7 Baby Food Recipes for 8- to 10-Month-Olds

It’s exciting to start your little one on solid foods, but it’s also easy to run out of steam once the novelty wears off. Once baby’s around 8 months old and has tasted all the purees, what’s next?

If you’ve found food that baby loves (woohoo!), there’s of course no reason to stop feeding it to them. But there are also plenty of new 9-month-old food ideas (and 8-month-old food ideas, and 10-month-old food ideas!) beyond purees out there to try, including finger foods, cereal, soup and more.

Wondering what to feed your 8- to 10-month-old? Check out some ideas, below.

What Foods and Nutrients Do 8- to 10-Month-Olds Need?

Once they’re 8 months old, baby may be able to start finger foods, says Reanna Plourde, MS, RD, CLC, a registered dietician at Connecticut Children’s. “Offer soft, solid foods in stick shapes and meltable solids,” she says. “Formula and breast milk continue to be the sole source of nutrition, while foods are for exploration and advancing oral motor skills.”

It doesn’t hurt to try to slip in more protein for your little one too. “Many of my patients in this age range aren’t eating enough protein,” says Katie Lockwood, MD, MEd, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “It’s easy to offer babies a lot of fruits and vegetables, as many baby food products include these, but it’s also important that they’re offered protein sources.”

While you can combine ingredients for 8- to 10-month-olds, “don’t overwork yourself doing complicated recipes,” advises Andrea Esmail, BSN, RN, a registered nurse and founder of My Little Brick House. “I also tell parents to look for recipes that you can meal prep and use later. This can be a lifesaver with kids.”

It’s also important to keep things safe. You shouldn’t give baby honey until they’re 12 months old due to the risk of botulism, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Also avoid potential choking hazards, including “small, hard objects” like nuts and whole grapes, says Lockwood.

Baby Food Recipes for 8- to 10-Month-Olds

From baby pancakes to purees with delicious flavor combinations, these are our favorite baby food recipes for 8- to 10-month-olds.

Apple and banana pancakes

These pancakes from My Little Brick House are mostly fruit, and have no added sugar or salt. Instead, they rely on the natural sweetness of the apple and banana for flavor.

You’ll need:

• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• Unsalted butter or oil of choice for cooking

Steps:

1. Wash and shred the apple and throw out the core. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
2. In a large bowl, mash the banana.
3. Add the shredded apple, eggs and cinnamon to the banana.
4. Mix well to combine and form an even mixture.
5. Heat up a large skillet under medium heat and melt the unsalted butter or add your oil of choice.
6. Scoop a small amount of the mixture (about ¼ cup) and cook in the skillet until it’s golden brown on both sides.
7. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Avocado and banana puree

A yummy blend of healthy fats and sweetness, this puree from Baby FoodE is sure to be a hit with your little one.

You’ll need:

• ½ avocado
• ½ banana

Steps:

1. Place the avocado and banana in a small blender or food processor.
2. Puree for 1 minute or until it’s smooth, adding liquid if needed.

Pea and mint baby food puree

This blend of peas, zucchini and mint is good for baby’s tummy and has a surprisingly sweet, refreshing taste.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup zucchini (optional)
• 4 mint leaves, roughly chopped

Steps:

1. Chop the zucchini into small pieces.
2. Steam the zucchini for 5 minutes in a steam pot.
3. Add fresh or frozen peas and steam for 3 to 5 more minutes.
4. Transfer the ingredients to a food processor or blender and add mint.
5. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed.

Homemade quinoa baby cereal

Quinoa is packed with plenty of protein and fiber to support your growing baby’s needs.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup quinoa
• 1 cup water, low-sodium broth or bone broth

Steps:

1. Bring the water or broth to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add quinoa and stir.
3. Reduce to a simmer, cover, then cook for 12 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking.
4. Transfer the cooked quinoa into a blender or food processor.
5. Puree for 2 minutes for a smooth puree; blend for 1 minute for a chunky puree. You can add more liquid if it’s too thick.
6. Serve by itself or paired with another fruit or veggie puree.

Broccoli soup

This bright and yummy soup from Weelicious.com is packed with nutrition for your little one. It’s also a step up from a standard puree, introducing baby to a mix of flavors.

You’ll need:

• 1 small onion
• 1 large Russet or Yukon gold potato
• 1 lb. broccoli (about 2 cups)
• 1 tbl. olive oil
• 4 cups unsalted chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tbl. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. salt

Steps:

1. Chop the onions, potatoes and broccoli.
2. In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and 1 tsp. of salt for 5 to 7 minutes over low to medium heat.
3. Add the potatoes, broccoli, stock and 1 tsp. salt.
4. Bring to a boil, cover and then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, covered, until the broccoli and potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Pour the ingredients, with the lemon juice, into a blender and puree until desired consistency is reached.
7. Pour soup into bowls and serve with yogurt, crème fraîche or sour cream if desired. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top if you like.

Baby beef stew

This hearty dish mixes all your go-to beef stew ingredients into a puree that’s easy for your little one to eat.

You’ll need:

• ½ lb. beef chuck boneless roast, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• ¼ small onion, chopped
• 1 carrot or 10 baby carrots, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup water

Steps:

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-to-high heat.
2. Add the beef chunks and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re brown.
3. Add in the onions, carrots, potatoes and water.
4. Stir the ingredients and bring them to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
6. Puree in a food processor until smooth (or desired texture for baby).

Cheesy green hummus

Your little foodie will love this tasty dish from Weelicious that packs plenty of fiber.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup packed fresh spinach
• 15-oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbl. tahini paste
• 2 tbl. parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbl. lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse them until smooth.

As you introduce all these foods to your little one, take notes on hits and misses. They can help to inspire future dishes for baby.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.