More baby plate ideas for you🫶🏻

Hey mamas and papas! After sharing my first round of baby plate ideas, I got so much love, so I'm excited to dive even deeper into what we've been loving for baby-led weaning (BLW) meals and toddler snacks. It can be tricky to come up with new, nutritious, and appealing dishes every day, but I've found a few go-to's that make mealtime fun and easy for both of us. These ideas are perfect for little ones around 9 months and up, exploring new textures and tastes. Avocado: A BLW Superstar! You'll notice avocado slices popping up a lot on our plates, and for good reason! It's packed with healthy fats crucial for baby's development. For little ones just starting BLW, I love offering soft avocado slices (like those shown in the pictures!) or slightly mashed avocado spread on finger-sized pieces of toast. It's easy for them to grasp and gum. We've also enjoyed avocado toast, sometimes topped with a little yogurt and diced strawberries, or even paired with halved cherry tomatoes. For a quick lunch, we sometimes do a simple avocado pasta – just mashed avocado mixed with warm penne pasta, sometimes with a tiny bit of breastmilk or formula to thin it out. My baby happily munches on these, and it's so satisfying to see them self-feed. Egg-cellent Options for Growing Babies Scrambled eggs are another staple in our house. They're quick to make and a fantastic source of protein. I usually cook them slightly firmer so they're easy for little fingers to pick up, cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. Paired with some fruit or whole grain toast, it makes a complete and healthy baby scrambled egg plate. Sometimes I'll add a tiny sprinkle of cheese or some finely chopped spinach puree (like the one shown in the visuals!) into the eggs for extra nutrients. Fruity Fun & Safe Servings Fruit is always a hit! Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches are regular features. For strawberries, I typically slice them thinly or dice them up for my toddler. Blueberries can be halved or gently squished for younger babies to prevent choking. Peaches are wonderful when ripe and soft, served in slices. Remember those green grapes from the plates? Always halve or quarter them lengthwise to make them safe for your little one. We often serve fruit alongside some plain yogurt or a piece of cheese, like the chopped Babybel cheese, for an extra protein boost. Wholesome Grains & Spreads Grains are important for sustained energy. We often have various forms of toast – sometimes plain, sometimes with a thin spread of almond butter (always check for allergens first!), or even a tiny bit of strawberry preserves on whole oat organic bread, creating a deconstructed peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Cinnamon raisin swirl bread with butter or a blueberry bagel, cut into strips, also makes a fun breakfast or snack. Raisin bread with butter is another easy win! These are great for developing pincer grasp and chewing skills. Beyond the Basics: Creative & Healthy Snack Plates Don't forget about fun and healthy snack plates! Sweet potato fries (baked, of course!) are a delicious and nutritious alternative. Chopped avocado with a few blueberries makes a super simple snack. The key is offering a variety of textures and colors to keep things interesting and ensure they're getting a range of nutrients. These diverse and dye-free options have been a game-changer for us. I hope these extra ideas give you even more inspiration for your little one's mealtime adventures! What are your favorite baby plate combinations? Share your tips below!