Now your newborn child’s first six months are over. It is a time when your baby is no more supposed to rely on a mother’s breastfeeding milk. After six months of age, breastmilk still continues to be an important source of nutrition; but it’s not sufficient by itself. Being a mother now you need to introduce your baby to solid food, along with the breastmilk, to keep up with the growing needs of the baby. Remember that young children require enough nutritious food daily to grow healthy, strong and smart. At around six months old, your baby is growing faster and needs more energy and nutrients than at any other stage in its life.
Nutritionist Avni Kaul says to be sure you give your baby its first foods after it has breastfed, or between nursing sessions, so that your baby continues to get breastfeed as much as possible.
When you begin to feed your baby solid food, take extra caution that it doesn’t become sick. As your baby crawls about and explores, germs can spread from their hands to the mouth. Protect your baby from getting sick by washing your and their hands with soap before making food and before every feed.
In this article, Delhi’s top nutritionist and dietician Avni Kaul shares feeding tips for mothers having a kid over 6 months of age.
First of all, as a mother, you need to know which nutrients are supposed to give to your six months old baby. Here they are.
· Calcium: Calcium is vital for bone and teeth development.
· Iron: Iron aids to carry oxygenated blood to developing parts of the body.
· Zinc: Zinc enhances cell repair and growth.
· Fat: Fat insulates the baby and stimulates the development of the brain.
· Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy for doing daily activities.
· Protein: Proteins work toward building blocks for cells.
· Vitamins: Several vitamins contribute differently to a baby’s growth. Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K are essential to a baby.
· Minerals: Minerals such as sodium and potassium directly influence the growth of a baby.
How Much Food Should Your Baby Eat?
A six-month-old baby is normally breastfed. However, after six months solid food could be introduced for breakfast or lunch. Introduce just one fruit or vegetable and feed it to your baby for a minimum of three days. If the baby responds well and does not show any signs of allergy, then you should continue with that fruit or vegetable and may try other foods.
Some Of The Best Foods For Your Six Month Old Baby
Fruit Puree (Bharta)
Fruits must be steamed, and mashed or pureed while introducing for the first time to your baby. Fruits such as apples, bananas, pear, chikoo, and peaches can be given.
Vegetable Puree (Bharta)
Vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, sweet pumpkin, beans, need to be steamed and given either as finger foods or as a puree.
Rice Porridge (Khichdi)
Rice is a great source of carbohydrates and vitamins for babies. Broken rice, made with breast milk or formula milk can be served as porridge.
Cereal Porridge (Anaaj Ka Daliya)
Porridge can also be prepared from a variety of single-grain cereals like wheat, millet, barley, oats, etc. These cereals can be dried and powdered together or separately, to make gruel.
Vegetable Soup
You can boil several vegetables in water and stock can be served as soup to your baby.
What To Do If Your Baby Is Allergic To Particular Foods?
An allergic reaction can happen in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, constipation or stomach ache and is a cause for concern. If there is an allergic reaction, stop the food that you have been providing the baby urgently. If the allergic reaction persists, seek medical assistance. You can again try the same after a few months if your pediatrician gives the permission.
