Best home cooked food for growing toddlers

As a new mother, it is quite obvious to be little bit apprehensive while introducing solid food to babies. Though, it is not rocket science but at the same time not that straight forward too.

A mother has to actually put in lots of effort to understand what is suiting her baby. She has to observe and take care which type of food, the baby is able to digest easily and which one is causing allergy, bloating or any other type of irritation.  Initially, it is always advisable to start with home cooked food. 

Baby’s First Food (for 6-7 month’s old)

The first food should be rich in iron with smooth texture for babies to swallow. Rice cereal, wheat cereal, pureed vegetables such as pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato or fruits such as banana, apple and pear can be given. Introduce new food one at a time and start with a small amount. Your baby needs time to accept new foods. If it spits the food out or refuses to eat, do not force him, try again several days later. Further, it must be ensured that food is cooked thoroughly and observe for any allergic reaction then try another new food. 

Stepping up the Ladder (for 8 to 18months)

Once baby is used to taking soft food from a spoon, introduce a new variety and different texture of food according to baby’s ability to chew. At this stage grains such as oat meal, brown rice, whole wheat bread, porridge made up of Ragi or semolina, dry beans (e.g. red kidney beans, chickpeas, red beans, cowpeas, and other bean products) vegetables such as green leafy veggies, broccoli etc., fruits such as grapes, oranges crushed dry fruits in smaller quantity and milk/milk products (cheese, yogurt) can be included in babies’ meal plan. Also, water (few sips off course) should be included during this time.

Please note that do not replace water with glucose water or juices. Boiled water is what they need. Choosing foods in turn and changing food combinations can help your baby get used to new foods. However, parents should discuss with their pediatricians or family doctor before introducing these foods. 

Food that can be Avoided

1. Drinks with added sugar will damage babies’ teeth, 
2. Honey, tea, coffee & drinks containing caffeine, such as energy drinks or soft drinks
3. Uncooked foods and unpasteurized milk products
4. Oily, spicy, fried food and packet food should be avioded
5. Food that leads to choking easily

Happiness is Homemade

As it is said that “Happiness is Homemade” and “Most of the important life lessons are learnt on the dining table”. Right from childhood to old age, there is no comparison of home cooked food. It not only satisfies our tummies but also provides requisite nutrition to the body for growth and development.

Home cooked food is most preferable for infants too. Mix and match of vegetables with rice cereal, congee or soft rice can be made easily at home. It will serve as a tasty and nutritious meal for babies.  Therefore, keep on trying different varieties of home cooked food as it’s the time when your kiddo is actually developing his palate.

Author – Shruchi Jain