Introducing solid foods to baby is not an easy task. All mother are apprehensive weaning their little ones off their milk or even formula. But before you start off with solid foods in your baby’s diet, there are a lot of factors to consider. Doing so would ensure that you have a smoother transition of foods for your baby, with least levels of discomforts – especially when it comes to allergies, diarrhoea, etc. Here are some tips to keeping in mind when you introduce solid foods to baby.
Here Are The 7 Nutritious Foods To Give Infants After 6 Months:
1. Start With Very Simple And Mushy Foods
Very simple foods here include foods that are not prone to allergic reactions and don’t have to be chewed. It could be mashed rice, potato, starch or gruel and similar foods. Remember that you should not give your baby salt and sugar if he/ she is under 1 year old. You can also give boiled apples or mashed and ripe bananas. Avoid any kind of complicated foods like eggs, peanuts, etc. that trigger allergies are not advised for children below 1 year.
2. Iron And Zinc-Rich Foods
Now that you are gradually making the shift from milk to solids considering the baby’s growing needs, you have to keep nutrition needs in mind too. Iron and Zinc are crucial nutrients during the second half of the baby’s first year. So you should think of fruits like bananas, apples, etc. along with fortified cereals that include beans, legumes, etc.
3. Baby Cereals
Do not give preservative laden cereals at this stage. You can consider fortified baby-friendly packaged foods though. However, at this stage, your baby’s tummy is not suited to having cows or buffalo milk. So you should either give warm water that has been boiled earlier or even mix up the cereal with your breast milk or other formula milk. Doing so helps the baby adapt to this new taste faster.
4. Pureed Foods
Pureed foods are a great option at this stage and you can give a range of fruits and vegetables at this stage. Pureed fruits and vegetables should be boiled first. For example, a mashed potato with some rice water could be a filling and yet fulfilling meal. Avoid giving too much of green vegetables initially as they might be too fibrous for your child.
5. Fresh Fruit Juice
Fruit juice, especially orange, sweet lime or even pomegranate is a good option. However, remember to strain the juice first and dilute with bit of water. Gradually start giving pure fruit juice. Else, there is a risk that your baby could have loose motions.
6. Finger Foods
Finger foods should be given only when your baby is accustomed to eating the above foods and is not showing an allergic reaction. Also, these finger foods are ideally started when the baby gums become stronger and you may see them chewing on things or visible white lines of teeth coming. These include cucumber, carrots, etc.
7. Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods are also essential for your child after 6 months, especially since cow’s milk doesn’t start till post a year. Consider giving your baby small spoons of fresh yogurt. You can also give other probiotic foods that are available in the market and are baby-safe.
It is possible that initially you may have to deal with lots of refusal and spurting of foods. Don’t worry and keep trying, eventually your baby would switch over to solids with patience and persistence.