#asktheexperts

can we give family food to my 10 month old

Question

#asktheexperts

can we give family food to my 10 month old

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can start giving your 10-month-old baby family foods, but with certain precautions. At 10 months, babies are usually ready for a wider variety of solid foods, but they still need foods that are easy to chew and digest. Here are some guidelines to follow when offering family food:

What to Keep in Mind:

1. Texture: Family foods should be cut into small, soft pieces or mashed to prevent choking. Avoid hard, crunchy, or large pieces that may be difficult for your baby to chew.

2. Salt and Sugar: Limit the amount of added salt and sugar in your baby’s food. Babies’ kidneys are still developing, and they don't need extra salt, while too much sugar can lead to a preference for sweet foods.

3. Avoid Certain Foods: Some foods should be avoided at this age, such as honey (due to the risk of botulism), nuts (which can be choking hazards), and raw or undercooked eggs or meat.

4. Introduce Slowly: Continue to introduce one food at a time to watch for any allergic reactions. If your family food contains common allergens like dairy, peanuts, or shellfish, offer them separately and monitor for reactions.

5. Variety: You can offer your baby a variety of foods like cooked vegetables, soft fruits, well-cooked rice, lentils, chapati (soft and torn into pieces), and scrambled or soft-boiled eggs.

6. Finger Foods: Offer soft, easy-to-grip finger foods like small pieces of bread, soft fruit, or steamed vegetables to encourage self-feeding and improve motor skills.

7. Breast Milk or Formula: Continue offering breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition. Solid foods at this stage are complementary.

Examples of Family Foods Suitable for a 10-Month-Old:

Vegetables: Cooked and mashed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin.

Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, avocados, apples (steamed or cooked), and pears.

Grains: Small pieces of soft chapati, rice, or pasta, as well as porridge or upma.

Protein: Soft scrambled eggs, small pieces of chicken or fish, and well-cooked lentils.

Dairy: Small amounts of cheese or yogurt (if your baby is not allergic).

Always supervise your baby during meals to prevent choking, and ensure the foods are prepared appropriately for their stage of development.

If you have concerns or are unsure about specific foods, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.