21 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for 6 to 12 Months Old Babies

As parents, we always want the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to food. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for babies aged 6 to 12 months, it sets the tone for their energy levels, growth, and development. However, finding easy-to-prepare and healthy breakfast ideas for 6 to 12 months old can be challenging, especially when introducing new textures and flavors.

To help you, we have compiled 21 healthy and delicious breakfast options that are packed with essential nutrients, easy to digest, and perfect for your baby’s growing needs. Whether you’re looking for weight-gaining foods, brain-boosting meals, or digestion-friendly options, these ideas will ensure variety and balanced nutrition in your baby’s diet.

Here is the glimpse of ideas, you’ll explore in this blog: 

Weight Gaining Breakfasts

1. Mashed Banana with Breastmilk/Formula

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: One of the healthy breakfast ideas for 6 to 12 months old babies is mashed banana. They are a great first food for babies as they are naturally sweet, soft, and easy to digest. They are packed with potassium, fiber, and essential vitamins that help in muscle function and digestion. Since bananas provide quick energy, they are a perfect breakfast option for active little ones.

How to Make:

1. Take a ripe banana and peel it.
2. Mash it well using a fork until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Add a little breastmilk or formula to make it creamier.
4. Serve fresh immediately (do not store mashed bananas as they turn brown).

2. Avocado Mash

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, essential for brain development. They are also rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins that support heart health and digestion. This creamy fruit is naturally soft and easy for babies to eat.

How to Make:

1. Cut a ripe avocado in half and remove the seed.
2. Scoop out the flesh and mash it well using a fork.
3. If needed, add a little breastmilk or formula to make it smoother.
4. Serve fresh (avocado can turn brown if stored).

3. Ragi (Finger Millet) Porridge

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Ragi is rich in calcium, iron, and amino acids, making it excellent for bone growth and brain development. It helps in weight gain and is easy to digest, making it an ideal first grain for babies. Not only this, it is a great food that you can give your child during a cold or cough. 

How to Make:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of ragi flour with a little water to form a smooth paste.
2. Cook this mixture on a low flame, adding more water gradually, and stir continuously.
3. Once it thickens and becomes glossy, add mashed banana or a tiny bit of jaggery (for 10+ months).
4. Let it cool before feeding.

4. Whole Wheat Toast Fingers with Butter

When to Give: 10+ months

Benefits: Whole wheat toast provides fiber and carbohydrates for sustained energy. Adding a little butter gives healthy fats essential for brain development.

How to Make:

1. Toast a slice of whole wheat bread lightly.
2. Spread a little unsalted butter or ghee on top.
3. Cut into thin strips for easy holding.

Brain-Boosting Breakfasts

5. Soft Scrambled Egg Yolk

When to Give: 8+ months

Benefits: Another one of the healthy breakfast ideas for 6 to 12 months old are eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, choline, and healthy fats, which support brain development. They also contain essential vitamins like B12 and D, boosting immunity and energy levels.

How to Make:

1. Separate the egg yolk from the white (introduce egg whites after 1 year).
2. Beat the yolk and add a teaspoon of breastmilk or formula for a softer texture.
3. Cook on low heat in a non-stick pan with a little butter.
4. Stir gently until it becomes soft and fluffy.

6. Chia Pudding with Fruit Puree

When to Give: 9+ months

Benefits: Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development. They also provide protein and fiber, promoting good digestion and long-lasting energy.

How to Make:

1. Soak 1 teaspoon of chia seeds in ½ cup warm milk (or coconut milk) for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
2. Stir well to avoid clumping.
3. Add a fruit puree like mango, banana, or apple for natural sweetness.
4. Mix well and serve chilled.

7. Soft Cooked Oats with Nut Powder

When to Give: 10+ months

Benefits: Oats are rich in fiber and iron, supporting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. Adding a little nut powder (like almond or walnut) enhances nutrition by providing good fats and proteins.

How to Make:

1. Cook 2 tablespoons of oats in water or milk until soft.
2. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Once done, add ½ teaspoon of homemade dry fruit powder.
4. Mix well and serve warm.

Iron-Rich & Energy-Boosting Breakfasts

8. Oatmeal with Mashed Fruits

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Oats are a powerhouse of nutrients, including fiber, iron, and protein, which help in keeping babies full and promoting healthy growth. They also support digestive health and prevent constipation.

How to Make:

1. Boil 2 tablespoons of oats in water or milk until they become soft and mushy.
2. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Add mashed fruits like banana, apple, or mango for natural sweetness.
4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

9. Suji (Semolina) Porridge

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Semolina is light on the stomach, easy to digest, and provides quick energy. It is also rich in iron and supports overall growth.

How to Make:

1. Roast 1 tablespoon of semolina in a teaspoon of ghee until it turns light golden.
2. Add warm water or milk while stirring continuously.
3. Cook until it thickens to a smooth porridge.
4. Let it cool before serving.

10. Homemade Rice Cereal with Milk

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Rice is hypoallergenic, making it a safe first grain for babies. It is rich in carbohydrates, providing essential energy, and is easy to digest.

How to Make:

1. Cook 2 tablespoons of rice in water until it becomes very soft.
2. Blend into a fine paste or mash with a fork.
3. Mix with breast milk or formula to achieve a creamy consistency.

Digestion-Friendly Breakfasts

11. Apple or Pear Puree

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Apples and pears are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall immunity. They also contain dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps prevent constipation. Pears are especially useful for babies who struggle with digestion issues.

How to Make:

1. Wash, peel, and chop an apple or pear.
2. Steam or boil the fruit until it becomes soft.
3. Blend it into a smooth puree using a hand blender, or mash it with a fork for a slightly chunky texture.
4. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

12. Sweet Potato Mash

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A, essential for eye health. They also provide dietary fiber, keeping digestion smooth.

How to Make:

1. Peel and chop a sweet potato into small cubes.
2. Steam or boil until soft.
3. Mash thoroughly or blend into a puree.
4. Serve warm.

13. Vegetable Daliya (Broken Wheat Porridge)

When to Give: 7+ months

Benefits: Daliya is full of fiber, keeping digestion smooth and preventing constipation. Adding vegetables makes it even more nutritious.

How to Make:

1. Cook 2 tablespoons of broken wheat in water until soft.
2. Add finely chopped vegetables and continue cooking.
3. Mash well before serving.

14. Pumpkin Puree with Cinnamon

When to Give: 6+ months

Benefits: Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and immunity. The natural sweetness makes it appealing to babies, and a pinch of cinnamon enhances the flavor.

How to Make:

1. Peel and chop a small piece of pumpkin.
2. Steam or boil it until soft.
3. Blend into a smooth puree.
4. Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Let it cool before serving.

High-Protein Breakfasts

15. Carrot and Moong Dal Khichdi

When to Give: 7+ months

Benefits: This dish provides protein from dal, carbohydrates from rice, and essential vitamins from carrots, making it a complete meal. It’s also very gentle on digestion.

How to Make:

1. Wash and soak 2 tablespoons of rice and 1 tablespoon of moong dal for 10 minutes.
2. Add a small chopped carrot and cook everything in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water.
3. Mash well before serving.

16. Soft Moong Dal Chilla

When to Give: 9+ months

Benefits: Moong dal chilla is a protein-rich breakfast option that strengthens muscles and keeps the baby full for longer. It’s also gluten-free and easy to digest.

How to Make:

1. Soak 2 tablespoons of moong dal in water for 3-4 hours.
2. Blend into a smooth batter with a little water.
3. Pour a small amount of batter onto a heated pan and cook like a pancake.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
5. Let it cool before serving.

17. Mashed Lentils with Rice

When to Give: 7+ months

Benefits: Lentils are rich in protein and iron, making them perfect for muscle growth and preventing anemia. Combined with rice, they form a complete meal that is filling and easy to digest.

How to Make:

1. Wash 2 tablespoons of rice and 1 tablespoon of lentils (moong dal is best).
2. Cook them together in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water until soft.
3. Mash well using a spoon or blend for a smoother texture.
4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Baby-Led Weaning (Finger Foods)

18. Steamed Apple and Pear Slices

When to Give: 8+ months (for baby-led weaning)

Benefits: Soft steamed apple and pear slices encourage self-feeding and hand-eye coordination. These fruits are rich in vitamins and help in digestion.

How to Make:

1. Peel and cut the apple/pear into thin slices.
2. Steam for 5-7 minutes until soft but not mushy.
3. Let them cool slightly before offering them to your baby as finger food.

19. Idli with Ghee

When to Give: 7+ months

Benefits: Idlis are soft, fermented, and rich in probiotics, supporting a healthy gut. Adding ghee enhances flavor and provides healthy fats.

How to Make:

1. Steam a small idli and mash it using a spoon.
2. Add a drop of ghee for taste.

20. Soft Pancakes (Banana, Oats, or Ragi-based)

When to Give: 8+ months

Benefits: These pancakes are an excellent way to introduce different grains and textures. They are soft, easy to chew, and packed with essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and healthy carbs. Using bananas or ragi adds natural sweetness and makes them more nutritious.

How to Make:

1. Mash ½ ripe banana in a bowl.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of oat flour or ragi flour and mix well.
3. Pour in a little water or milk to make a smooth batter.
4. Heat a non-stick pan, grease with ghee, and pour small portions of the batter.
5. Cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Let it cool before serving.

Calcium & Bone-Strengthening Breakfasts

21. Greek Yogurt with Fruit Puree

When to Give: 9+ months

Benefits: Talking about healthy breakfast ideas for 6 to 12 months old babies without talking about greek yougurt isn’t possible. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which support gut health and digestion. It also contains protein and calcium, which are crucial for strong bones. Adding fruit puree makes it naturally sweet and nutritious.

How to Make:

1. Take plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
2. Add a fruit puree like mango, banana, or berries.
3. Mix well and serve fresh.

Final Thoughts

So, here we go! These were healthy breakfast ideas for 6 to 12 months old babies. These breakfast ideas ensure that your baby gets a variety of nutrients, textures, and flavors to support growth and development. You can mix and match different options based on your baby’s preferences.

Would you like me to add anything else? Comment below!

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