#asktheexpert what is a good meal for 1.5 years kids

Question

Accepted Answer

At 17 months old, your baby can start enjoying a variety of foods to support their growth and development. Here are some nutritious Indian food options for a 17-month-old:

1. **Khichdi:**
   - A wholesome and well-cooked mixture of rice and lentils. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.

2. **Dalia (Broken Wheat) Porridge:**
   - Cooked dalia with milk makes a nutritious and easy-to-digest porridge. You can add a variety of fruits for flavor.

3. **Vegetable Upma:**
   - Upma made with semolina (suji) and mixed vegetables is a nutritious and filling option.

4. **Roti with Mashed Dal or Paneer:**
   - Soft rotis with mashed dal or paneer provide a good combination of carbohydrates and protein.

5. **Vegetable Paratha:**
   - Stuffed parathas with vegetables like grated carrots, spinach, or mashed potatoes can be a tasty and nutritious option.

6. **Vegetable Rice:**
   - Rice cooked with assorted vegetables is a colorful and nutritious meal for your toddler.

7. **Curd Rice:**
   - A simple and soothing dish, curd rice can be a good source of probiotics and calcium.

8. **Mixed Vegetable Khichdi:**
   - Similar to plain khichdi but with added vegetables for more flavor and nutrition.

9. **Idli with Sambar:**
   - Soft idlis with sambar or coconut chutney provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.

10. **Cheese Cubes or Cheese Paratha:**
    - Offer small cubes of cheese or incorporate cheese into a paratha for added calcium and protein.

11. **Fruit Chaat:**
    - Diced fruits like banana, apple, papaya, and pomegranate with a sprinkle of chaat masala can make a delicious and healthy snack.

12. **Vegetable Pulao:**
    - Fragrant rice cooked with mixed vegetables can be a flavorful and nutritious meal.

13. **Oats Porridge:**
    - Oats cooked with milk and a hint of jaggery or mashed banana can be a nutritious breakfast option.

14. **Moong Dal Chilla:**
    - Savory pancakes made with moong dal and finely chopped vegetables are a great finger food.

15. **Finger Foods:**
    - Offer bite-sized pieces of fruits, steamed vegetables, and well-cooked pasta for your baby to explore self-feeding.

Always ensure that the food is appropriately cooked, cut into small, manageable pieces, and served at a safe temperature. Additionally, monitor your child for any allergic reactions when introducing new foods. If you have specific dietary concerns or questions, it's advisable to consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance based on your child's needs.