when will start solid food for babies?? and what should we start for first time

Question

Accepted Answer

dear Mum, solid foods should be given only after completion of 6 months. you can begin with foods like porridges (like rice, Ragi, wheat flour , moong dal and rice flour mix) , kheer
then dal-rice with vegetables, veg khichadi,  soft mashed fruits, curd.

Accepted Answer

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone! Most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months of age. Here are some guidelines on when and how to start, and what foods are best for the first time:

### Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids
- **Sits up with minimal support**: Can sit upright and hold their head steady.
- **Shows interest in food**: Watches others eat, reaches for food, or opens mouth when food is offered.
- **Good tongue control**: Can move food to the back of the mouth and swallow without pushing it out with their tongue.

### First Foods to Introduce
1. **Single-grain cereals**: Iron-fortified rice cereal or oatmeal mixed with breast milk or formula to a thin consistency.
2. **Vegetables**: Pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, or squash.
3. **Fruits**: Pureed apples, pears, bananas, or avocados.
4. **Proteins**: Pureed meat, poultry, or fish; well-cooked and pureed legumes like lentils or beans.

### How to Introduce Solids
1. **Start slow**: Begin with one meal a day, gradually increasing to two or three as your baby gets used to eating solids.
2. **Small portions**: Start with 1-2 teaspoons of pureed food, gradually increasing the amount.
3. **One new food at a time**: Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to monitor for any allergic reactions.
4. **Consistency**: Begin with very smooth, thin purees, and gradually increase the thickness and lumpiness as your baby gets used to different textures.

### Tips for Successful Introduction
1. **Timing**: Choose a time when your baby is alert and not too hungry or too full. Mid-morning or after a bottle/breastfeeding session can be a good time.
2. **Use a spoon**: Feed your baby with a small, soft spoon. Avoid putting food in the bottle.
3. **Patience**: It might take a few tries for your baby to accept a new food. Be patient and keep trying.

### Foods to Avoid Initially
- **Honey**: Risk of botulism in babies under one year.
- **Cow’s milk**: As a main drink until after the first year, but small amounts in cooking or yogurt are usually okay.
- **Choking hazards**: Small, hard foods like nuts, whole grapes, or raw vegetables.
- **High allergen foods**: Consult your pediatrician about introducing common allergens like peanuts, eggs, and shellfish, especially if there is a family history of allergies.

### Continued Breastfeeding or Formula
Continue to breastfeed or give formula alongside solid foods. Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition until about one year of age.

Introducing solids is a gradual process. Enjoy this new phase with your baby and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.