For the first six months, a baby completely depends on his/her mother’s milk, which provides them with complete nourishment. But after six months, mother’s milk is not enough for the proper physical and mental development of the baby and therefore, other foods are given to them. Dr. Latika Joshi, Senior Pediatrician in Dehradun states that for the complete development of the child, the right food and in the right amount is necessary.
Baby’s Diet According To Age
- 0 to 6 Months
Dr. Latika Joshi says that only mother's milk should be given to the baby for the first six months. Breast Milk contains proteins, all the vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, which are sufficient for the baby. Also, the digestive system of the baby during this time is very delicate, due to which no other foods should be given to the baby other than breast milk. But during this time, it is very important for the mother to eat foods rich in nutrients because the baby’s nourishment solely depends on her.
- 7 to 8 Months
After six months, the baby’s digestive system gradually begins to work more efficiently and light food can be digested by him/her.
Dr. Joshi says that this is the very reason why a popular Indian traditional celebration of 'Annaprashan' (the day when the baby eats something for the first time) is celebrated at this age. Initially, the baby should be given only a liquid diet, so that there is not much load on the baby’s digestive system and the right nutrients are obtained by them. For this, apart from milk, lentil water/soup, clear vegetable soup, fresh fruit juice and rice water can be given.
- 7 to 12 Months
From the seventh month, the baby’s digestive system starts getting habitual of digesting foods other than mother’s milk but is still not strong enough to digest foods such as chapati and vegetables like adults. However, for better growth and development, his/her body requires more nutrients, in which case mashed and semi-solid food can be given to them. Chapati can be mashed with dal or vegetables and fed to the baby. Apart from this, khichdi, barley or wheat halwa, mashed paneer, mashed and boiled vegetables too can be fed.
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