In initial six months a baby needs exclusive breastfeeding. After that it is important to start complementary feeding as growing child now need more energy, protein and other nutrients. But breastfeeding should be continued till age of two years or beyond as it gives child beneficial nutrients, protein and energy. You can prepare baby’s food by adding ghee and jaggary as this increases energy value of food.
From six months of age, cereals should be added in baby’s diet. Traditionally, a baby is given khichdi, dalia, suji kheer, idli, dal-pani, etc.
You can prepare baby food, using cereals such as Suji, atta, ragi, millet by adding water or milk and sugar.
Atta or wheat flour can be roasted with little desi ghee and milk/water and sugar should be added to prepare Halwa.
Initially Porridge or Dalia should be thin in consistency for easy digestion. As the baby grows, you can increase the consistency.
If it is difficult to prepare Porridge daily, then you can soak half roti in water or milk. Mash this properly, add sugar and little ghee and feed the baby.
In baby’s diet add seasonal fruits such as banana, chikoo, papaya, mango, etc. in well mashed form.
You can give moong dal khichdi, Dal ka paani and other pulses.
In Khichdi you can add vegetables while pressure cooking.
You can prepare sattu at home and add 2 tablespoon of it in water or milk with little sugar to feed baby.
While preparing baby food, it is important to maintain good hygiene. Any contamination can lead to diarrhea, upset stomach and any other infection. Also try to sterile utensils by heating them to kill the germs. Wash your hands before every preparation and feed.
Feed only freshly prepared food and consume that within 1-2 hours.
You should feed infants and toddlers 5-6 times a day along with breastfeeding.