#asktheexperts
My baby is turning 6 months old . i want to ask about start of which food as he is only on milk till date

Question

#asktheexperts 
My baby is turning 6 months old . i want to ask about start of which food as he is only on milk till date

Accepted Answer

When introducing solid foods to a six-month-old Indian child, it's essential to start with simple, easily digestible options. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods and pay attention to any signs of allergies or sensitivities. Here are some Indian food options suitable for a six-month-old:

1. **Rice Cereal:**
   - Start with a simple rice cereal prepared with rice and water or breast milk. Ensure that the consistency is smooth and suitable for your baby.

2. **Ragi (Finger Millet) Porridge:**
   - Ragi is a nutritious grain. Cook ragi with water or milk to make a thin porridge suitable for a baby's first foods.

3. **Dal (Lentil) Soup:**
   - Prepare a mild dal soup by boiling lentils with water. Blend it to a thin consistency, and you can add a small amount of ghee for flavor.

4. **Vegetable Purees:**
   - Introduce single-vegetable purees such as carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, or bottle gourd. Steam the vegetables and blend them into a smooth consistency.

5. **Apple Puree:**
   - Steam and puree apples to create a simple fruit puree. Apples can be a gentle introduction to fruits.

6. **Banana Mash:**
   - Mash ripe bananas and offer them to your baby. Bananas are easy to digest and provide natural sweetness.

7. **Khichdi:**
   - Prepare a simple khichdi using rice and moong dal. Ensure it's well-cooked and mashed for easy consumption.

8. **Homemade Curd (Yogurt):**
   - Once your baby has started solids, you can introduce small amounts of plain homemade curd.

9. **Oats Porridge:**
   - Cook oats with water or milk to create a soft and easily digestible porridge.

10. **Mashed Potatoes:**
    - Boil and mash potatoes, ensuring a smooth consistency. You can introduce this as a part of your baby's meals.

Remember the following tips:

- Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another. This helps you identify any potential allergies.
  
- Start with a small amount (about one to two teaspoons) and gradually increase the quantity as your baby gets accustomed to solids.

- Pay attention to your baby's cues. If they show signs of disinterest or discomfort, it's okay to take a break and try again later.

- Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing solid foods to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready.

As your baby gets used to solids, you can gradually introduce a variety of foods to provide a well-rounded and nutritious diet.

#asktheexperts My baby is turning 6 months old . i want to ask about start of which food as he is only on milk till date