When to Start Solids for Babies?
The ideal time to start solids for a baby is around 6 months. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and introducing solids after 180 days while continuing breastfeeding.
Signs That Your Baby is Ready for Solids (Around 6 Months)
✅ Sits with Support – Can hold their head steady and sit upright with minimal support.
✅ Loss of Tongue Thrust Reflex – Stops pushing food out with their tongue automatically.
✅ Interest in Food – Watches family members eat, reaches for food, or opens mouth when food is offered.
✅ Increased Hunger – Demands more frequent breastfeeding and doesn’t seem satisfied.
✅ Able to Swallow Soft Food – Can move food from front to back of the mouth instead of spitting it out.
Start with one new food every 3-4 days to check for allergies.
Foods to Avoid Before 1 Year 🚫
❌ Salt & Sugar
❌ Cow’s Milk
❌ Honey (risk of botulism)
❌ Whole Nuts (choking hazard)
❌ Processed or Junk Foods
Key nutrients required:
When a baby starts solids (around 6 months), they need nutrient-dense foods to support their rapid growth and brain development. Here are the key nutrients required:
1. Iron (for brain development & preventing anemia)
- Sources: Sprouted ragi, moong dal, mashed lentils, iron-rich veggies (spinach, beets), and fortified cereals.
- Pair with Vitamin C (like mashed banana or amla powder) to boost absorption.
2. Protein (for muscle growth & development)
- Sources: Moong dal, urad dal, sprouted ragi, almonds (powdered), well-cooked eggs, yogurt, and mashed lentils.
3. Healthy Fats (for brain development & energy)
- Sources: Ghee, coconut, almonds, sesame seeds, and mashed avocado.
4. Carbohydrates (for energy)
- Sources: Nendran banana powder, cooked rice, mashed sweet potato, and sprouted grains.
5. Calcium (for strong bones & teeth)
- Sources: Ragi (rich in natural calcium), sesame seeds, amla, and dairy (if introduced).
6. Vitamin C (for immunity & iron absorption)
- Sources: Amla powder, mashed guava, papaya, orange juice (a few drops in food).
7. Fiber (for digestion)
- Sources: Fruits (banana, apple, pear), vegetables (carrot, pumpkin), and whole grains.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (for brain function)
- Sources: Chia seeds, walnuts (powdered), and ghee.
A balanced diet with natural, homemade foods (like Nendran banana-based porridge mixes) is the best way to introduce these nutrients.
Here’s a balanced nutrition chart for a week for babies starting solids (6+ months), incorporating Indian pulses, traditional foods, and wholesome ingredients to ensure a variety of nutrients.
🥄 WEEKLY NUTRITION CHART FOR SOLID STARTERS (6+ MONTHS)
✅ Meal Timing: Start with 1 meal/day, then increase to 2 meals/day after a week.
✅ Texture: Begin with smooth purees, gradually transitioning to thicker textures.
✅ Serving Size: Start with 1-2 tsp and increase to 2-3 tbsp per meal.
✅ No Salt, Sugar, or Honey for babies under 1 year.
| Day | Morning Meal (9-10 AM) | Evening Meal (4-5 PM) | Key Nutrients |
| Monday | Nendran Banana Porridge (with ghee) | Mashed Moong Dal (Yellow) + Jeera Powder | Iron, Healthy Fats, Protein |
| Tuesday | Sprouted Ragi Porridge | Mashed Masoor Dal + Ghee | Calcium, Iron, Protein |
| Wednesday | Nendran Banana + Sprouted Moong Dal Porridge | Steamed Sweet Potato + Coconut Milk | Iron, Vitamin C, Healthy Fats |
| Thursday | Urad Dal (Black Gram) Porridge | Mashed Carrot + Amla Powder | Protein, Iron, Vitamin A |
| Friday | Sprouted Ragi + Almond Mix Porridge | Mashed Green Gram (Whole Moong) | Calcium, Protein, Fiber |
| Saturday | Horse Gram Porridge (Kulith) | Mashed Pumpkin + Ghee | Protein, Iron, Vitamin A |
| Sunday | Sprouted Chickpea (Kala Chana) + Rice Porridge | Mashed Bottle Gourd (Lauki) + Jeera Powder | Protein, Fiber, Digestion |
🥜 How Traditional Indian Pulses Benefit Babies?
1️⃣ Moong Dal (Yellow & Green) – Easily digestible, rich in protein and iron.
2️⃣ Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) – High in iron and protein, great for digestion.
3️⃣ Urad Dal (Black Gram) – Calcium-rich, strengthens bones.
4️⃣ Horse Gram (Kulith) – Protein-packed, boosts immunity.
5️⃣ Chickpeas (Kala Chana) – Energy-boosting, good for brain development.
🌿 Nutrient-Rich Additions:
✅ Amla Powder – Enhances iron absorption.
✅ Coconut Oil / Ghee – Healthy fats for brain development.
✅ Jeera Powder – Aids digestion and prevents colic.
