One of the most difficult phases for parents is to introduce semi-solid/ solid food to babies. The right amount of fruits, vegetables, wheat, rice, and pulses help in shaping a baby’s health. Dairy products, except for cow’s milk, are equally good for the baby. Cow’s milk is not fed to babies until they turn 1 year old, as it is not easily digestible. Stews are a good source of nutrition too. Non-vegetarian food should also be fed after the baby turns one.
Here are some foods you can feed your baby when it is time for you to introduce new foods.
Fruits:
Depending on the age of the baby, all fruits should be given in the form of a puree/mash. Few fruits like cherry, watermelon can be given just to taste. Some, like berries and mango, can be given in the form of a smoothie made in curd/yoghurt.
Ensure you do not boil the fruits; instead, steam them. A baby’s taste buds should feel satisfied after introducing different fruits every day. Seasonal fruits should also be given to babies. The fruits should be properly washed and cleaned before steaming and feeding.
Here are some fruits you must feed your baby between the age of 9 and 12 months of age –
- Apple
- Banana
- Pear
- Plum
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Mango
- Chickoo
- Cherry
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
Vegetables:
- Potato
- Carrot
- Beans
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Baby Spinach
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
- Bottle Gourd
Pulses/Lentils (Dal):
- Moong
- Masur
- Gotha Moong (Green)
- Tur
Rice:
Spices:
- Cumin (Jeera)
- Asafoetida (Hing)
- Turmeric (Haldi)
- Pepper/ pepper powder (Golmirch)
Food Items for Infants and Toddlers:
- Khichdi with veggies
- Dalia with veggies
- Dalia with apple
- Oats with apple/ banana
- Oats with veggies
- Rice and dal
- Rice with dal and vegetables
- Rice with apple
- Suji (slightly roasted) with apple
- Suji upma with veggies
- Atta roti with dal
- Mashed vegetables
- Mashed fruits
- Chicken stew
- Vegetable Stew
- Berry smoothie
- Chenna with gur
- Gajar ka halwa
- Curd rice with gur
- Curd rice with salt
Tips:
- Jaggery (gur) and salt can be used to enhance the taste of the food.
- Avoid feeding sugar and honey if your baby is under a year.
- Butter/ ghee can be used (homemade is preferred).
- A small clove of garlic can be used in some foods.
- Cottage cheese (paneer/ chenna) and yoghurt (curd/dahi) should be made at home.
- Use organic raw material as they are preservative-free. Ready-made baby foods should only be given while travelling.
- Utensils used for babies should be different from the utensils used for other family members.
- Sterilisation and hygiene are very important for the growth of the baby.
- A baby should be given at least 3 large meals or 5 small meals.
- Do not force-feed the baby.
- Use a silicone spoon to avoid hurting the baby’s gums.
- Use silver/steel/silicone/BPA-free plastic utensils.
- Keep bibs and wet wipes handy while feeding.
- Feed while the baby is sitting so that the baby gets habituated to it.
Introduce different foods daily and see your baby enjoying them.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
