Infant foods

1.] Don't get overwhelmed! Pick 3-4 recipes and cycle through them. and add different toppings or veggies for some newness.

2.] Make a secret stash of frozen food. Build up a freezer stash by doubling the recipe once or twice a week. Or dedicate a random fixed day for cooking and baking or if it id too tedious you can use a day to knock off some simple parts of the recipe by making washing and cutting day or a smoothie day.

3.] Combine playtime and cooking time. Assign a simple task of washing to your baby to build a greater bond with them!

Semi-Solid consistency

4-6 months – Blended to Runny Puree

6-7 months – Smooth and slightly thicker puree, no lumps

7-8 months – Thicker puree with increased texture

8-9 months – Minced and mashed with soft lumps.

9-12 months – Minced and finely chopped.

Watch out  

i)Do not use honey for children lesser then 12 months old use jaggery instead  

ii) You can use normal milk from 6 months above and use formula or breast milk as substitute

iii) do not feed only one recipe daily. Make a diverse diet

Can they hold their head up? Your baby should be able to sit in a high chair, a feeding seat or an infant seat with good head control.

Do they open their mouth when food comes their way? Babies may be ready if they watch you eating, reach for your food and seem eager to be fed. Can they move food from a spoon into their throat? If you offer a spoon of cereal, they push it out of their mouth and it dribbles onto their chin, they may not yet be able to move it to the back of their mouth to swallo

Does your child get sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or hives? If yes then they might be allergic to the foods they ate in the last 24 hours.  More severe reactions may be swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing or vomiting.

Do not fret! Panic with a problem is the equation for trouble. Contact your doctor and be calm.

i) 6-8 months: slice into strips about the width of two adult fingers pressed together. This will make it easier for them to grab with their palms and bring to mouth

ii) 9-12 months: As your baby develops a pincer grasp and starts to pick up smaller pieces, cut into bite-sized pieces. Or keep the pieces large, especially if you have a shoveller. The latter will be great for learning to take bites and chew.