#asktheexperts how can I prepare a nutritious and healthy diet for my baby?

A. For a 2-year-old child in India, it's important to offer a variety of nutritious foods to support their growth and development. Here are some food options suitable for a 2-year-old child: 1. **Grains and cereals:** - Cooked rice (brown rice or white rice) - Chapati or roti (whole wheat flatbread) - Dosa or idli (South Indian rice and lentil pancakes or steamed cakes) - Porridge or khichdi (mixture of rice and lentils) 2. **Fruits:** - Banana - Apple (peeled and diced) - Mango - Papaya - Pears - Grapes (cut into small pieces to prevent choking) - Chikoo (sapodilla) - Watermelon - Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) 3. **Vegetables:** - Cooked and mashed potatoes - Carrots (cooked and diced) - Peas - Spinach (pureed or finely chopped) - Sweet potatoes (boiled or roasted) - Beetroot (grated or pureed) - Pumpkin (steamed or roasted) - Tomatoes (cooked and pureed) 4. **Proteins:** - Lentils (dal) in various forms such as dal tadka, dal fry, or dal khichdi - Paneer (cottage cheese) in dishes like paneer bhurji or paneer tikka - Tofu (soft or silken tofu can be mashed or diced) - Eggs (scrambled, boiled, or as omelets) 5. **Dairy:** - Milk (whole or full-fat milk) - Yogurt (plain or flavored) - Cheese (soft cheese like paneer or shredded cheese) 6. **Healthy fats:** - Ghee (clarified butter) for cooking or adding to rice or roti - Homemade nut butters (peanut butter or almond butter) - Avocado (mashed or sliced) 7. **Snacks:** - Homemade snacks like poha (flattened rice) cutlets, vegetable cutlets, or baked sweet potato fries - Fruit chaat (mixed fruits with a sprinkle of chaat masala) - Vegetable sticks with hummus or yogurt dip 8. **Beverages:** - Water (offer throughout the day to keep your child hydrated) - Homemade fruit juices (freshly squeezed or diluted with water) - Coconut water (fresh or packaged) - Buttermilk or lassi (plain or flavored with fruit) It's important to ensure that the food is prepared in a safe and hygienic manner and served in appropriate portions for your child's age and appetite. Offer a variety of foods from different food groups to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your 2-year-old. Additionally, always supervise your child while they are eating to prevent choking hazards and encourage healthy eating habits.