Introduction
From birth to six months only breast milk is to be given. There is no rigid rule for the number of times the infant should be fed each day. Feeding on a self-demand schedule is recommended. However, roughly 6-8 feeds can be given during the first few months which can be reduced slowly.
By the age of 6 months babies should be given some staple-based porridge about twice a day. One to two teaspoonfuls are enough to start with, followed by about 3-6 large spoonsful at each feed subsequently. By 9 months however, at least 4-5 supplements in addition to regular breastfeeding should be given.
What is the importance of breastmilk?
Breast milk is the best and the only food for the infant for the first six months after birth. It contains most of the nutrients the baby needs. As soon as possible after birth, the infant should be put to the breast, since sucking stimulates milk production. But before milk is secreted colostrum is produced by the breast. Colostrum should be fed to the baby as it is good for growth and general wellbeing.
What will be the frequency of breastfeeding and food?
The frequency of breastfeeding should be gradually reduced. In fact, by the time the child is 12-18 months, attempts should be made to take the baby off the breast. By one year, the child is capable of eating and digesting a variety of foods. The child is ready to eat the family food i.e. chapati, dal, rice, vegetables etc. But the child may not be able to eat much at one time. On the other hand, the child’s energy needs, are greater than is indicated by its size.
So, the problem is how to provide enough energy food to the child. The answer is:
- Feed the child frequently – five to six times a day in addition to breast milk; and
- Enrich the child’s food with a little oil or fat.
When to start solid food for babies?
In many families, you would have noticed that the introduction of solid food is associated with a religious ceremony commonly known as ‘Anna Prashna’. This ceremony takes place at around 6 months in some communities and in some as late as one year.
But what is the right time for solid food? The right time to start solid food is six months. If you start too early, you risk diarrhoea, and if you start too late, you risk malnutrition.
Hence, introduce solid foods only around 6 months. But continue breastfeeding.
Infant Meal Plan
| Meal Pattern | Age Group | Time | Food |
| A | 0-6 months | Birth – 2 months | Breast milk (7-8 times a day) |
| 2-6 months | Breast milk (6-7 times a day) | ||
| C | 6-8 months | On waking | Breast milk |
| 9 AM | Mashed fruit/vegetable | ||
| 11 AM | Breast milk | ||
| 1 PM | Porridge | ||
| 4 PM | Breast milk, a slice of bread | ||
| 6 PM | Porridge | ||
| 8 PM | Breast milk | ||
| 10 PM | Breast milk | ||
| D | 8-12 months | On waking | Breast milk |
| 9 AM | Multimix | ||
| 11 AM | Fruit cut into pieces | ||
| 1 PM | Multimix | ||
| 4 PM | Breast milk/other milk | ||
| 6 PM | Rusk/Biscuit | ||
| 8 PM | Multimix | ||
| 10 PM | Breast milk |
Baby nutrition chart for different ages
| Age | Texture | Frequency | Average amount of each meal |
| 6-8 month | Start with thick porridge, well mashed foods | 2-3 meals per day plus frequent Breastfeeding | Start with 2-3 table spoonfuls |
| 9-11 month | Finely chopped mashed foods, and foods that baby can pick up | 3-4 meals plus breast feed. Depending on appetite 1-2 snacks | 1/2 of a 250ml cup/bowl |
| 12-23 month | Family Foods, chopped or mashed if necessary | 3-4 meals plus breast-feed. Depending on appetite 1-2 snacks | 3/4 of a 250ml cup/bowl |
What multimixers can be prepared by mixing different food items?
a) Cereal + pulse + green leafy vegetable
or
Cereal + pulse + milk
b) Cereal + pulse + vegetable + curd
or
Cereal + animal food + green leafy vegetable
c) Cereal + milk + fruit + nuts (finely ground)
or
Cereal + animal food + orange yellow vegetable (carrot, pumpkin, etc.)
Meal plan for 6-8 months old baby
Mashed and cooked foods is best for 6-8 months old baby, here are the details:
Starchy Fruits and Vegetables (Mashed & Cooked)
- Vegetables suitable for mashing include:
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, carrots, green leafy vegetables.
- Cooking method:
- Boil vegetables in minimal water until tender, then mash properly.
- Serving options:
- Serve plain or with a little salt, ghee, or butter for extra energy.
- Only the pulp should be given, discard skin, seeds, and fibrous matter.
Fruits for Infants
- Mash & serve directly:
- Banana, papaya, mango, and other seasonal soft fruits.
- Fruits that need stewing (boiling in little water & sugar before mashing):
- Pineapple, peaches, etc.
- Important: Remove skin and seeds before serving.
Other Recommended Supplements
- Yolk of a hard-boiled egg.
- Finely minced cooked meat.
- Mashed fish (without bones).
- Well-cooked and mashed dals (lentils).
- Adding a small amount of fat (ghee/butter) for extra energy.
Key Reminder
- Breastfeeding should continue alongside these complementary foods.
This guidance ensures nutritional variety and smooth digestion for infants as they transition to solids.
Meal plan for 8 months old baby
At eight months, babies should start eating chopped and lumpy foods instead of mashed foods. Foods like potato and carrot should be boiled and cut into small pieces rather than mashed. Minced meat and fish can be boiled and served in their natural texture. Soft, cooked rice and small pieces of chapati can also be introduced.
Crunchy Foods for Teething
- Giving crunchy foods helps babies with teething and gum exercise.
- Hard biscuit, toast/rusk, raw carrot, or a fruit segment (with seeds and skin removed).
Multimixers and Thick Porridges
- Thick porridges are an essential part of the diet.
- Instead of just adding milk and sugar to cereal porridge, other nutritious foods can be included: Pulses, animal foods, green leafy vegetables, and other vegetables.
- This combination forms a “multimix”, providing a balanced protein, vitamin, and mineral intake.
- In North India, a common multimix dish is “khichri”, while in South India, it is called “pongal”.
Key nutrients for infants
The need for the following nutrients is considerable during infancy:
- Energy-giving nutrients (carbohydrates and fats)
- Protein
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin A and
- Vitamin C
Complementary Feeding Guide
During the first six months after birth, breast milk alone provides most of the nutrients required by the baby. Thereafter in addition to breast milk, one should introduce complementary foods.
In general, based on the age of the infant, one could vary the texture and consistency of the complementary foods as follows:
- Semisolid Supplements – well-cooked and mashed between 6-8 months
- Solid supplements – chopped or lumpy between 8-12 months
FAQs
When should I start complementary feeding for my baby?
Complementary feeding should begin at 6 months, as breast milk alone is no longer sufficient for the baby’s growing nutritional needs. Start with soft, easily digestible foods like mashed fruits, vegetables, and porridges.
How many times should I feed my baby apart from breast milk?
- 6-8 months: 2-3 solid meals per day along with breast milk.
- 8-12 months: 3-4 solid meals per day with 1-2 healthy snacks in between.
What are the best first foods for a baby?
- Mashed banana, apple, or pear
- Cooked and mashed carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes
- Rice porridge or ragi porridge
- Moong dal (yellow lentil) soup
How can I ensure my baby gets enough key nutrients?
- Iron (found in spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals)
- Calcium (breast milk, yogurt, ragi)
- Protein (dal, soft paneer, mashed boiled eggs)
- Healthy fats (ghee, avocado, nuts in powdered form)
Can I give my baby water at 6 months?
Yes, but only in small amounts (2-4 tablespoons per day) as breast milk/formula still provides sufficient hydration.
Should I continue breastfeeding after starting solid foods?
Yes! Breastfeeding should continue along with complementary foods until at least 12-24 months as it provides essential immunity and nutrients.
How do I know if my baby is ready for solid foods?
- Signs your baby is ready for solids:
- Sits with little support
- Shows interest in food (watches you eat, opens mouth when food is offered)
- Can swallow food instead of pushing it out with the tongue
Can I give cow’s milk to my baby before 1 year?
No, cow’s milk is not recommended before 1 year, as it may cause digestion issues and lacks essential nutrients like iron. Breast milk or formula should be the main source of milk.
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