9 signs you're NOT feeding your baby as healthy as you think 💔🍼

1. Still mostly purées 🥣 I did this too! Purees are great to start, but by 9 months babies need more texture to practice chewing and moving food safely. 2. Too much milk, not enough food 🍼 After 12 months, milk becomes support - not the main meal. Too many milk feeds can reduce appetite for solids, which means fewer nutrients from real food. Balanced meals matter more than extra bottles at this stage. At this stage, balanced meals matter more than extra milk feeds 🤍 3. Forgetting about iron 💪 At this age, iron stores run low. I try to add lentils, beef, or beans - and always pair them with vitamin C foods for better absorption. 4. Repeating the same 5 foods 🍌 When things got busy, I served the same meals again and again. But variety really helps prevent picky eating later. 5. Not tracking foods Game changer! Now I see what she’s tried, what’s next, and what caused reactions. I use the BabyPlate app - it helps me log foods, check nutrients, and see how to serve safely. Makes solids feel way less chaotic 🧡 6. Not rotating allergens 🍳 It’s not just about introducing allergens once - ongoing exposure supports tolerance. I usually offer new allergens when we’re both at home - just to be prepared 🙏 7. Offering only favorite foods 🍌 I used to stick to what “always works,” but it actually slowed down flavor exploration. 8. Skipping self-feeding 🙌 I was scared of the mess, but letting her feed herself built so much confidence (and fine motor skills). 9. Not offering water with meals 💧 I used to forget about this! Babies practicing solids need small sips of water from 6 months to help with swallowing and prevent constipation - especially once textures get thicker. 10. We’re all just doing our best. It’s not a fault - it’s experience. These are just lessons I’m grateful to share. They’re what helped us build a great appetite and less picky eating by age 3 🤍