Feeding one-year old babies is entirely different than the previous months. Some of the things that should be consider are the teething issues and inability to communicate well their likes and dislikes. In addition, the usual baby attitudes at that age like throwing their food on the floor, tantrums while eating and being picky eater will make feeding them sometimes maddening. Also, do not forget that this is also the moment where the possibility of food poison and choking hazards starts to happen.

Regardless, feeding at this age is very crucial. At this stage, your child can show decreased appetite, which is partly the reason why babies at this age grow quite slowly. However, this is also the starting point where the child can eat almost everything, needing to fulfill approximately 1000 calories in a day. That is why knowing what to eat is a careful consideration.

FIRST THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN FEEDING ONE-YEAR-OLDS

1. Avoid facing your child to eat.
2. Ensure that there is always food available for him.
3. Do not prepare too spicy or sweetened foods.
4. Train your child to sit independently and with other else.
5. Seek consultation at pediatrician about weaning him breastmilk or formula milk, and start considering cow's milk.
6. Do not let him convince you to give only his favorite foods. Always prioritize healthy foods.
7. Increase the iron-rich foods on his meals.
8. Let him have some finger foods to teach him to eat on his own.

RECIPES FOR ONE-YEAR OLDS

Setting foods for one-year-old kids is not as complicated as you think. You can make simple ideas with the balanced meals (combination of vegetable, fruit, meat, fish etc.) Here are some of the meals that are not hassle to prepare yet ensuring the nutritious aspects of what your child eats.

1. PASTA SALADS

Aside from the fact that pasta meals are everyone's favorite, making it as a salad is a more convenient way of upgrading pasta, plus it is full of vegetables and fats. You can put protein-rich foods alongside and fruit for a more balanced way.

2. PIZZA WITH LEFTOVER VEGETABLES

Yes, you definitely read it right. Deconstructed pizzas can be our best friends and an alternative from the meals we usually serve them.  With a bit of cheese, some tomatoes, diced toppings, and some bread, our one year old can enjoy it than thick slices of pizza, even if they are cut into much smaller pieces. Plus, any leftover roasted vegetables can be combined into it.

3. TOAST, SCRAMBLED EGG AND YOGURTS

This meal can be done anytime of the day, not just only every breakfast. You can add some vegetables to scrambled eggs if you have spare time to prepare. Plain Greek yogurt is the recommended yogurt for the kids. And for the bread, you must use multi-grain bread since it is healthier, plus spreading peanut butter on the brad for more fat content.

4. BAKED SWEET POTATOES

The potato is a very convenient food for the baby since it is rich in carbohydrates plus they are easy to eat and consume. With this, you can add some beans into it.

5. STIR-FRY WITH RICE

Any protein and vegetables present is all you must have to do stir-fry for your one-year-olds. You can serve the plain white rice for quicker meal execution, or even brown rice.

CHOKING HAZARDS FOR ONE-YEAR-OLDS

Aside from  junk foods, some foods that are not still not recommended to one-year-old kids to avoid choking are:

- Popcorn

- Raw and hard vegetables

- Whole grapes

- Hard candies

- Hot dogs

- Nuts

- Raisins

Moreover, kids at this age start speaking many words and have the tendency to talk while eating. As early at this stage, teach them not to talk with their mouths full to avoid being choked and also to promote proper eating etiquette.