#asktheexpert what solid foods can we start for 5th completed baby

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When your baby has completed 5 months and is entering the 6th month, you can begin introducing solid foods gradually, though breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition. Start with simple, easily digestible foods in small quantities. Here are some options:

### 1. **Single-Grain Cereals:**
   - **Rice cereal**: Start with iron-fortified, single-grain rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.
   - **Oats**: You can introduce a smooth oatmeal porridge made with breast milk or water.

### 2. **Vegetable Purees:**
   - **Carrot puree**: Steamed and pureed carrots are a good starting point.
   - **Pumpkin or squash puree**: Soft and easy to digest.
   - **Sweet potato puree**: Cooked and mashed until smooth.

### 3. **Fruit Purees:**
   - **Apple puree**: Steamed and pureed apples without sugar.
   - **Pear puree**: Gentle on the tummy and nutritious.
   - **Banana mash**: Soft and naturally sweet, easy to mash with a fork.

### 4. **Dal Water (Lentil Soup):**
   - Strain well-cooked lentils (moong dal) and give the water, which is packed with protein and easy to digest.

### 5. **Vegetable Broth:**
   - Strained vegetable soup made from boiled carrots, potatoes, or other mild vegetables can be given as a gentle introduction to flavors.

### 6. **Ragi Porridge (Finger Millet):**
   - Ragi is rich in calcium and iron. Make a thin porridge by mixing ragi flour with water and cooking it until smooth.

### Guidelines for Introducing Solids:
   - **Start slow**: Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before introducing another food to watch for any allergic reactions.
   - **Texture**: Ensure the food is very smooth, with no lumps, as babies at this stage cannot handle textured foods.
   - **Quantity**: Start with 1-2 teaspoons once a day, then gradually increase the amount based on your baby’s appetite.

It's important to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding while introducing solids, as these remain the main source of nutrition during the first year. Always consult your pediatrician before starting solids to ensure your baby is ready.