#asktheexpert what's the food of 6-12months old baby?

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Accepted Answer

Introducing solid foods to your baby's diet is an exciting milestone, and Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of nutritious options that can be adapted for babies between 6 to 12 months old. Here are some Indian food ideas suitable for this age range:

### 1. Homemade Cerelac:
- Make homemade baby cereal using ingredients like rice, lentils (moong dal), and mixed grains (ragi or finger millet).
- Cook the grains until soft, then blend or mash them to a smooth consistency.
- Add breast milk, formula, or water to achieve the desired texture.

### 2. Khichdi:
- Khichdi is a nutritious one-pot meal made with rice and lentils, often seasoned with mild spices like cumin and turmeric.
- Cook khichdi until soft and well-cooked, then mash or blend to a suitable consistency for your baby.
- You can also add vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.

### 3. Vegetable Purees:
- Steam or boil vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, pumpkin, and squash until tender.
- Mash or puree the cooked vegetables to a smooth consistency, adding a little water or breast milk to adjust the texture.
- Season with mild spices like cumin or coriander for added flavor.

### 4. Fruit Purees:
- Puree ripe fruits such as bananas, apples, pears, mangoes, and papayas until smooth.
- Offer a variety of fruits to introduce different flavors and nutrients to your baby's diet.
- You can also mix fruit purees with yogurt or oatmeal for added variety.

### 5. Dal Soup:
- Prepare a mild dal soup using split lentils (masoor dal or moong dal), water, and a pinch of turmeric.
- Cook until the lentils are soft and well-cooked, then blend or mash to a smooth consistency.
- You can also add a small amount of ghee for added flavor and nutrition.

### 6. Soft Chapati or Roti:
- Offer soft chapatis or rotis torn into small pieces for your baby to hold and chew.
- Ensure the chapatis are cooked until soft and easily digestible.
- You can serve them plain or with a little ghee or mashed vegetables for added taste and nutrition.

### 7. Yogurt:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt is a nutritious option for babies, providing calcium, protein, and probiotics for gut health.
- Offer small amounts of yogurt as a snack or mix it with fruit purees or cereal for added flavor and nutrients.

### 8. Ragi Porridge:
- Ragi or finger millet is a nutritious grain rich in calcium and iron.
- Cook ragi flour with water or milk until thickened to make a smooth porridge.
- Sweeten with a little jaggery or mashed banana for added taste.

### 9. Suji Upma:
- Suji or semolina upma is a savory dish made with roasted semolina, vegetables, and mild spices.
- Cook suji with water or milk until soft and well-cooked, then mash or blend to a suitable consistency for your baby.

### 10. Moong Dal Khichdi:
- Moong dal khichdi is a lighter version of traditional khichdi, made with split moong dal and rice.
- Cook moong dal and rice together until soft and well-cooked, then mash or blend to a suitable consistency for your baby.

### Precautions:
- Introduce new foods one at a time and observe your baby for any signs of allergic reactions or digestive issues.
- Avoid adding salt, sugar, honey, and spicy ingredients to your baby's food during this stage.
- Consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your baby's individual needs and preferences.

### Enjoy the Journey:
Exploring Indian cuisine with your baby can be a delightful experience, filled with new tastes, textures, and discoveries. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and remember to prioritize your baby's nutritional needs and developmental milestones as you introduce solid foods into their diet.