meal plan for 7 month old baby

Question

Accepted Answer

Here’s a 7-month-old baby meal plan that provides balanced nutrition, introduces variety, and supports healthy growth:

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General Guidelines

1. Milk: Continue breastfeeding or formula as the primary source of nutrition (around 500–700 ml per day).

2. Consistency: Start with pureed and mashed foods, gradually transitioning to soft lumps.

3. Meal Frequency: 2–3 solid meals a day, with snacks if needed.

4. Portion Size: Begin with 2–3 teaspoons per meal and gradually increase as per your baby's appetite.

5. Hydration: Offer a few sips of water with meals.

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Sample Meal Plan

Morning (7–8 AM):

Milk feed: Breast milk or formula.

Breakfast:

Option 1: Mashed banana or apple puree.

Option 2: Ragi (finger millet) or oats porridge (made with water or formula).

Mid-Morning Snack (10–11 AM):

Fruits: Steamed and mashed pear, papaya, or chikoo.

Lunch (1–2 PM):

Vegetable Puree:

Mashed carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, or peas.

Optionally mix with cooked rice or moong dal (lentils).

Khichdi: Mashed rice with lentils and a pinch of ghee.

Afternoon (4–5 PM):

Snack:

Option 1: Mashed avocado or yogurt (if no dairy allergies).

Option 2: Boiled and mashed potato or steamed broccoli puree.

Evening (6–7 PM):

Dinner:

Mashed rice with vegetable puree or moong dal.

Suji (semolina) porridge made with formula or water.

Before Bed (8–9 PM):

Milk feed: Breast milk or formula.

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Foods to Include

Cereals & Grains: Rice, oats, ragi, suji.

Fruits: Banana, apple, pear, papaya, chikoo, avocado.

Vegetables: Carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, peas, broccoli.

Protein: Moong dal, yellow lentils, yogurt.

Fats: Add a small amount of ghee or butter to meals.

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Foods to Avoid

Honey (until 1 year old).

Cow’s milk as a primary drink.

Salt, sugar, and spices.

Hard foods that can cause choking.

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Tips for Meal Prep:

1. Cook Fresh: Prepare food daily to maintain nutrition.

2. Batch Cook: Steam and freeze fruits/veggies in small portions for quick meals.

3. Monitor Allergies: Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3–4 days to watch for reactions.