#asktheexperts what I do for baby meels plan

Question

Accepted Answer

Here's a sample Indian meal plan for an 18-month-old baby:

**Breakfast:**
- Option 1: Soft Idli with Sambar: Steamed idli served with mild sambar made with lentils and vegetables.
- Option 2: Homemade Wheat Porridge: Cooked wheat porridge made with milk, sweetened with a bit of jaggery or dates syrup.
- Option 3: Poha: Softened flattened rice cooked with vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes, seasoned with turmeric and cumin seeds.

**Mid-Morning Snack:**
- Option 1: Fruit Salad: Diced fruits like banana, apple, and papaya mixed together.
- Option 2: Chapati Fingers: Small pieces of soft chapati served with a dip made from yogurt or fruit puree.
- Option 3: Homemade Rice Cakes: Soft homemade rice cakes made from rice flour and steamed until cooked.

**Lunch:**
- Option 1: Vegetable Khichdi: Soft and mushy khichdi made with rice, moong dal, and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and cauliflower.
- Option 2: Roti with Dal and Vegetables: Soft chapati or roti served with mashed dal and lightly cooked vegetables like spinach, pumpkin, and beans.
- Option 3: Rice with Tomato Rasam: Plain rice served with flavorful tomato rasam, a South Indian soup made with tomatoes, spices, and tamarind.

**Afternoon Snack:**
- Option 1: Ragi (Finger Millet) Ladoo: Homemade ragi ladoo made with ragi flour, jaggery, and ghee.
- Option 2: Steamed Sweet Potato Fingers: Soft steamed sweet potato sticks cut into finger-sized pieces.
- Option 3: Fruit Yogurt: Plain yogurt mixed with mashed banana or mango puree.

**Dinner:**
- Option 1: Soft Vegetable Dalia: Broken wheat cooked with mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans, seasoned with ghee and mild spices.
- Option 2: Moong Dal Soup with Rice: Light moong dal soup served with well-cooked rice.
- Option 3: Vegetable Upma: Soft and fluffy upma made with semolina and mixed vegetables, seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

**Before Bedtime:**
- Option 1: Warm Milk: Offer a small cup of warm milk before bedtime to help soothe and comfort the baby.
- Option 2: Banana Puree: Offer a small serving of mashed banana as a light and easy-to-digest bedtime snack.

Remember to adjust portion sizes and food textures according to your baby's preferences and chewing abilities. Offer water or breast milk/formula throughout the day to keep the baby hydrated. Additionally, always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice and recommendations based on your baby's individual needs and preferences.