Stage 3 foodsProtein-forward meals

Beef Meatball Pieces

Moist beef meatballs can be broken into small pieces for self-feeding.

Ingredients

Step 1
Prepare the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg as a softened family-style meal, keeping seasoning light and texture moist.
Step 2
Cut, shred, mash, or crumble the food into baby-safe pieces that are easy to gum and swallow.
Step 3
Serve on the tray, in a small bowl, or on a preloaded spoon so your baby can practice independent eating.

Usually about 9 to 12 months, once self-feeding is going better

Soft finger foods and moist bite-size pieces that mash easily between two fingers.

Pair with water in a cup at meals if your pediatrician has already discussed cup practice, and keep meals low pressure.

Leftovers work best when reheated gently so meats stay moist and breads or pasta do not become chewy.

Skip hard, round, sticky, and chewy choking hazards. Modify family meals before serving rather than giving the adult version as-is.

More meal ideas in this stage