Weaning recipes for 12 month old babies, easy to prepare

After starting weaning at 6 months with the first vegetable broth, the first baby food and the first baby food and gradually introducing many new foods up to 10-11 months, here we are finally at 12 months. This is in fact the period in which, in agreement with the pediatrician, we can feed the children a little bit of everything.

In fact, after one year of age, in addition to all those already included, children can gradually start eating the last remaining foods and begin to get used to (if they haven’t already done so) also chewing larger pieces of food.

At 12 months, therefore, you can start giving cow’s milk, barley and spelled, aubergines and artichokes, egg white, pork, fatty fish, red fruits, kiwi, grapes and walnuts in small pieces, chestnuts, walnuts, almonds, persimmons, figs, melons, honey and possibly, always following the opinion of the pediatrician, also other foods whose introduction had been postponed*.

It remains understood that, even if salt and sugar can be used after 12 months, it is always better to use them sparingly.

(* the list of foods is only indicative and does not represent a medical scheme to follow. In any case, before introducing a new food, it is always good to follow the instructions, quantities and times of your pediatrician).

Weaning recipes for 12 months old babies

Babies at 12 months generally eat together with mum and dad and show interest in feeding themselves (however, it is better to equip them with suitable cutlery and non-slip placemats for eating ).
However, this is precisely the moment in which to be most careful that they do not put potentially dangerous pieces of food into their mouths that are too large . Avoid giving whole grapes, bits of frankfurters, popcorn, or other foods that may get stuck in your throat. Always stay close to your child during mealtimes.

Even though one-year-olds have already begun to show some taste preferences, this is an age where parents can shape and direct children’s food preferences towards healthy and wholesome foods.
It is therefore important to offer a balanced menu and try to vary the dishes offered and the cooking methods often, but always respecting the children’s appetites.

To help you in this task, I have looked for some good easy-to-prepare recipes suitable for weaning babies of 12 months and older , which you can alternate with the 10-month-old ones already used up to now.

Spinach and ricotta gnocchi with tomato sauce

At 12 months, children have already started eating tomatoes, so this nice dish of gnocchi with ricotta and spinach might really appeal to them. It is good that the dumplings are soft and not too large in size. To make them, follow mum Giorgia’s recipe.

Risotto with broad beans

This is also the right time to try dishes with broad beans (better if cooked), a poor and cheap legume, but rich in mineral salts and vitamins. For example, you can start by preparing a risotto with broad beans and pecorino cheese, a seasonal dish that is easy to prepare, delicious and different from the usual.

First steamed omelette

Until now, children have only eaten the yolk of the egg, but at 12 months, the albumen can also be introduced. So here’s how to prepare mum Laura’s delicate steamed omelette, with fresh organic egg, milk, Parmesan and EVO oil. No salt, the parmesan is enough to add flavour.

Pork tenderloin with pear

To vary from the usual second course based on chicken, turkey or veal, here is a tasty dish based on pork (preferably lean). Children at this age have already tasted pork when given cooked ham, so it’s just a matter of varying it up and moving on to something more important. You can prepare it once in a while, preferring lean cuts. So here’s how to prepare a delicious and tender pork tenderloin with pears.

Tuna salami

We specify that this dish has only the shape of salami. It is in fact a sort of very soft tuna meatloaf with an elongated shape and to be cut into slices. Children like it very much and will be able to eat it easily and with gusto. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare and can be accompanied by a tasty cannellini bean cream.

Swordfish bites

This is a particularly suitable dish for children to eat fish . Usually children always like breaded morsels and then swordfish cooked like this doesn’t look like fish at all and is delicious for adults too. If the children are still unable to eat such large pieces, chop them up.

Honey cakes

Here we are at the preparation of the sweet that can be used as a tasty snack. These are homemade cakes with the addition of honey, a food that can be given to children after 12 months. However, you can vary the snack every day, alternating these cakes with fresh fruit, smoothies or yoghurt , or with homemade ice creams if it’s summer or biscuits to dip into your tea if it’s winter.

However, if you like cooking for your children , you can read all our articles

• with recipes for children
• on weaning
• with advice on children’s recipe books to buy