Starting Solids: First Foods for Indian Families

[CLIENT: draft sample post. Review or replace before publishing.]

Starting solid food is a big step. Familiar home foods can work well, with a few adjustments for your baby.

When to start

Around six months is the general recommendation, when your baby can sit with support, hold their head steady, and shows interest in food. Check with your paediatrician, especially if your baby was premature or has a health condition. Breast milk or formula continues to be important.

What to offer

Soft, mashed home foods are a good beginning: well-cooked dal, khichdi, mashed vegetables, and mashed fruit. Include iron-rich foods early on, such as dal and, if your family eats them, egg or minced meat.

What to leave out

Do not add salt or sugar to your baby’s food, and do not give honey before one year of age. Avoid whole nuts, hard pieces, and other choking risks, and always stay with your baby while they eat.

Keep it relaxed

Babies may need many tries before they accept a new food, and their appetite changes from day to day. Let your baby stop when they show they are full. Offering a variety of foods calmly, over time, helps more than pressure.

This article is general information, not individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor or a qualified professional about your own health.