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The prime source of nutrition for infants is breast milk for upto six months of their life. At around six months, the infants are introduced to solid foods, sometimes called weaning or complementary feeding, which marks the real stage to a nourished beginning.

 

However, weaning is not the same for all mothers and babies. It is a natural process, which involves   physical and emotional needs of both.. Hence, it is essential to go slow and be patient as your baby takes time to adapt to new adjustments in life and to the idea of eating.

 

By now, the infant’s weight is 6-8 kgs and 64-70cms in height. To ensure proper physical growth and brain development, you need to go the extra mile to provide a healthy start to help them meet the right kind of nutrients like iron and zinc while also satiating their hunger pangs. 

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Stage 1 Foods: Foods to Introduce at 6 Months

 

Grains and Cereals:

• Raw rice/parboiled rice

• Ragi

 

Pulses:

• Moong dal

 

Vegetables:

• Yellow pumpkin

• Carrot

• Beetroot

 

Fruits:

• Banana

• Apple

• Papaya

• Pear

• Ripe tomato (test if your child is non-allergic to citrus, deseed them before feeding)

 

Avoid cow’s milk, dairy products and nuts

 

Food Allergy

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Emerging studies have shown that these are the common food allergens that account for 90% of allergic reactions. If you have a family history of food allergy, it is recommended to wait until your baby turns one year old. The common food allergens include:

 

• Milk

• Fish

• Wheat

• Eggs

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts

• Soybean

 

Reactions Can:

• Be mild to severe

• Involve one or more than one part of the body

• Occur within 2-3 hours or after 24 hours

 

*Caution/note- These reactions are seen in the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory tract. Common reactions include eczema, flushing, digestive issues, runny nose, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat.  Ensure to show your baby to your pediatrician without delay to avoid any serious symptoms. Try to recall the potential food allergens, that were   fed to your infant, to help them assess better.

  

The good news is that most babies outgrow their milk allergy while some are allergic to other foods discussed above until 2 or more years. Be careful with introducing nuts like almonds, cashews, pistas. Do not give mixed nuts, to rule out any allergic symptoms.

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Secondly, unless recommended by your pediatrician, do not introduce, or mix cow’s milk in weaning foods. Check for allergies first and then continue to offer it.

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Here, I have introduced the 6 months chart for your little one. This is planned depending on the baby's ease of digestibility. Any foods that you begin can be a non-sweetened food that will make them turn out to accept any kind of taste. 

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Feeding practices

 

Offer variety: Try an array of fruits and veggies without skimping on rice, wheat and dals to limit fussy eating at a later stage of life.

 

Introduce only one food at a time to avoid allergies and intolerances - Be observant and slow in introducing food items.Start with 1-2 tablespoons of feed the first day, then increase it to 3-4 tablespoons..

 

Spend one-on-one time with your baby while eating: This is a great time to bond with your baby and inculcate the healthy eating habits .so take it slow, be patient, cuddle and support as much as possible.

 

Follow and preach good hygiene and sanitization measures at home: Children are prone to catching cold and infections quickly. So, Sterilize the baby bottles and cutleries,

 

Wash your hands well before and after feed. Food hygiene is a must – discard any leftovers, avoid reheating of foods several times a day etc.

 

As you introduce weaning food, you might get overwhelming and may rush into buying food that are instant be it soups, purees or any others. 

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Do not add honey or jaggery at this stage, as the teeth is still developing and might result in tooth decay at early stages of their life.

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Don't force feed your baby, it may result in choking, if they spit and gag it means they are done with the meal. An extra push of 1 tsp might help but not emptying the bowl as we think.

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Introducing electronic devices is a big mistake that can result in several emotional hiccups as they grow. Try and make the environment lively with your a short tale and praise. Food and moods play a key role here!

 

Here are some 6+ Months baby food recipe collections for 6+ months that can come in handy to feed your baby. Every food can be customized based on your baby's digestibility and ease of convenience.Pre-plan your meals as it can save your kitchen time and energy!

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Here, I give you below a sample 6 month old sample Diet chart

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