Once your baby begins eating solid foods, you may start to wonder what you should serve at each meal to ensure good health. KidsHealth notes that your baby will begin to feed herself around 9 months of age and varying the foods you offer at each meal will supply each of the vitamins and minerals she needs to continue growing. Cut any foods you offer into tiny pieces so they do not pose a choking hazard and keep offering new foods as you go.
Breakfast
Your little one likely wakes up very hungry each morning and offering him a well-rounded breakfast will stabilize his blood sugar and give him the energy he needs to begin his day full of energy. If your baby is under the age of 1, continue offering 4 to 6 oz. of formula or breast milk. Whole milk can replace formula or breast milk if your baby has already had his first birthday. Infant cereal or scrambled eggs are additional healthy choices for breakfast that supply protein. Your baby's breakfast should always contain between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of fresh fruit such as bananas, peaches or pears.
Lunch
Your baby's midday meal should include a protein source as well as a serving of vegetables and breast milk, formula or whole milk. Cottage cheese or finely shredded chicken are both notable sources of protein. Cottage cheese also supplies additional calcium, which is essential for the growth of your baby's bones. The Healthy Children website recommends serving a yellow or orange vegetable at lunch, such as sweet potatoes, pureed carrots or yellow squash. You can also offer a serving of fruit, such as unsweetened applesauce, if your baby is a big eater.
Dinner
Your baby's evening meal should include 4 to 6 oz. of breast milk, formula or whole milk. The Healthy Children website notes that your little one's dinner may be larger than her other meals. Include 1/4 cup of protein, such as chicken or beef, and 1/4 cup of healthy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice or mashed potatoes. You should also include green vegetables such as green beans, peas or broccoli. Additionally, you can offer your baby fresh or pureed fruit to ensure that she gets enough to eat.
Snacks
Adults do not typically consider snacks as meals, but your baby will likely eat almost as much food at snack times as he does at meal times. Your baby's snacks should come about midway between two meals and consist of 4 to 6 oz. of formula, breast milk or whole milk. Cheese, vegetables, fruit and grains all make nutritious and filling snacks. Offer 1/4 cup of cheese, cottage cheese, soft fruits, vegetables or puffy crackers that dissolve easily. Yogurt also makes a healthy snack for your baby.
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