#asktheexpert 7 month baby ko dait me kiya de

Question

Accepted Answer

At 7 months old, your baby can start enjoying a variety of solid foods along with breast milk or formula. Here’s a guide on what to include in their diet:

1. Cereals

Iron-Fortified Baby Cereals: Start with single-grain cereals like rice, oatmeal, or barley. You can mix the cereal with breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Fruits

Mashed or Pureed Fruits: Good options include bananas, avocados, apples, pears, peaches, and mangoes. Ensure they are soft and mashed or pureed to avoid choking hazards.

3. Vegetables

Mashed or Pureed Vegetables: Cooked and pureed or mashed vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and squash are excellent choices. You can steam or boil them until soft and then mash or blend.

4. Proteins

Pureed or Mashed Protein Sources: Consider introducing lentils, beans, and well-cooked, pureed meats (like chicken, turkey, or fish). Tofu can also be a good source of protein.

5. Dairy

Yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt can be introduced at this stage. Avoid flavored yogurts with added sugars.

Cheese: Soft cheeses like cottage cheese can be given, but ensure they are pasteurized.

6. Snacks

Finger Foods: As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can introduce soft finger foods like small pieces of ripe banana, cooked soft vegetables, or small, soft pieces of bread.

7. Fluids

Water: Offer small amounts of water in a sippy cup, especially if your baby is eating solids. Avoid fruit juices until your baby is at least 1 year old.

Sample Meal Plan

Here’s a simple meal plan for a day:

Breakfast: Iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk/formula + mashed banana.

Snack: Small pieces of ripe avocado or a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt.

Lunch: Mashed sweet potato and pureed peas.

Snack: Soft-cooked carrot sticks or small pieces of steamed broccoli.

Dinner: Pureed chicken with rice or lentils, along with mashed carrots.

Tips

Variety: Offer a variety of foods to help your baby explore different tastes and textures.

Allergies: Introduce new foods one at a time and wait a few days before introducing another to monitor for any allergic reactions.

Textures: Gradually increase the texture of foods as your baby becomes more accustomed to eating solids.

Breast Milk/Formula: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding alongside solid foods until your baby is at least 12 months old.

Conclusion

Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s diet or if you want specific advice on introducing new foods. Enjoy this exciting stage of exploring new flavors with your little one!