what kind of food can we offer to 8th mnth old

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Accepted Answer

At 8 months old, your baby can start transitioning to a more varied diet that includes semi-solid and soft foods. Here are some suitable Indian foods for an 8-month-old:

1. **Khichdi**: A mild and nutritious dish made from rice and lentils. You can gradually introduce different vegetables into the khichdi.

2. **Mashed Vegetables**: Soft-cooked and mashed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin are easy for your baby to eat.

3. **Fruit Purees**: Offer pureed fruits such as apple, pear, banana, and papaya. Ensure they are ripe and mashed to a consistency your baby can handle.

4. **Dal (Lentil) Soup**: A simple, well-cooked lentil soup is rich in protein and can be gradually introduced into your baby's diet.

5. **Rice Cereal**: Rice cereal made by cooking rice until it's soft and then mashing it is a good option.

6. **Ragi (Finger Millet) Porridge**: Ragi is highly nutritious. You can make a smooth porridge by mixing ragi flour with water or milk.

7. **Mashed Paneer (Cottage Cheese)**: Paneer can be mashed or grated to provide calcium and protein.

8. **Idli**: Soft and fluffy idlis with a mild coconut chutney or sambar can be a great choice.

9. **Dosa**: Soft dosas with a little ghee or chutney can be introduced.

10. **Yogurt**: Plain yogurt or curd can be given, as it is a good source of probiotics.

11. **Ghee**: A small amount of ghee can be added to your baby's meals for added nutrition.

12. **Soft Roti (Chapati) or Paratha**: These can be given in small, manageable pieces. Make sure they are not too hard or dry.

Remember to introduce one new food at a time and observe your baby for any allergic reactions or sensitivities. It's essential to maintain a watchful eye while feeding your baby and ensure the food is appropriately prepared and easy to digest. Also, consult with your pediatrician for guidance on your baby's specific dietary needs.