Feeding your babies right as they grow up is every parent’s priority. They do grow up really fast! Their needs for nutrition keep changing as they do. They are recommended to be exclusively breastfed for the first few months of your baby’s life. But as they touch the 6-month mark, breastmilk or formula milk is not enough by itself and needs to be supplemented with solid food. If you’re wondering what’s right and what’s not, we’re here to help you with a diet chart for your 6-month baby.
What can I feed my 6-month baby?
Your baby’s first solid food needs to be soft. They are just learning to chew. Anything you feed them should be soft and easy to swallow, like porridge or a mash. Always start with a single food, so you can understand whether your baby likes it or is allergic to it. Choose a single fruit, like a banana, and mash it to a creamy consistency without any lumps before feeding your little one. Apple, mango, chikoo, pear, plum, pumpkin, or peach puree are some other options. You can also go ahead with an unsweetened porridge made with rice, corn, or oats. Cooked and mashed lentils also help provide your baby with essential nutrients like proteins and minerals. Remember not to add sugar/ artificial sweeteners or salt to your baby’s solid food. If you are a non-vegetarian, you can start feeding your baby little quantities of pureed and stewed meat, fish, and poultry. Ensure that it is well-cooked and has no bones. You should avoid processed meat like sausages as it is high in salt and low in nutrition. Homemade, nutritious, and soft is all you need to remember!
Since your baby is being introduced to solid food for the first time, they may refuse it sometimes. Also, at this age, they might only be able to eat a few spoonfuls of solid food at a time. Be patient, and do not try to force-feed them. Introduce a single food item and wait for three days before feeding the same to your baby again—allergic reactions may take this long to show up in your little one. If you notice any rashes, irritation, or discomfort, consult your pediatrician immediately.
What time of the day should I feed my baby solid food?
At 6 months old, most of your baby’s requirements are still being met with breastmilk or formula milk. This is why you should keep breastfeeding your baby as before (4-6 feeds per day), whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, and only introduce solid foods once a day. You can gradually increase the quantity to half a bowl in the coming months. Your baby will also start feeling hungry more often, and you can increase the frequency of solid foods in her diet accordingly.
Should my 6-month baby drink water?
Fully breastfed babies do not need to drink water. But once they have started eating solid food, you can offer them water from a cup or beaker after meals. Ensure that the water is boiled and cooled to room temperature.
Your baby’s nutritional needs change as they grow. You should always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby’s diet. You should also follow good hygiene and wash your hands and your baby’s hands before preparing a meal and feeding. With the above tips, we hope that you will be able to plan your 6-month-old baby’s diet.
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