How many times a day I must feed solids to my 6th month old? Wat ate the food types I can give? Is home made cerelac better than the outside?

Question

Accepted Answer

Namaste Mom,

Would recommend that you start one food at a time in small quantity say a few tsp and one time a day z gradually increase the quantity variety and number of meals and alternate with your feed.

always prefer home made foods over prepackaged foods

Accepted Answer

At six months old, your baby is ready to start solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. Here are guidelines on how often and what types of solid foods to offer:

### Feeding Frequency:
- **Start Slowly:** Begin with 1-2 solid meals per day.
- **Gradually Increase:** Over the next few months, you can gradually increase to 3 meals per day as your baby gets used to eating solids.

### Types of Foods to Offer:
1. **Single-Grain Cereals:**
   - **Iron-Fortified Rice or Oatmeal Cereal:** Mix with breast milk, formula, or water to a thin consistency.

2. **Vegetables:**
   - **Pureed Vegetables:** Start with single vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, or squash.

3. **Fruits:**
   - **Pureed Fruits:** Offer fruits like bananas, apples, pears, and peaches.

4. **Proteins:**
   - **Pureed Meats:** Chicken, turkey, or beef.
   - **Lentils and Beans:** Well-cooked and pureed.

5. **Dairy:**
   - **Full-Fat Yogurt:** Plain and unsweetened.

### Homemade vs. Store-Bought Cereal:
- **Homemade Cereal:**
  - **Pros:** You control the ingredients, can avoid additives, and it can be more cost-effective.
  - **Cons:** Requires time and effort to prepare.
  - **Preparation:** You can make homemade cereal by grinding grains (like rice or oats) into a fine powder and cooking it with water or milk to a smooth consistency.

- **Store-Bought Cereal:**
  - **Pros:** Convenient and often fortified with essential nutrients like iron.
  - **Cons:** May contain additives or preservatives.
  - **Selection:** Choose brands with minimal ingredients and no added sugars or salt.

### Sample Meal Plan for a Six-Month-Old:
- **Breakfast:**
  - 1-2 tablespoons of iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.
  
- **Lunch:**
  - 1-2 tablespoons of pureed vegetables (e.g., carrots or sweet potatoes).

- **Dinner:**
  - 1-2 tablespoons of pureed fruit (e.g., apples or bananas).

### Tips for Introducing Solids:
1. **Introduce One Food at a Time:** Introduce a new food every 3-5 days to monitor for any allergic reactions.
2. **Consistency:** Start with a thin consistency and gradually thicken as your baby gets used to eating solids.
3. **Variety:** Offer a variety of foods to expose your baby to different tastes and textures.
4. **Observe:** Watch for signs of readiness and interest in solid foods, such as reaching for food or opening their mouth when offered a spoon.

### Hydration:
- Continue to breastfeed or offer formula alongside solids to ensure your baby is getting enough hydration and nutrients.

Always consult your pediatrician before starting solids to ensure your baby is ready and to get personalized recommendations based on your baby's growth and development.