As your baby turns ten months, you will notice that she will become less interested in eating as mealtime approaches. Many moms interpret this as an indication of less appetite and then immediately begin to panic! Then come the doctor calls, appetite-inducing tonics, and all sorts of home solutions.

Indeed, it isn’t just the baby’s appetite that has decreased- it’s her interest. Your baby isn’t a helpless baby sitting in a crib anymore – she’s now a curious explorer and is exploring the world around her. It’s only natural that she’d want something new in her food, too!

Nutrient Requirements of a Baby at This Age

The amount of calories required by babies at this age depends on the weight of the baby. On average, a ten-month-old baby requires anywhere between 90 to 120 calories per kilogram of his weight. According to experts, this is 793 calories for male babies, while 717 calories are for female babies. Your baby will require foods from the major food categories. You can use the food pyramid’s basic guidelines to learn the ratio of fruits, vegetables, and grains that you will need to follow while serving meals to your baby. In addition, you must ensure that your child is getting enough iron and calcium in the diet, as it is vital for his mental and physical development.

Here are some tips to be aware of at this age:

  1. Stop making baby’s food puree from now on.
  2. Provide a wide variety of finger foods as meals and snacks.
  3. Set a timer for three meals and two snacks throughout the day, but be attentive to your baby’s hunger signals
  4. Breastfeeding is still a must and remains an essential source of nutrition for your baby.

Examples of foods for 10-month-old babies

Here’s a list of some foods to feed your ten-month-old baby and foods to avoid until they are older.

Great foods for 10-month-olds:

  • Soft, ripe fruit like pears, bananas, peaches, berries, etc., cut into small pieces
  • Iron-fortified cereals blended and served with formula or breast milk
  • Cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, peas, spinach, squash, and potatoes (white and sweet) that have been mashed or cut into pieces
  • Whole cooked beans
  • Cooked meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Egg yolks
  • Starchy foods (bread as well as pasta)

Foods to avoid:

  • Whole pieces of fruit
  • Large pieces of vegetables
  • Large pieces of meat
  • Popcorn, nuts, and seeds
  • Olives
  • Honey
  • Jelly beans, hard candy, or gumdrops
  • Desserts, sweets, and sweetened juices or drinks
  • Egg whites
  • Shellfish

If you provide your 10-month-old baby with nutritious foods, you’re setting them on the right track to a balanced lifestyle and diet.

To give you an idea of what a 10-month-old baby’s eating habits could look like, here’s a sample food chart:

  • Breakfast- 8 ounces of formula or breast milk and 1/4 Cup of cooked and mashed oatmeal, with some mashed banana mixed in.
  • Morning snack- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
  • Lunch- 8 ounces of breast milk or formula, 1/4 cup of sweet potato, and 1/4 cup of pureed chicken.
  • Afternoon snack- 1/4 cup of mashed avocado.
  • Dinner: 8 ounces of formula or breast milk, 1/4 cup of cooked and mashed quinoa, 1/4 cup of pureed peas and carrots.
  • Bedtime snack- 1/4 cup of fat-free yogurt.

It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and your baby may not be able to handle all of these meals at ten months old. It is always best to speak with your baby’s healthcare provider to get personalized recommendations. Also, make sure you stay attentive to your baby’s needs and appetite. 

How much should a 10-month-old baby eat?

It is helpful to think of the food choices for ten-month-olds in the same way as you would for a healthy adult. This means that they must be encouraged to eat foods from all food groups while maintaining an appropriate balance of fruits and vegetables. Be aware that your child might prefer foods that you would not; therefore, encourage them to explore new foods!

Give a variety of meals that your baby can easily grab, and encourage them to feed themselves. This could be very messy, but offering finger-friendly food helps your child develop hand-eye coordination and create a sense of achievement by establishing independence.

A typical feeding plan for a 10-month-old baby should include three main meals per day, two healthy snacks, and at least three to four nursing sessions or bottle feedings.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole cow’s milk, as well as low iron formulas, should not be used during the first year of life.

A Few Tips to Consider

Here are some suggestions you must follow before and while feeding your child.

  • Clean the spoons and bowls used to feed your child in a vessel filled with hot water for 5 minutes, and keep them immersed in the same vessel until you use it.
  • Taste the food you cook for your child before serving it to him. Be sure that it’s not too hot or cold. The food must be warm.
  • Sugar, salt, honey, and cow’s milk are not suggested in a baby’s food up to 1 year of age.
  • Be sure to adjust the ingredients to meet your baby’s preferences and nutritional requirements.
  • Introduce one food at a time. You should wait for three days before you introduce another food. This way, you can help the child develop a love for food. It is also essential to look out for signs of an allergy within three days after having introduced the new food to your child.
  • Talk to your pediatrician before introducing any new food.

As a parent, you should be wondering about your 10- months-old baby’s weight and how it compares with other babies of the same age. It’s perfectly normal to have concerns about your child’s development, and keeping track of your child’s weight is one method of ensuring that they are developing at a steady pace.

One tool that can be helpful in keeping track of your baby’s weight is a growth chart. Healthcare professionals use growth charts to track the child’s weight, height, and head circumference and compare it to the average growth of children of the same age and gender. 

These charts are based on the information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and offer a general outline of what is considered normal growth.

So, what does a 10-month-old baby’s weight chart look like?

At the age of 10 months, most babies weigh between 16 to 20 pounds (7.3 to 9.1 kg). But it’s important to keep in mind that each baby is unique and grows at their own speed. Some babies could weigh more or less than average, which is perfectly normal.

It is also crucial to remember that growth charts are only one method of evaluating the growth and development of a child, and other variables, such as food, exercise level, and genetics, may impact a child’s growth.

How can you monitor your baby’s weight at home? Here are some suggestions:

  • Weigh your baby frequently: You can either use a home scale or go to your doctor to have your baby weighed. It is recommended to weigh your child at least every month or more often if you have concerns about your child’s growth.
  • Note the measurements: Keep a record of your baby’s weight over time. You can use a spreadsheet, notebook, or an app to track your child’s growth.
  • Compare to the growth chart: Use a growth chart to measure your child’s weight to the average for their gender and age. Remember that growth charts are merely a general guide, and it’s perfectly normal for babies to weigh above or below the average.