#asktheexperts my baby is 6 months old now n I m confused about his diet what to give or not and in how many quantities I want proper diet chart for my baby

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At around 6 months of age, many infants are ready to start complementary foods alongside breast milk or formula. These complementary foods introduce new flavors, textures, and nutrients to support the baby's growth and development. Here are some nutritious Indian foods suitable for 6-month-old babies:

1. **Homemade Rice Cereal (Rice Porridge):** Start with single-grain cereals like rice cereal, which is easy to digest and less likely to cause allergies. Cook rice until soft, then blend or mash it with breast milk, formula, or water to achieve a smooth consistency.

2. **Mashed Fruits:** Introduce mashed fruits like mashed banana, steamed and mashed apple, or mashed pear. These fruits are easy to digest and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the quantity.

3. **Vegetable Purees:** Steam and puree vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, or peas. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Blend the cooked vegetables until smooth and offer them as a puree.

4. **Dal Water:** Introduce simple dal water made from moong dal (split yellow lentils) or masoor dal (red lentils). Cook the dal with water until soft, then strain the liquid to remove any solid pieces. Offer the dal water as a thin soup-like consistency.

5. **Mashed Khichdi:** Prepare a simple khichdi using rice and dal cooked together until soft. Mash the khichdi with a spoon or fork to achieve a smooth texture. Khichdi provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.

6. **Fruit Purees:** Offer fruit purees like pureed mango, papaya, or chikoo (sapodilla). These fruits are sweet and nutritious, providing vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.

7. **Yogurt:** Introduce plain, unsweetened yogurt as it is a good source of calcium and probiotics. Offer a small amount of yogurt and observe for any signs of lactose intolerance or allergies.

8. **Soft Cooked Vegetables:** Offer soft-cooked vegetables like boiled and mashed potatoes or carrots. These vegetables are easy to mash with a fork or spoon and provide important nutrients for the baby's growth.

9. **Ragi Porridge:** Ragi (finger millet) porridge is nutritious and rich in iron. Cook ragi flour with water or breast milk until thickened to a porridge-like consistency. Offer it as a smooth porridge.

10. **Homemade Applesauce:** Make homemade applesauce by steaming and pureeing apples until smooth. Applesauce is a nutritious and naturally sweet option for babies.

Always introduce new foods one at a time and wait for a few days before introducing another new food. This helps to identify any potential food allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, ensure that the foods are cooked well and mashed or pureed to a texture suitable for your baby's age and developmental stage. If you have any concerns or questions about introducing solids to your baby's diet, consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist for personalized guidance and recommendations.