of English muffin, or try smaller bite-sized pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops and they become more skilled at self-feeding. Lightly toasted English muffin pieces work well for practising picking up softer finger foods. Consider offering English muffin alongside other foods at mealtimes, topped with hummus, cottage cheese, or mashed banana to boost nutrition.
Continue to cook farro until soft, but you can now serve it as loose grains in a bowl for your baby to practise scooping with their hands or a pre-loaded spoon. You can also form the cooked farro into soft patties or balls by mixing with mashed vegetables, egg, or nut butter, which are easier for developing pincer grasp. Farro can be stirred into soups, stews, or served alongside other finger foods.
Continue mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground flaxseed into yogurt, offering it in a bowl for your baby to scoop with their fingers or practise using a pre-loaded spoon. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, you might also spread the flaxseed yogurt on soft toast strips or rice cakes for them to hold and self-feed. The thicker consistency from the flaxseed helps the yogurt cling to finger foods and utensils.
Continue to cook freekeh until soft, and serve it as loose grains mixed into other foods or formed into soft patties that your baby can pick up independently. Offer a preloaded spoon alongside the meal to encourage self-feeding practice with scooping. You can also mix cooked freekeh into vegetable or lentil patties to add texture and nutrition.
Continue offering French toast as finger-length strips, which babies at this age can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The texture can remain soft, though slightly firmer pieces are manageable as chewing skills improve. You can serve strips alongside other finger foods such as berries or avocado slices to encourage self-feeding variety at mealtimes.
Continue to cook gnocchi until very soft and serve whole pieces, which are ideal for practising the developing pincer grasp. At this age, babies can manage gnocchi tossed in a simple sauce such as passata or mashed vegetables, which adds flavour and nutrients. You can also offer gnocchi on a pre-loaded spoon to encourage self-feeding with utensils.
Break soft granola clusters into small pieces roughly the size of a chickpea or blueberry, ensuring they are genuinely soft and not crunchy. Offer a few pieces on your baby's tray for self-feeding, or crumble over yoghurt or porridge to add texture and flavour. Always supervise closely and choose varieties without honey, whole nuts, or large dried fruit chunks.
Continue sprinkling hemp hearts onto porridge, yoghurt, mashed avocado, or soft scrambled eggs to add nutrition and texture. You can also mix them into soft patties, fritters, or energy balls that your baby can pick up and self-feed. Offer around one to two teaspoons per serving, ensuring they remain incorporated into moist foods rather than served dry.
Continue offering idli in thick strips or cut into bite-sized pieces that encourage self-feeding with fingers. At this age, you can serve idli alongside a small amount of mild dal or vegetable curry for dipping, which helps develop pincer grasp and introduces complementary flavours. If your baby is practising with a spoon, you can crumble soft idli into a bowl with yoghurt or mashed vegetables for scooping.
Continue offering injera in strips or tear it into smaller, bite-sized pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. At this age, babies can handle the texture well and may enjoy using injera to scoop soft foods like hummus, mashed beans, or yogurt. You can also offer injera alongside stews or curries, allowing your baby to self-feed by tearing and dipping.
Continue to cook jasmine rice until soft, but you can now offer it as loose grains on the tray or mixed into dishes like vegetable stir-fries or curries. Encourage self-feeding by pre-loading a spoon with rice or offering soft rice balls about the size of a walnut that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. This is a great age to introduce different flavours by mixing rice with herbs, mild spices, or cooked proteins.
Continue to cook macaroni until soft, and serve it either loose for your baby to practise their pincer grasp or mixed into dishes like pasta salad or simple tomato sauce. You can also encourage self-feeding by pre-loading a spoon with soft macaroni for your baby to bring to their mouth. At this stage, you may begin to introduce macaroni as part of family meals with age-appropriate seasonings.
Continue offering Malt-o-meal as a thick porridge that your baby can scoop with their hands or a pre-loaded spoon. As their pincer grasp develops, you can shape cooled, cooked Malt-o-meal into soft patties or balls that are easy to pick up and self-feed. Let the texture remain soft enough to squash easily between your fingers.
Continue offering millet porridge at a scoopable consistency, allowing your baby to practise self-feeding with their hands or a spoon. You can also form the cooked millet into soft patties or balls that are easy to grasp, or serve it slightly looser as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Mix in mashed vegetables, nut or seed butters, or ground meat to add variety and nutrition.
Continue to serve soaked muesli with a thick, scoopable texture, mixed with breast milk, formula, or yoghurt. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so you can encourage self-feeding by pre-loading a spoon and placing it on the tray for them to pick up. You may also offer soaked muesli formed into soft patties or fingers that are easy to hold and bite.
Continue offering naan in strips, or tear it into smaller pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp and begins to self-feed with thumb and forefinger. You can also try offering small, soft pieces of naan for your baby to practise picking up independently. Pair naan with nutrient-rich dips like white bean spread, nut butter, or mashed lentils to boost the nutritional value.
Continue offering thick porridge for self-feeding with a pre-loaded spoon or allow baby to scoop independently using their own spoon. At this age, you can shape cooled porridge into soft patties or balls that baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. Spread porridge onto toast fingers or rice cakes for an easy-to-hold option, or serve in a suction bowl for independent scooping practice.
Continue to cook orzo until soft, and you can begin to serve it with less added liquid as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Offer orzo mixed into chunky sauces, stirred with mashed vegetables, or formed into soft patties that are easy to pick up. You can also leave the grains loose in a bowl and encourage your baby to practise scooping with a spoon or picking up small amounts with their fingers.
Continue offering pancake strips in a size that is easy to hold, or try cutting them into smaller pieces as your baby develops their pincer grasp. At this age, babies can manage slightly firmer textures, though pancakes should still be tender and easy to chew. You can serve pancakes alongside other foods like berries, banana slices, or a dollop of yogurt for dipping practice.
Continue cooking fusilli until soft and serve it as loose grains or mixed into soft patties or fritters that your baby can hold. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so loose fusilli pieces give excellent practice for picking up smaller foods. You can mix fusilli with finely chopped vegetables, mashed beans, or shredded meat to create balanced meals, or offer it alongside other finger foods for variety.
Continue to cook penne until soft, and serve it whole or halved lengthways if your baby is developing a pincer grasp. Offer pasta mixed with sauces such as tomato and vegetable, lentil bolognese, or a smooth cheese sauce to encourage self-feeding. You can also offer a pre-loaded spoon with penne and sauce for your baby to practice bringing to their mouth independently.
Continue offering well-cooked pearl barley mixed into other foods, or allow your baby to practise scooping loose grains from a bowl using a pre-loaded spoon or their fingers. You can also form the cooked barley into soft patties or fritters by mixing with mashed vegetables, egg, or ground meat, then gently pan-frying or baking until firm enough to hold their shape. These are easier for developing pincer grasp skills.
Continue offering soft pita in strips, or try cutting it into smaller pieces roughly the size of a postage stamp to encourage developing pincer grasp skills. You can also offer a folded pita pocket filled with soft foods like scrambled egg, mashed beans, or grated cheese. As your baby becomes more skilled, they may enjoy tearing or pulling apart the pita themselves.
Continue offering polenta as a loose porridge for spoon practice, or let cooked polenta cool and firm up, then cut it into thick fingers or small patties that are easy to grasp. Babies at this age are developing their pincer grasp, so you can also offer bite-sized pieces of firmer polenta. Try mixing polenta with grated cheese, cooked lentils, or finely chopped vegetables to boost nutrition and create interesting textures.
Continue offering whole puffed rice fingers for independent feeding as your baby develops their pincer grasp and can bring food to their mouth more precisely. You can top them with thicker spreads such as mashed avocado, hummus, or nut butter to boost nutrition and introduce new flavours. Break larger fingers in half if needed to make them easier for your baby to manage.
Continue offering well-cooked quinoa, either loose or mixed into patties, fritters, or muffins for easier self-feeding. Pre-load a spoon with quinoa (plain or mixed with yogurt or mashed vegetables) and place it on your baby's tray so they can practise bringing it to their mouth. You can also stir quinoa into soups, stews, or porridge to add texture and nutrition.
Continue to serve well-cooked brown rice mixed with a binder, or begin offering it in loose grain form as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also shape the rice into small, soft patties or balls that are easy to pick up and bite. Encourage self-feeding by pre-loading a baby-safe spoon with the rice and allowing your baby to bring it to their mouth independently.
Continue offering whole unsalted rice cakes topped with spreads like hummus, cream cheese, or nut butter, or break them into large bite-sized pieces if your baby is developing a pincer grasp. You can also crush rice cakes and mix them into yogurt or porridge for variety. Always ensure the rice cake is softened with a topping to prevent sharp edges.
Continue to cook flat rice noodles until very soft, and offer them in shorter strips or small clumps that encourage your baby to practise their pincer grasp. At this stage, you can serve the noodles plain or tossed with finely chopped vegetables, shredded meat, or legumes to create a more textured meal. Pre-load a spoon with noodles and place it on your baby's tray to encourage self-feeding with utensils, or let them continue eating with their hands.
Continue offering well-cooked white rice, either loose for scooping practice or formed into soft, palm-sized rice balls or patties that baby can pick up independently. You can mix rice with finely chopped cooked vegetables, lentils, or shredded meat to boost nutrition and flavour. Encourage self-feeding with a pre-loaded spoon or by allowing baby to use their developing pincer grasp to pick up small clumps.
Continue offering whole rolled oat fingers, or break them into smaller pieces if your baby is developing their pincer grasp and enjoys practising picking up bite-sized foods. The fingers should still be soft enough to dissolve easily in the mouth. Serve alongside other foods such as mashed fruit, yoghurt, or nut butter for dipping to add variety and nutrition.
Continue to offer semolina porridge at a scoopable consistency, encouraging your baby to practise self-feeding with a pre-loaded spoon. You can also shape cooled, thick porridge into small, soft patties or fingers that your baby can pick up and bite. At this age, babies can manage slightly looser textures as their oral skills develop.
Continue to cook soba noodles until soft and serve them whole or cut into shorter lengths of around 5–8 cm as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Offer soba noodles on their own for practising self-feeding or toss them with finely chopped vegetables, shredded chicken, or a sauce for added nutrition. You can also pre-load a spoon with noodles for your baby to practise bringing the spoon to their mouth independently.
Continue offering well-cooked spelt berries as a loose grain that your baby can practise scooping with pre-loaded spoons or their fingers. You can also form the cooked grains into soft patties or balls by mixing them with mashed vegetables, egg, or nut butter, which encourages self-feeding and developing pincer grasp. Keep the texture soft enough to squash easily between your fingers.
Continue offering well-cooked steel cut oat mash with a slightly thicker consistency as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can shape the cooked oats into soft, finger-sized patties or balls that are easy to pick up and bite, or continue offering loose grains in a bowl with a pre-loaded spoon for scooping practice. Mix in mashed fruit, nut or seed butter, or yoghurt to add flavour and nutrition.
Continue serving teff porridge as a soft, spoonable food, or let the mixture cool and thicken slightly so your baby can practise scooping with a pre-loaded spoon. You can also shape cooled, thick teff porridge into soft patties or small balls that are easy for your baby to pick up and self-feed. Encourage independent feeding by offering a spoon alongside the food.
Continue offering tortillas as wide strips, or try cutting them into smaller rectangles as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can also roll a tortilla around a filling such as mashed beans or scrambled egg, then slice it into rounds that are easy to pick up. At this age, babies can manage slightly firmer textures, but keep tortillas soft and fresh rather than toasted or crispy.
Continue to offer well-cooked udon noodles, now cut into shorter pieces of about 2 to 4 centimetres to encourage your baby to practise their developing pincer grasp. You can serve the noodles loose in a bowl for self-feeding with fingers or a spoon, or mix them with soft vegetables, beans, or shredded meat for a more complete meal. Tossing the noodles lightly in a small amount of oil, tahini, or a mild sauce helps prevent them from sticking together and adds flavour and nutrients.
Continue to cook vermicelli rice noodles until soft, and serve them loose on the tray for your baby to practise their pincer grasp by picking up individual strands or small clumps. You can also pre-load a spoon with noodles mixed with sauce or vegetables to encourage self-feeding with utensils. Another option is to form the cooked noodles into small patties by mixing with egg and pan-frying until set, creating easy-to-hold finger foods.
Continue offering soft waffle strips, now cut into slightly smaller pieces to encourage developing pincer grasp—try cutting into thick strips or quartering individual waffle squares. Babies at this stage can manage slightly more texture, so waffles can be very lightly warmed but should still remain soft rather than crispy. Serve with dips like hummus, yogurt, or mashed avocado alongside to encourage self-feeding with hands or a pre-loaded spoon.
Continue to soften Weetabix well, but you can leave the texture slightly looser to encourage spoon practice. Offer it in a bowl with a pre-loaded spoon for your baby to bring to their mouth, and place another spoon nearby for independent scooping attempts. You can also shape softened Weetabix into small balls or thick fingers that are easier for developing pincer grasp.
Continue offering well-cooked wheat berries mixed into yogurt, porridge, or mashed vegetables, or let your baby practise scooping loose grains with a preloaded spoon. You can also form the cooked grains into soft patties or balls mixed with mashed vegetables, egg, or nut butter to make them easier to grasp. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, they may begin picking up individual grains, though this can be challenging.
Continue mixing wheat germ into yogurt, porridge, or mashed foods, or incorporate it into soft finger foods like oat patties, egg muffins, or toast fingers spread with nut butter or mashed banana. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer pre-loaded spoons with wheat germ stirred into thick dips or spreads. Wheat germ also works well mixed into soft rice balls or pasta dishes to boost nutrition.
Continue offering ayran thick in an open cup or straw cup as your baby's drinking skills improve. You can also use it as a liquid base for smoothies blended with soft fruits, or drizzle it over finger foods like soft vegetables or toast strips. Keep portions small, as dairy drinks should not replace breast milk or formula at this age.
As babies aged 9 to 11 months develop their pincer grasp, you can continue offering burrata spread thickly on fingers of toast or torn into smaller, bite-sized soft pieces that they can pick up independently. You might also mash burrata into cooked pasta, spread it onto soft vegetable sticks like steamed courgette, or serve it alongside soft fruits. The creamy texture still makes it very manageable and low-risk at this age.
Continue spreading unsalted butter thinly on finger foods like toast strips, crumpets, or pancakes, allowing your baby to self-feed as their pincer grasp develops. You can also melt a small amount of butter into pasta, cooked grains, or steamed vegetables to add flavour and fat. At this age, babies can manage slightly thicker spreads as their oral motor skills improve.
At this age, babies can manage grated cheddar sprinkled onto foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, or steamed vegetables, where the small pieces will stick to the food and be easier to pick up. You can also offer grated cheese melted on fingers of toast or stirred into risotto or soft grains. As pincer grasp develops, babies may begin to pick up small clumps of grated cheese, though melted or mixed into other foods remains the easiest option.
For babies aged 9 to 11 months, continue to offer clotted cream sparingly as a thin layer on toast fingers, pancakes, or soft fruit. You might also stir a tiny amount into porridge or mix it with mashed banana on a preloaded spoon. Keep portions very small, as the high fat content can be difficult for some babies to digest in larger amounts.
Continue offering cottage cheese spread on toast fingers, or allow your baby to scoop it with their fingers from a bowl as their pincer grasp develops. You can also mix cottage cheese with soft cooked vegetables or offer small lumps for babies to practise picking up. Keep portions small and always choose low-salt options to protect developing kidneys.
Continue offering cream cheese spread on fingers of toast, rice cakes, or crackers that your baby can self-feed, or stir it into mashed vegetables, pasta, or grains to add creaminess and boost calories. You can also offer small dollops of cream cheese on a preloaded spoon or let your baby scoop it up with their fingers as a dip for soft cooked vegetables or strips of bread. At this age, babies are developing their pincer grasp, so small pieces of toast with cream cheese can encourage this emerging skill.
At 9 to 11 months, babies can manage grated Emmental sprinkled onto finger foods like pasta shapes, roasted vegetables, or toast fingers. You can also mix the grated cheese into foods like risotto, frittata, or soft polenta to add flavour and nutrition. As pincer grasp develops, some babies may enjoy attempting to pick up small clumps of grated cheese, though it will still work best when combined with other foods.
Continue offering fromage frais spread on toast fingers or mixed into soft foods like mashed vegetables or fruit. At this age, you can begin offering fromage frais in a small bowl with a spoon alongside, encouraging self-feeding as your baby develops their pincer grasp and spoon skills. You might also dollop fromage frais onto cooked vegetables or stir it into porridge for added creaminess and protein.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp between 9 and 11 months, you can offer grated Gouda sprinkled onto finger foods such as toast, pasta, or soft cooked vegetables, allowing them to practise picking up smaller pieces. You can also stir grated Gouda into scrambled eggs, risotto, or grain dishes where the cheese melts slightly and adds flavour. Continue to offer it in small amounts as part of balanced meals.
Continue offering Greek yogurt as a dip or spread on toast, or serve it in a small bowl for your baby to scoop with their fingers or a spoon. You can mix in mashed or finely chopped soft fruit, ground nuts, or seeds to add variety and nutrition. The thick consistency supports developing pincer grasp skills as babies practise scooping.
Continue offering cooked halloumi as finger-length strips, or cut into slightly smaller pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can serve halloumi strips alongside other finger foods such as cucumber sticks, soft fruits, or wholemeal toast. Keep portions small and infrequent to manage salt intake, and always supervise your baby whilst eating.
Continue mixing kefir into porridge, overnight oats, or smoothie bowls, or spread it onto toast fingers or crackers for self-feeding. As your baby develops the pincer grasp, you can offer foods dipped in kefir, such as soft vegetable sticks or strips of pancake. Kefir can also be offered in a straw cup or open cup, though expect some mess as your baby practises drinking skills.
Continue spreading mascarpone thinly on toast fingers, or offer it dolloped on soft fruit slices like banana or pear for your baby to self-feed. You can also mix mascarpone into scrambled eggs, pasta, or vegetables to boost the fat and protein content. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, they may enjoy scooping small amounts from a preloaded spoon or dipping soft foods into mascarpone.
As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer fresh mozzarella grated or torn into small, soft pieces that they can pick up between their thumb and forefinger. You can also continue to serve it melted on toast fingers, stirred through warm pasta, or layered onto soft flatbreads. At this age, babies are often able to bite off appropriately sized pieces, but continue to monitor closely and ensure the cheese remains soft and moist.
Continue offering paneer as thick strips, or try cutting it into smaller bite-sized pieces about 1 cm cubes to encourage developing pincer grasp, as long as the paneer is soft enough to squash easily between your fingers. You can also crumble or grate paneer over warm foods like lentil dhal, vegetable curry, or pasta to add protein and introduce it as part of family meals. Lightly pan-fried paneer strips can add variety, but ensure they remain soft and not rubbery.
Continue to use Parmesan trace as a flavour enhancer by grating it over handheld foods such as fritters, omelette strips, or pasta shapes. A light sprinkle on toast fingers or mixed into mashed potato gives your baby exposure to the taste without overwhelming their meal. The trace amounts remain safe and easy to manage as your baby develops their pincer grasp.
At this age, continue offering pecorino finely grated over pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables, or stir a small amount into scrambled eggs or lentils for added protein and flavour. You can also spread a thin layer of ricotta or cream cheese on strips of toast and sprinkle grated pecorino on top for a finger food your baby can self-feed. Keep portions small due to the high sodium content.
Between 9 and 11 months, continue offering queso fresco crumbled and sprinkled onto finger foods like toast, soft tortillas, or cooked vegetables. Babies at this age are developing their pincer grasp, so they may begin to pick up individual crumbles themselves. You can also stir crumbled queso fresco into pasta, grains, or scrambled eggs for added protein and flavour.
At 9 to 11 months, continue offering grated Red Leicester sprinkled on finger foods such as toast soldiers, scrambled eggs, or soft-cooked vegetables. You can also let your baby practise their pincer grasp by placing a small pile of grated cheese directly on their highchair tray for self-feeding. Melting it into pasta shapes or onto flatbreads adds variety and encourages exploration.
Continue spreading ricotta onto toast fingers or strips of flatbread, or offer it mixed into pasta, mashed vegetables, or soft grains like couscous. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, you can place small dollops of ricotta directly on their tray for them to scoop with their fingers, though this can be messy. Ricotta also works well as a dip for soft cooked vegetables or as a filling for small pieces of cooked pasta shapes.
Offer full-fat skyr at its natural thick consistency in a small bowl for self-feeding with hands or a spoon, or continue to spread it on strips of toast or pancakes. You can also mix skyr with mashed fruit or soft cooked vegetables to add variety and help baby practise scooping. This is a good stage to encourage independent feeding, even if it's messy.
Continue offering stracciatella pre-loaded on a spoon or spread on toast fingers for easy self-feeding as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can also dollop stracciatella onto soft cooked vegetables like roasted courgette spears or steamed broccoli florets to add creaminess and help pieces stick together. At this age, babies may begin to scoop stracciatella from a bowl using their fingers or a spoon, creating a lovely opportunity to practise utensil skills.
Continue offering whole milk plain yogurt pre-loaded on a spoon or in a small bowl for scooping practice with hands or utensils. You can spread it thickly on finger foods like toast soldiers, mix it with mashed fruit or nut butters, or offer yogurt drops frozen on a tray for a teething-friendly option. Encourage self-feeding and expect mess as your baby develops their pincer grasp and spoon skills.
Continue to mash or smash adzuki beans with a fork, leaving some texture for babies developing their chewing skills. You can also shape the mashed beans into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy to pick up and self-feed. If offering whole beans, ensure they are very soft and flattened first to reduce choking risk.
Continue to mash baked beans, though you can leave them slightly chunkier as your baby's chewing skills develop. Serve in a bowl for scooping with hands or a spoon, or spread onto soft toast fingers for easy self-feeding. You can also form the mashed beans into soft, flattened patties that are easier for developing pincer grasp.
Continue to serve black beans mashed or smashed, or try shaping them into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy for little hands to grip. You can also offer whole beans as long as they are very soft and flattened between your fingers before serving. Mix mashed black beans with cooked grains or vegetables to add texture variety and encourage self-feeding.
Continue to offer mashed black-eyed peas, or gently smash them with a fork so some texture remains while still being soft and easy to manage. You can also mix mashed black-eyed peas with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, or form them into soft, falafel-style patties that your baby can pick up and self-feed. Ensure the beans remain very soft and flatten any whole beans between your fingers before serving to reduce risk.
Continue to mash cooked broad beans and remove skins, but you can leave the texture slightly chunkier as your baby develops their chewing skills. You can also form the mashed beans into soft falafel-style patties or mix them into other dishes like pasta or mashed potato. If serving whole beans, ensure they are very soft and flattened individually to reduce choking risk.
Continue to mash or smash cooked butter beans, leaving a slightly chunkier texture as your baby's chewing skills develop. You can mix mashed butter beans with breadcrumbs, oats, or mashed vegetables to form soft, falafel-style patties that are easy to hold. Alternatively, spread the mash on rice cakes, crackers, or flatbread strips for a simple finger food option.
Continue to serve mashed cannellini beans, or try offering them lightly smashed so some texture remains. You can also shape the mashed beans into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy for your baby to hold and bite. If offering whole beans, ensure they are very soft and flatten each one gently between your fingers to reduce any risk.
Continue to mash or smash cooked chickpeas, but you can leave a slightly chunkier texture as your baby's chewing skills develop. You can also form mashed chickpea into soft, falafel-style patties or balls that are easy for your baby to pick up and self-feed. Whole chickpeas can be offered only if they are very soft and flattened individually to remove the choking risk.
Continue offering edamame purée as a dip or spread, or mash cooked edamame with a fork for a chunkier texture that encourages emerging chewing skills. You can also mix the purée into other foods like mashed potato or porridge, or spread it on soft finger foods such as toast strips or cooked pasta shapes. If your baby is managing well, you may begin to leave slightly larger pieces in the mash.
Continue offering soft falafel patties in a size your baby can grasp, or break into smaller pieces about the size of a large grape if they are developing a pincer grasp. The patties should still be very soft and easily squished. You can serve them alongside soft vegetables or with a thin layer of yoghurt or hummus for dipping practice.
Continue to thin hummus to a spreadable consistency and offer it on toast fingers, crackers, or soft vegetable sticks. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can also spread hummus onto small pieces of soft flatbread or pitta. Babies at this age may begin to scoop with their fingers, so you can offer a small amount on a preloaded spoon or let them explore dipping soft foods into a shallow bowl.
Continue to offer mashed kidney beans, or try smashing them lightly with a fork to leave more texture as your baby develops their chewing skills. You can also shape mashed kidney beans into soft, easy-to-hold patties or mix them into pasta, rice, or vegetable dishes. If offering whole beans, ensure they are very soft and flatten each one between your fingers first to reduce choking risk.
At this age, you can offer cooked brown lentils slightly less mashed, though still soft and easy to squash. Try forming the cooked lentils into soft falafel-style patties or small flattened cakes that your baby can hold and bite into. You can also serve them as a thick dhal or mixed into other soft foods like mashed vegetables or porridge.
Continue to cook green lentils until very soft, and serve them smashed or lightly mashed rather than whole. You can also form soft lentil patties or simple fritters by mixing cooked lentils with mashed vegetables or breadcrumbs, which are easier for developing pincer grasp. Whole lentils may be offered if they are very soft and can be flattened easily between your fingers.
Continue serving lentil red dhal with a soft, spoonable consistency, but you can make it slightly thicker as your baby's chewing skills improve. Offer it in a bowl with a spoon for self-feeding practice, spread on toast fingers, or served alongside soft vegetables for dipping. You can also form the dhal into soft patties or balls if it's thick enough to hold its shape.
Continue to mash cooked lima beans, but you can leave the texture slightly chunkier as your baby's chewing skills develop. You can also form the mashed beans into soft, falafel-style patties or small balls that are easy for your baby to pick up and self-feed. Serve alongside other finger foods or mixed into soft grains like rice or quinoa.
Continue to mash cooked lupin beans, though the texture can be slightly chunkier now as your baby's chewing skills develop. You can also form the mashed beans into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy for little hands to pick up and self-feed. If offering whole beans, ensure they are very soft and gently flatten each one between your fingers to reduce any risk.
Continue to cook mung beans until very soft, and offer them lightly smashed or formed into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy for your baby to pick up. If serving whole beans, ensure they are tender enough to squash easily and flatten them slightly to make them safer to manage. You can also mix cooked mung beans into dhal or stews with a thick, scoopable consistency.
Continue to mash navy beans, but you can leave the texture slightly chunkier as your baby's chewing skills develop. You can also try forming the mashed beans into small, flat patties or balls that are easy to hold and bite. Whole navy beans can be offered if they are very soft and you gently flatten each one with the back of a fork before serving.
Continue to offer pea split dhal as a thick, scoopable purée that your baby can gather with their hands or practise with a spoon. You can also use the dhal as a filling for soft, palm-sized patties or mix it into mashed potato or rice to add texture and nutrition. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, they may enjoy dipping soft finger foods like toast soldiers into the dhal.
Continue offering mashed pinto beans, or begin forming them into soft, falafel-style patties that are easy for your baby to pick up and self-feed. You can also serve smashed beans with a fork so they hold together slightly but still break apart easily in the mouth. Whole beans may be introduced at this stage if they are very soft and gently flattened to reduce any choking risk.
Continue to cook oats with soy milk, but you can now make the porridge slightly thicker as your baby's eating skills develop. The porridge should still be soft and easy to scoop with fingers or a spoon. You might also try rolled oats soaked overnight in soy milk for a no-cook option, ensuring the texture is soft enough for your baby to manage.
Continue serving split pea dhal in a thick, scoopable consistency that holds together well. At this age, your baby may enjoy practising with a spoon, so offer the dhal in a bowl with a baby-safe spoon alongside. You can also serve it with soft vegetables such as steamed carrot sticks or broccoli florets for dipping, which encourages self-feeding and exploration.
Continue to spread almond butter thinly on a wider variety of foods as your baby's pincer grasp develops, such as small pieces of toast, oat cakes, banana rounds, or apple slices that have been steamed until soft. You can also stir a small amount of almond butter into porridge, yoghurt, or mashed fruits to add flavour and nutrition. Keep the layer thin and avoid serving it in thick dollops or clumps.
Continue mixing apple sauce into porridge, yoghurt, or mashed vegetables to add sweetness and moisture. You can also spread it onto toast fingers, pancakes, or soft crackers to encourage self-feeding. As your baby develops pincer grasp, consider offering small amounts on a preloaded spoon for practice with utensils.
Continue offering bone broth in an open cup or introduce a straw cup as your baby's drinking skills develop. You can also use it as a cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa, or mix it into mashed foods to keep meals moist and flavourful. Allow your baby to drink independently with your supervision.
Continue spreading bone marrow thinly on toast fingers or small pieces of bread that your baby can pick up independently. You can also offer it stirred into pasta, grains, or stews to add flavour and nutrition. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, smaller pieces of toast with bone marrow spread are appropriate.
Continue using bonito flakes as a flavour enhancer by sprinkling them onto finger foods such as soft rice balls, noodles, or steamed vegetables. At this age, babies can handle slightly more complex textures, so the flakes can be stirred into dishes or offered on top of foods baby can self-feed. Keep portions small, as bonito is used for flavour rather than nutrition.
Continue to avoid capers at this age due to their high sodium content. Babies in this age range are still developing their ability to process salt, and there are many other nutritious finger foods that better support their growth and development. Wait until closer to 12 months before introducing capers in very small amounts.
Continue mixing carob powder into thicker textures like overnight oats, chia pudding, or soft baked goods such as muffins or banana bread. You can gradually increase the amount to half a teaspoon per serving as baby becomes more accustomed to varied flavours. Carob powder can also be stirred into nut or seed butters thinned with breast milk, formula, or water, then spread thinly on toast strips.
Continue spreading cashew butter thinly on toast strips, rice cakes, or age-appropriate crackers that your baby can self-feed. As pincer grasp develops, you can offer smaller pieces of toast with cashew butter spread on them, roughly the size of a large postage stamp. Consider mixing cashew butter into mashed vegetables, fruit purées, or porridge for added nutrition and flavour.
Continue offering chia jam spread on toast fingers, rice cakes, or unsalted crackers as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also offer it alongside pancakes, crumpets, or stirred through natural yoghurt or overnight oats. As your baby's chewing skills improve, they may enjoy slightly thicker spreads, but continue to avoid large globs that could be difficult to swallow.
Continue to offer porridge with a trace of cocoa as a soft, spoonable food or spread onto toast fingers for independent eating. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can also serve the porridge in a small open cup or bowl and encourage self-feeding with a spoon. Keep the cocoa quantity minimal and ensure the porridge remains thick enough to stick to a spoon but soft enough to swallow easily.
Continue using coconut cream as an ingredient in soft, textured meals such as mild curries with rice, coconut-based soups with soft vegetables, or porridge with mashed fruit. You can also add a small amount to pancake or muffin batter to keep baked goods moist and tender. Serve these foods in bite-sized pieces or allow baby to self-feed with hands or utensils.
Continue offering coconut yogurt on a pre-loaded spoon or in a small bowl for practising with utensils as your baby develops their pincer grasp. You can also stir it into mashed fruits, porridge, or other soft foods to add creaminess and healthy fats. At this age, many babies enjoy using their fingers or a spoon to scoop yogurt independently.
Continue offering the soup in a bowl, encouraging your baby to self-feed using their hands or a spoon. Cut the tofu into smaller bite-sized pieces (roughly 1 cm cubes) as your baby's pincer grasp develops, making it easier to pick up. Keep the soup warm but not hot, and maintain a low-sodium broth to protect developing kidneys.
Continue to use date syrup sparingly, if at all, as a binding agent in homemade snacks like energy balls or to add slight moisture to baked goods. A trace amount stirred into a batch of pancakes or muffins can help bind ingredients without adding excessive sweetness. Prioritise offering naturally sweet whole foods to support healthy taste preferences.
Continue using trace amounts of duck fat to roast or sauté bite-sized pieces of vegetables, proteins, or grains as your baby develops their pincer grasp. A light coating of duck fat can help foods like diced potato, chicken pieces, or steamed broccoli florets become tender and flavourful. Keep portion sizes appropriate and ensure foods remain soft enough for your baby to chew with their gums or emerging teeth.
Continue mixing fish floss soft into foods like porridge, pasta, or mashed potato, or sprinkle it onto finger foods such as toast fingers or soft vegetable sticks. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, you can offer small clumps of fish floss mixed with a binding ingredient like cream cheese or mashed beans. The fluffy texture remains easy to manage as babies practise biting and chewing.
Continue to squeeze the purée onto a spoon or tray rather than offering the pouch to suck from, which encourages self-feeding and spoon practice. At this age, pouches should be an occasional convenience rather than a staple, as babies benefit greatly from exploring foods with more texture like mashed or soft finger foods. Consider mixing the purée with porridge, yoghurt, or mashed fruit to add variety and texture.
Continue offering gelatin fruit cubes in large graspable pieces, or cut them into smaller bite-sized cubes around 1 to 2 centimetres as your baby develops their pincer grasp. The soft, jiggly texture helps babies practise picking up slippery foods with their fingertips. You can serve them on their own or alongside other finger foods to add variety to meals and snacks.
Continue using ghee in small amounts to sauté bite-sized pieces of vegetables, scrambled eggs, or soft proteins like chicken or fish. You can also stir a trace of ghee into pasta, grains, or dhal to add richness and help foods stick together, making them easier for babies to self-feed. Keep portions modest, as babies at this age are still developing their palates and digestive systems.
Continue to offer porridge made with hemp milk at a thick, spoonable consistency, or slightly thicker if your baby is managing well. You can offer a pre-loaded spoon or encourage your baby to dip soft finger foods like toast strips into the porridge. This is a good age to let your baby practise self-feeding with their hands and utensils while you support their developing skills.
Continue to rinse mild kimchi well before serving. Cut the soft cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces about the size of a chickpea that your baby can pick up with developing pincer grasp. You can also incorporate small amounts of finely chopped rinsed kimchi into rice, scrambled eggs, or mashed potato to add gentle flavour and probiotic benefits.
Continue offering liver pâté spread on toast fingers or crackers that your baby can hold independently. You can also mix it into soft finger foods like cooked pasta shapes, mashed potato formed into small patties, or spread it inside a sandwich cut into strips. At this age, babies can handle slightly firmer textures, so the toast base can be a bit less soft than before.
Maple syrup is still not recommended for babies aged 9 to 11 months. Continue to offer foods in their unsweetened, natural state to encourage acceptance of diverse flavours and to prioritise nutrient-rich foods over those with added sugars. Save sweeteners like maple syrup for after the first birthday.
Continue to sprinkle meat floss over soft finger foods such as rice balls, scrambled eggs, or cooked vegetables to boost protein and iron. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer small amounts on a preloaded spoon or mixed into dishes like congee or pasta. Keep portions small to manage sodium intake.
Continue using miso sparingly to flavour soups containing soft bite-sized pieces of vegetables, tofu, or well-cooked noodles that your baby can self-feed. Offer the soup in an open cup or small bowl, allowing your baby to drink the broth and pick up the solid pieces with their fingers. You can gradually increase texture variety in the soup as your baby's chewing skills develop.
Continue sprinkling nutritional yeast over soft bite-sized pieces of food such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or strips of omelette. You can use up to a quarter teaspoon per serving to enhance flavour and nutrition. The flakes will stick to moist surfaces, adding a savoury coating that encourages self-feeding.
Continue to serve oat yogurt in a bowl for self-feeding with hands or a spoon, encouraging your baby to practise their developing utensil skills. Use it as a dip for soft finger foods like steamed vegetable sticks, toast strips, or pancakes. You can also stir in finely chopped or mashed fruit, ground seeds, or nut butters to boost nutrition and introduce new flavours.
Continue to offer thinly sliced or chopped olives, ensuring they remain flat rather than round. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, smaller chopped pieces can be offered to encourage self-feeding. Olives can be added to pasta, mixed into scrambled eggs, or served as part of a mezze-style meal with hummus and soft vegetables.
Continue offering porridge made with pea milk at a consistency baby can manage, either smooth or slightly thicker depending on their developing chewing skills. Serve it in a bowl with a spoon for self-feeding practice, or let baby dip pieces of soft toast or finger foods into the porridge. You can also add soft, bite-sized pieces of fruit or cooked vegetables to introduce more texture.
Continue offering peanut butter thinly spread on toast strips, or try it on soft crackers or rice cakes cut into smaller pieces as your baby's pincer grasp develops. You can also spread it thinly inside a sandwich made with soft bread, then cut into small squares. Keep the layer thin and ensure bread or crackers are soft enough to dissolve easily.
Continue to offer pear compote on a preloaded spoon or allow your baby to use a spoon independently, even if it is messy. You can also stir it into oats, yoghurt, or mashed grains, or serve it alongside soft finger foods like banana or avocado. Choose unsweetened compote and offer it as part of a varied meal rather than on its own.
It's still advisable to wait until 12 months to introduce pickles because of their high sodium content. If offering before then, rinse thoroughly under cold water and serve a thin, soft strip that baby can hold and explore. Limit to very occasional tastes rather than a regular food.
Continue to rinse the sauerkraut well, then chop it into smaller, soft pieces about the size of a chickpea that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. Serve the chopped sauerkraut mixed into scrambled eggs, stirred through soft pasta, or offered alongside other finger foods. The soft texture remains safe and easy to chew at this stage.
Continue using small amounts of schmaltz to sauté vegetables, cook scrambled eggs, or add moisture to soft bite-sized pieces of chicken or fish. A light coating on toast fingers or mixed into mashed grains can help make foods easier for your baby to manage. As your baby explores more textures, schmaltz can be a useful tool to keep foods moist and appealing.
Continue to use seaweed furikake sparingly as a seasoning on bite-sized pieces of soft foods like rice balls, cooked vegetables, or flaked fish. At this age, baby may enjoy picking up small soft pieces, so you can form seasoned rice into small, squashable balls or offer soft vegetable pieces lightly dusted with furikake. Ensure all foods remain soft enough to mash between fingers and that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Continue spreading sunflower seed butter very thinly on toast strips, rice cakes, or soft crackers that your baby can hold and bite. You can also spread it thinly inside a quesadilla or on soft pancakes cut into manageable pieces. As your baby's pincer grasp develops, offer bite-sized pieces of the prepared foods rather than long strips.
Continue to thin tahini to a drizzling consistency and use it to enhance a wider variety of finger foods as your baby's palate develops. Drizzle it over roasted sweet potato wedges, broccoli florets, or whole grain toast fingers. You can also stir thinned tahini into mashed foods or porridge for added nutrition and taste.
Continue using tallow as a cooking fat for bite-sized pieces of vegetables, meats, and other finger foods. You might use it to sauté small florets of broccoli, cubes of butternut squash, or pieces of chicken to a soft, easy-to-chew consistency. Tallow can also be used to grease baking trays or pans when preparing homemade finger foods such as savoury muffins or fritters.
Always supervise meals and adjust textures to your baby's development. This list is a reference, not medical advice. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/explore/all-foods/9-11-months