Curds/yogurt : When the child is about 6 months old, curds can be introduced in the child’s diet. Start with about 2 teaspoons and then gradually increase. Avoid adding sugar or other sweeteners to the curds.
Soft boiled egg : Egg can be added to the baby’s diet when the child is about 6-7 months. The egg should be boiled in water for three minutes, and then cooled in running water. First begin with one teaspoon of the yolk (yellow portion), and then gradually introduce the white portion of the egg. The white is very high in proteins, but can also cause allergic reactions in some babies.
Juices : Juices made of fruits high in vitamin C, like orange and pineapple, can be added at around 7 months. The reason for not adding them earlier is that they often do not suit very young babies.
Milk : After the eighth month, as the baby takes less of your milk, she needs to start getting external milk. Either cow’s milk or buffalo’s milk can be given. Do not dilute the milk with water. If the milk contains too much fat, remove the cream. External milk does not suit many babies initially. They either get diarrhoea or start vomiting. They may also develop allergies like eczema (if there is a strong family history of allergies). Breastfeeding should be continued at least until 1 year.
Chapati : Gradually introduce chapati in the child’s diet. One can do so either by adding one chapati in the blender with the child’s vegetables, or by soaking it in dal.
Fish, minced meat : In the case of non-vegetarians, these foods can also be introduced, in the soup form initially. It can later be steamed, minced and offered to the child.
