When babies are nearly a year old, they likely have a few teeth to work with and a keen interest in self-feeding and finger foods. Parents may also find that 11-month-old babies are ready for small snacks in the morning and afternoon between meals, especially if they are weaned from breast milk already. To avoid choking hazards, avoid raisins and other dried fruit, popcorn, nuts, grapes, cherry tomatoes and hot dogs. Keep food pea-sized and easily mashable.
Fruits
Fresh fruit's sweet taste appeals to most babies, and it's an easy snack food, too--just dice it and serve. Try strawberries, raspberries, peeled ripe pears, cantaloupe or similar melons, bananas, peeled peaches and nectarines, and mangoes.
Vegetables
Lightly cooked vegetables also make a good snack for this age. Little fingers can pick up lightly steamed green beans, steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets, diced roasted sweet potato or winter squash, and diced steamed carrots.
Dry Cereal
Dry cereal is another finger food that makes an easy snack for an 11-month-old child. Seek out whole-grain brands without any added sugar. One possibility to consider is puffed wheat or similar products.
Crackers and Other Bread Products
Crackers made with whole grains such as wheat or rye, pieces of brown rice cakes, whole wheat mini bagels, graham crackers and baked pita chips are all solid snack choices for this age set. For variety and added nutrition, you can add a thin layer of cream cheese, applesauce, hummus or similar smooth spread.
Cheese
Although your baby shouldn't be consuming whole milk before she's a year old, introducing selected dairy products earlier is acceptable starting at about 10 months of age. The best choices are small cubes of semisoft cheese such as a mild cheddar, Monterey Jack or Babybel.
