Here is a list of some favorite foods for 8-month-olds (plus recipe ideas!), when your little one is well on his or her way in their baby-led weaning journey.
You’ve made it to 8 months in your baby-led weaning journey, your little one has had his or her first tastes of solid food, and you’re ready to start introducing some new and exciting flavors. If you haven’t introduced them already, here is a list of five great foods to offer your baby at this stage, with tips on how to prepare each one.
Read on for more!
#1 WATERMELON
Watermelon is a great, soft fruit to introduce at 8 months. It’s easy for your little one to hold on to (albeit messy) and does not require any teeth to chew. Just be sure to keep an eye on your babe when he or she is eating it, though, as it is something they can choke on if they get too excited to eat it and don’t chew it properly. When Raia experienced this with watermelon once or twice, a simple sweep of my finger in her mouth got the troublesome piece out with no issue. To minimize the chance of choking, simply cut the watermelon in long, skinny strips so the risk of is even lower. Also, be sure you buy seedless!
#2 ZUCCHINI
I’ve mentioned this in other roundups, but zucchini has always been (and continues to be) one of Raia’s favorite foods. When first introducing her to it, I peeled it and cut it into strips before seasoning with olive oil and garlic powder and roasting in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Once she got a little older, I started leaving the skin on, and once she got even older I started cutting the zucchini into discs. Now I alternate between the oven roasting method and a pan-frying method where I sauté the discs in herbed garlic butter. If you struggle with getting your little one to eat just plain zucchini, mix it into something fun like pancakes! I have a great zucchini pancake in my book 30 Freezer-Friendly Recipes for Babies and Toddlers.
#3 SWEET POTATO
Sweet potato can also easily be started as early as 6 months, because it can be peeled and roasted soft enough for toothless eaters to get down safely. My progression for preparing sweet potato was quite similar to that of zucchini – peeled strips first, then strips leaving the skin on, then discs. I almost always just roast these in a 400-450 degree oven with olive oil and spices for about 20 minutes. Some of my favorite spices to pair with sweet potatoes are cinnamon, nutmeg and curry powder. And if you’re looking to mix it up, you can find a tasty recipe for Sweet Potato Zucchini Blender Muffins here!
#4 MUFFINS
Okay, I’ve already mentioned them above but I’m including muffins in my recommendations for more than one age group because they have been SUCH a hit with my daughter. There are tons of great recipes for healthy, baby-friendly muffins out there. Some of my favorites include these Beet and Oat Banana Muffins from Inspiralized and my own Super Simple Pumpkin Carrot Muffins. They’re a great portable snack to have on hand in the freezer that can be ready at a moment’s notice. There are also endless options of healthy fruits and veggies you can mix into the batter!
#5 SMOOTHIES
Once your little one has learned to drink out of something other than a bottle, it’s great to start introducing healthy smoothies (with very little sugar added, of course). Nourish Move Love has a great post on how to make smoothies that are baby-friendly. I find these are another great way to sneak in hidden nutrients like veggies!
And there you have it! ICYMI, I’ve been recapping my favorite foods at many different ages. If your little one is younger than 8 months, you can check out my 6-month favorites here. As you continue on your baby-led weaning journey, be sure to check out my 9-month, 10-month, 12-month and 18-month favorites as well!
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