Your Baby's 9th Month

Strong Food Preferences

Baby is now very clear on her food preferences. She has a distinct taste for what she does and does not like. It is not uncommon for parents to wonder how they should react to babies throwing food over the side of the high chair or choosing to play with rather than eat their food.

Sometimes Baby will seem ravenous and other times she will barely eat. These experiences raise many questions for the first-time parent. Talking to other parents of similar-age babies is a great way to hear other parents' stories and strategies. Get started on the BabyZone Parenting Boards.

Independence at the Dinner Table

Baby's interest in doing more things independently is true for the feeding experience as well. Often, it is not the food that upsets a baby, but her frustration in wanting to feed herself. One solution is to give her a "baby" spoon to hold while you continue to spoon her food.

By now, Baby has become quite adept at using her fingers. Sometimes making the jump to finger foods is frightening for parents who are afraid of their children choking. Try very small, soft pieces of food that will practically dissolve in Baby's mouth, such as tiny pieces of fruit or soft, steamed vegetables.

Texture is another factor in Baby accepting food. It is important to make the jump from mushy, strained foods to soft solids so that Baby can become accustomed to the different textures and coordination required to eat various foods.

Add food to your baby's repertoire according to her cues. She still receives nutrition from her bottle or breastfeeding. As her body's nutrient demands change, she'll become more receptive to solids.