Top 10 Food Ideas For 14-Month-Baby

Your baby's developing system needs all the food groups for healthy growth.

Reviewed by Jyoti Benjamin, MS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD Jyoti Benjamin Jyoti BenjaminMS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Clinical dietitianExperience: 25 years
Written by , BE Jessica Albert BE Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Growth and DevelopmentExperience: 2 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc (Biotechnology) Vidya Tadapatri MSc (Biotechnology) Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years
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14 Month Old Baby Having Food

Image: ShutterStock

Your baby will turn 14 months old in a few days, and you suddenly notice that they begin to show disinterest in foods they loved earlier, leaving you wondering about some food ideas for 14 months baby that could help give the required nourishment to your little one. Until the one-year mark, your baby’s nutritional needs are fulfilled by the mother’s milk or formula. Nonetheless, as they cross this mark and enter toddlerhood, their dietary needs increase substantially. With most toddlers turning fussy eaters by the 14th month, it becomes hard for parents to comprehend and select the foods to be given to their children to fulfill their growing nutritional demands. Plunge into this post as we present you with some easy yet super healthy food ideas to feed your selective 14-month-old. However, ensure to feed with a safe baby fork that is convenient and reduces the risk of scratching from the usual fork.

Read on to find out about 14 month old baby food:

In This Article

1. Grains

Grains must make up a significant portion of a 14-month-old child

. You can choose whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread for your baby. Or serve your child a serving of vegetable pasta. You can also sneak in some wholesome food while preparing the dish. Try to incorporate at least one serving (one serving for a baby is one-quarter of an adult’s serving) of grain into your baby’s diet. A strong addition to the 14 month old baby food plan.

protip_icon Nutrition fact
Whole grain is a good source of B vitamins that help release energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (4).

2. Fruits

Fruits are a source of several nutrients

Image: IStock

Tasty and sumptuous fruits will make great add- ons to any meal. They are a source of several nutrients that your toddler will need for the day. You must try to include one serving of fruit at each meal. One serving of fruit for a toddler is equal to 1/4th cup of fruit. Cut a ripe fruit into small pieces and serve to your baby.

3. Vegetables

Colorful vegetables will make a healthy addition to your toddler’s diet. Do not serve raw veggies to your baby. Steam the vegetables until tender and cut them into small pieces to prevent choking. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), over half of the choking episodes in children occur due to food. So ensure to prepare veggies in age-appropriate forms. Season them with minimal salt and pepper and serve. Include at least one vitamin-C-rich veggie in your baby’s diet. Veggie sticks can also help soothe teething babies.

protip_icon Quick tip
To encourage your child to eat more vegetables, serve them in creative ways. They can be roasted in butter or seasoned with herbs and spices. You may also serve them with dips to enhance the flavor (5).

4. Juice

Juices are an interesting addition to your toddler’s healthy diet regimen. If you are thinking of serving juice to your baby, then choose 100% juice to avoid preservatives and added sugar. Limit the serving to not more than 6 ounces a day.

5. Milk

Milk should make up most of your 14th-month-old and is the most commonly used dairy product for kids. A ½ cup of milk equals to one serving. Choose full-fat milk for your toddler. Limit the milk intake to not more than 16 ounces a day. The food for 14 month old is delicious with milk !

6. Egg

Eggs, 14 month old baby food

Image: IStock

Eggs, with its high protein, iron, choline, vitamin B12 and folate, will make perfect food for toddlers. Scramble the eggs with veggies for a quick meal. Or mash the boiled egg with a fork and sprinkle some grated cheese over it.

7. Beans

Beans are an excellent substitute for meats at meals

. You can serve beans with vitamin c rich fruits and vegetables to increase the absorption of iron in your little one’s body. Make sure you chop or mash the beans into bite-sized pieces. Always serve well cooked beans.

protip_icon Point to consider
If your child has a gluten allergy, beans are a good alternative. Beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as folate, riboflavin, and iron (6).

8. Cheese

Cheese is one food that kids of all ages love. Add grated cheese to vegetables, eggs or beans to round a meal. Apart from being an excellent source of protein, cheese also contains calcium and protein, nutrients that are critical for a growing child.

9. Lean Meat

Choose lean sources of meat like poultry or fish for your 14-month-old. A serving of meat for a 14-month-old should consist of 1 ounce of meat. Do not serve him more than the recommended amount as protein sources should make the smallest portion of your child’s daily diet.The 14 months baby food is extremely delicious with lean meat!

10. Breastmilk

Breastmilk, 14 month old baby food

Image: IStock

If your baby continues to breastfeed, then it is good news for you. Breast milk will provide him with all the calories, enzymes, vitamins and valuable immunities. Even studies have also shown that breastfed toddlers get sick less often. Nursing will also create a strong bond between you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should a 14-month-old eat for breakfast?

Given below is an AAP-approved sample breakfast menu that you can make for your child (1):

  • ½ cup of sliced bananas
  • ½ cup whole or 2% milk
  • Iron-rich foods like ½ cup iron-fortified breakfast cereal or one cooked egg
  • 2-3 large sliced strawberries

2. How many meals does a 14-month-old need?

A baby older than 12 months needs about 1000 calories a day which should be divided among three meals and two snacks throughout the day (2).

3. What can I give my 14-month-old for lunch?

Given below is an AAP-approved sample lunch menu that you can make for your child (1):

  • ½ sandwich with tuna, salad, chicken, or peanut butter filling
  • ½ cup whole or 2% milk
  • ½ cup cooked green vegetables

4. How much whole milk should a 14-month-old drink?

As suggested by the AAP, babies between the age of 12-24 months should consume about 2 to 3 cups of milk per day (3).

5. What are some good finger food ideas for a 14-month-old baby?

Well-cooked and soft zucchini, bite-sized pieces of ripe banana, well-cooked pasta, and small pieces of soft and tender chicken are some good finger foods for a 14-month-old baby (7).

6. What foods should be avoided for a 14-month-old baby?

Avoid feeding foods that contain high amounts of added sugar and sodium. Foods that pose a choking threat, such as hot dogs, raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and popcorn should not be included in the baby’s diet. Refrain from giving unpasteurized fluids and cheese to avoid adverse outcomes (8).

7. Can a 14-month-old baby have cow’s milk?

Yes, you can introduce cow’s milk to your child older than twelve months. Refrain from feeding cow’s milk to babies younger than one year as it is nutritionally inadequate to meet the baby’s needs (9).

8. Are there any specific nutrients that a 14-month-old baby needs more?

As per dietary recommendations, a toddler should have 700 milligrams of calcium, 600 IU of vitamin D, and 7 milligrams of iron each day. Toddlers need around 1000-1400 calories per day (10). If you think they are not getting sufficient iron, you may consult your doctor and look for alternatives like baby-friendly iron supplements.

9. Is it normal for a 14-month-old baby to be a picky eater?

As they grow, they develop food preferences and their choice may vary with each passing day. They may refuse to eat and try new foods. Offering various choices and incorporating a various foods can help maintain a balanced diet (11).

10. What are some common food allergies that a 14-month-old baby might have?

Substances that commonly cause allergies in children include shellfish, milk, soy, peanuts, eggs, and wheat (12).

Do not be discouraged if your 14-month-old rejects specific foods. Remember that a toddler’s palate is not the same as an adult’s. Therefore, they may not be interested in certain flavors and food textures. To understand their food preferences and what kinds of food are best for them, you may try the 14-month-old baby food ideas recommended in this article. Further, always introduce a new food in smaller proportions and do not force them to finish what’s on the plate. Allow your toddler to choose their preferred foods, and focus on serving variety, not just increasing their portion sizes.

Infographic: Nutrient-Rich Foods To Include To A 14-Month-Old’s Diet

Children between the ages of one and two years need adequate calorie intake to sustain through an active day. When transitioning from pureed solids to table food, children can be introduced to a variety of eatables, fruits, and vegetables. The following infographic contains a few food ideas for your 14-Month-Old.

healthy foods for your 14 month old (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • 14-month-old babies have increased nutritional needs beyond formula or breastmilk.
  • Good foods for a 14-month-old’s diet include grains, fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, eggs, beans, cheese, lean meat, and breast milk.
  • Encourage children to eat more vegetables by serving creative vegetable dishes.
  • Toddlers should have limited serving sizes of 100% juice and full-fat milk.
14 month old baby food_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Sample Menu For A One-Year-Old; Healthy Children.
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Sample-One-Day-Menu-for-a-One-Year-Old.aspx
  2. Feeding And Nutrition Tips: Your One-Year-Old; Healthy Children.
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-One-Year-Old.aspx
  3. Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger; Healthy Children.
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Recommended-Drinks-for-Young-Children-Ages-0-5.aspx
  4. Grains.
    https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/general/food-groups/grains
  5. Tips to Help Kids Enjoy Fruits and Veggies.
    https://www.eatright.org/food/planning/meals-and-snacks/get-fruits-and-veggies-to-the-plate
  6. All About Beans Nutrition, Health Benefits, Preparation and Use in Menus.
    https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/all-about-beans-nutrition-health-benefits-preparation-and-use-menus
  7. Finger Foods for Babies
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/finger-foods.html
  8. Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/feed12yr.html
  9. Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives
    https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html#:~:text=At%2012%20months%20old%20(but
  10. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html
  11. 10 Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx
  12. Diagnosing Allergies in Children
    https://acaai.org/allergies/testing-diagnosis/for-children-and-infants/
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Jyoti Benjamin
Jyoti BenjaminMS, RD, CSO, FAND, CD
Jyoti Benjamin has 25 years of experience as a clinical dietitian and currently works in Seattle. She focuses on teaching people the value of good nutrition and helping them lead healthy lives by natural means.Benjamin has a masters in Foods and Nutrition, and has been a longtime member and Fellow of AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) and the International Confederation of Dietetic Association.

Read full bio of Jyoti Benjamin
Jessica Albert
Jessica AlbertBE
Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Vidya Tadapatri
Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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