My baby doesnt have her lunch and dinner properly. Need a chart what to be given per day

Question

Accepted Answer

Namaste Mom,

the diet should consists of all family foods now, try to include foods from varied food groups 
if possible try to follow a schedule as well

Accepted Answer

At 16 months old, a balanced diet is essential to ensure proper growth and development. Here's a sample daily meal plan to encourage your baby to eat nutritious meals:

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Meal Plan for a 16-Month-Old Baby

Morning (7:00 - 8:00 AM)

Milk: 150-200 ml (breastmilk or cow’s milk, if introduced).

Optional Snack: A piece of fruit like banana, papaya, or apple (softened or mashed).

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Breakfast (9:00 - 9:30 AM)

Options:

Suji (semolina) or ragi porridge with milk or jaggery.

Oats cooked with milk and a pinch of cinnamon.

Whole wheat pancake or dosa with ghee.

Add a side: A small portion of boiled vegetables like carrots or peas.

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Mid-Morning Snack (11:00 AM)

Seasonal fruit:

Mango, orange, or pear (cut into small pieces or mashed).

A small bowl of yogurt or paneer cubes.

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Lunch (12:30 - 1:00 PM)

Main Meal Options:

Rice, dal, and a vegetable curry (mashed or soft).

Khichdi with vegetables and ghee.

Soft roti with dal or curd.

Add a small piece of boiled egg or soft-cooked chicken (if non-vegetarian).

Offer a little water after meals.

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Evening Snack (4:00 - 4:30 PM)

Options:

Homemade vegetable soup.

Small sandwich with mashed avocado or peanut butter.

Idli with chutney or vegetable filling.

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Dinner (7:00 - 7:30 PM)

Main Meal Options:

Vegetable pulao or plain rice with dal.

Moong dal chilla (savory pancake) with curd.

Soft roti with a mild vegetable curry.

Avoid heavy or spicy meals.

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Night (Before Bedtime)

Milk: 150-200 ml (if the baby prefers it).

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General Tips:

1. Portion Control: Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming the baby.

2. Variety: Rotate meals to keep your baby interested in food.

3. Make Mealtime Fun: Use colorful plates and involve the baby in eating.

4. Limit Distractions: Avoid screen time during meals to focus on eating.

5. Be Patient: It’s normal for toddlers to be fussy; offer food repeatedly without pressure.

If your baby continues to eat poorly or is not gaining weight, consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.