When your baby has graduated from eating pureed jar foods but he hasn't reached the point where he can take a firm bite out of solid table foods, his interim diet should be a nutritious happy medium. Take this opportunity to introduce him to new tastes, but prepare his meals so that they are soft enough to be eaten without a full set of baby teeth.
Testing Foods
For now, completely avoid foods that could cause your 9-month-old to choke. Off-limits foods should include hard fruits, whole grapes, raisins, chunks of meat, such as hot dogs, hard candies, marshmallows, popcorn, white bread and nuts. If you're not sure that a finger food is safe for your little one, the Nemours Foundation recommends choosing foods based on how easily they melt in the mouth, how easily they mash after being cooked well, how naturally soft they are and how simple they are to gum.
Allergies
As you introduce new foods to your baby, be aware that she may experience an allergic reaction to any one of them. The Parents website recommends avoiding common allergens, such as honey, peanut butter, egg whites, raw tomatoes, shellfish and peanut butter. Slowly add foods to her diet--try one at a time with at least three days in between--so that you can recognize the culprit when symptoms, such as bloating, gassiness, rash and diarrhea, occur.
How Much
The N.J. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) recommends some general dietary requirements for 9-month-olds. Your baby may breastfeed at least four times or eat between 24 and 32 oz. of formula each day for added nutrition. In addition, she should eat 2 to 3 tbsp. of cereal and breads two to three times per day, 3 to 4 tbsp. of fruits and 3 to 4 tbsp. of vegetables twice per day, about 2 to 3 tbsp. of protein each day, 2 to 4 oz. water twice a day and 1 to 2 oz. of fruit juice twice each day. More importantly, she should seem satiated and not overly full. If she spits out food and turns her head, she is likely full.
Encouraging New Foods
Your baby is new to the world of diverse meal options, so he may not readily eat all tastes and textures. If your baby consistently rejects foods, try mixing them in with portions of foods he already enjoys. If your baby becomes bored with eating, consider pretending that spoonfuls of food are "choo-choos" or "airplanes" as they head toward his mouth. He may also enjoy foods more if you give him opportunities to feed himself with a spoon or pick up small soft foods with his newly developed pincer grasp.
Meal Examples
A choice for breakfast, according to the Parents website, is unsweetened oatmeal made with water, juice, formula or milk, topped with soft pieces of banana, jarred or steamed fruits, such as apples and pears. For lunch, unsweetened yogurt with soft fruit or whole wheat macaroni with butter, shredded cheese and pureed green vegetables, may satisfy your baby's hunger. Be creative with dinner. Your baby may enjoy a skinless baked potato mashed with butter, soft vegetables, broth and cheese, or you may opt to puree your family's dinner if it doesn't contain any potential allergens or hard pieces.
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