#asktheexpert what's the best food for children

A. For an 8-month-old baby, you can start introducing more textures and flavors while ensuring the food is still easily digestible. Here are some Indian food options suitable for an 8-month-old: 1. **Vegetable Khichdi:** A soft and mushy combination of rice, lentils (moong dal), and vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. You can cook it until everything is well-cooked and easily mashed. 2. **Mashed Dal (Lentils):** Cooked lentils (masoor dal or moong dal) mashed to a smooth consistency with a little bit of ghee or vegetable oil. You can add mild spices like cumin for flavor. 3. **Soft Chapati or Roti:** Tear small pieces of chapati or roti and serve them softened with a bit of ghee or mashed vegetable curry. 4. **Fruit Purees:** Pureed fruits like banana, apple, pear, and mango are nutritious and easy for babies to digest. You can also combine fruits to introduce different flavors. 5. **Vegetable Purees:** Pureed vegetables such as sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin, and spinach are rich in vitamins and minerals. Steam or boil them until soft and blend until smooth. 6. **Ragi Porridge:** Ragi (finger millet) is highly nutritious. Cook ragi flour with water or breast milk/formula to make a smooth porridge. You can sweeten it with a bit of mashed banana or apple puree. Always ensure that the food is properly cooked, mashed or pureed to a texture suitable for your baby's age, and served at a safe temperature. Additionally, consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby's diet, especially if there are concerns about allergies or digestion.