4876 (pdf)
State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Look at me now! Infants 9 - 12 months
WIC offers the option of a fresh fruit and vegetable voucher to babies 9 months and older
I am learning to:
Feed myself with my fingers
Hold my own cup
Feed myself with a spoon
Please be patient with me - learning to feed myself can be messy!
Foods I may be able to feed myself:
- Diced, well-cooked eggs
- Soft, chopped cooked or heated meats
- Soft chopped fruits
- Soft or cooked diced vegetables
- Cut whole wheat pasta
- Small strips of whole wheat tortilla
- Cooked brown rice
Tips for safe feeding
Keep it clean - Always start by washing your hands, and then baby's hands. Then wash any fresh fruits and vegetables that are being prepared.
Safe seating - Place baby in an upright, sitting position and then join baby to eat; baby will enjoy learning from you.
Keep foods plain - Baby does not need added salt, sugar, sauces, or artificial sweeteners.
Feed baby from a bowl, not the jar or pouch - Germs from his mouth can spoil the food. Throw out any food that a spoon from baby's mouth has touched.
Leftover foods - Refrigerate leftover food as soon as baby is finished eating. Throw away any unused leftovers after 2 days.
Hold the honey - Honey can contain bacteria that could cause serious illness in baby.
Cook the tough ones - Hard fruits and vegetables should be cooked until soft.
I am NOT ready to eat these foods because I could choke
- Raw hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrots
- Whole grapes, cherries, or berries
- Dried fruit, such as raisins
- Large pieces of food, such as big chunks of cheese, meat, or apple
- Nuts, popcorn, or potato chips
- Hot dogs
- Spoonful's of peanut butter
Sample menu
| Breakfast |
Morning
Snack
|
Lunch |
Afternoon
Snack
|
Dinner |
Evening
Snack
|
|
Whole wheat
toast strips,
diced hard-boiled
egg, and halved
fresh blueberries.
Breastfeed or give
4-6 oz formula.
|
Cheerios
with carrot
baby food
and cup
of water.
|
Cottage cheese,
soft diced peaches,
and steamed peas.
Breastfeed or give
4-6 oz formula.
|
Yogurt with
sliced banana
and cup
of water.
|
Meatloaf,
mashed potatoes,
and green bean
baby food.
Breastfeed or
give 4-6 oz
formula.
|
Breastfeed
or give
4-6 oz formula.
|
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
IDHS 4876 (N-02-20) Look at me now 9-12 Months
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 20,000 copies PO#20-1147
