#asktheexpert how to start solids for babies after 6 months? how much water should be given for babies after 6 months??

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy6 months ago

A. How to Start Solids for a Baby After 6 Months? Once your baby turns 6 months old, you can begin introducing solid foods along with breastmilk or formula. Start with one meal a day and gradually increase. Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Solids ✅ Start with single-ingredient foods – Mashed rice, dal water, ragi porridge, fruit puree (banana, apple, pear), vegetable puree (carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato). ✅ Introduce one food at a time – Wait 3-5 days before introducing a new food to check for allergies. ✅ Gradually increase texture – Start with purees, then move to mashed and soft finger foods. ✅ Offer small portions – Begin with 2-3 teaspoons per meal and increase based on baby’s hunger. ✅ Continue breastmilk/formula – Solids should be only complementary; milk remains the main source of nutrition. Feeding Schedule Example 🕘 Morning: Breastmilk/Formula 🕙 Mid-morning: Mashed fruit (banana, apple puree) 🕒 Lunch: Soft mashed dal-rice or ragi porridge 🕕 Evening: Breastmilk/Formula 🕘 Dinner: Vegetable puree or oats porridge How Much Water to Give a Baby After 6 Months? After 6 months, you can start giving a little water. ✅ Start with 2-3 teaspoons per meal (around 60-120 ml per day). ✅ Use boiled and cooled water. ✅ Do not replace milk with water. ✅ Offer water in a small sippy cup to encourage drinking skills. Once the baby is eating three meals a day, increase water intake gradually. Too much water can fill the stomach and reduce milk intake, so keep it limited.

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