#asktheexpert For eight months baby what are food items and fruits shall give

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Accepted Answer

For an 8-month-old baby, you can introduce a variety of nutritious foods that support growth and development. At this age, it’s important to offer a balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Here are some suitable options:

### **Fruits**
1. **Bananas**: Soft and easy to mash or cut into small pieces.
2. **Apples**: Cooked and pureed or finely chopped. Raw apples can be hard to digest.
3. **Pears**: Cooked and pureed or peeled and finely chopped.
4. **Peaches**: Cooked and pureed or peeled and cut into small pieces.
5. **Avocados**: Soft and mashed; a good source of healthy fats.

### **Vegetables**
1. **Carrots**: Cooked until tender and pureed or finely chopped.
2. **Sweet Potatoes**: Cooked and mashed or pureed.
3. **Peas**: Cooked and mashed or pureed.
4. **Green Beans**: Cooked and pureed or finely chopped.
5. **Pumpkin**: Cooked and pureed.

### **Grains**
1. **Rice Cereal**: Iron-fortified and mixed with breast milk or formula.
2. **Oatmeal**: Cooked and pureed or finely chopped.
3. **Barley**: Cooked and pureed.

### **Proteins**
1. **Mashed Beans**: Such as lentils, chickpeas, or black beans, well-cooked and mashed.
2. **Pureed Meats**: Such as chicken, turkey, or beef.
3. **Eggs**: Scrambled or hard-boiled, ensuring they are well-cooked and cut into small pieces.

### **Dairy (if already introduced)**
1. **Plain Yogurt**: Full-fat and unsweetened.
2. **Cheese**: Soft cheese like cottage cheese in small pieces.

### **Tips for Introducing New Foods**
1. **Single Ingredient**: Introduce new foods one at a time and wait a few days before adding another to monitor for allergies.
2. **Texture**: Offer foods with appropriate texture, starting with purees and gradually introducing more textured foods as your baby becomes accustomed to chewing.
3. **Avoid Honey**: Do not give honey until after one year due to the risk of botulism.
4. **Cut into Small Pieces**: Ensure all food is cut into small, manageable pieces to avoid choking hazards.

### **Hydration**
1. **Water**: Offer a small amount of water in a sippy cup alongside meals.

By offering a variety of these foods, you can ensure your baby gets a balanced diet with essential nutrients for growth and development. If you have any concerns or specific dietary needs, consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice.