Starting solid food and setting a proper diet routine is an important milestone, but also add more responsibility and doubts for a mother. To help you set a routine and clear your doubts we have a detailed food chart and routine chart in this article for Pakistani babies.
There is no certain rule as what to introduce as a first food to your baby. Always start with a small amount of soft liquid foods that can be prepared with breastmilk/formula milk. It’s important to introduce a new food to your baby one at a time, and wait for at least 3 to 4 days to give enough time to observe, how baby digests and to look for any allergic reactions or problems. It’s a good idea to follow a weekly chart from 6 months and beyond.
Food chart 6 to 12 months
Here is the complete food chart for your baby:
It’s important to note that pediatricians recommend introducing solids to babies at the age of 6 months
Some babies show interest in food by the age of 5 months if you believe your baby is ready to start solids, you can start by getting a recommendation from the doctor. Read our article on Introducing Solids to Babies – a complete guide
Breastmilk/formula milk is the best food for the babies from birth to 6 months
Approved by our pediatrician and child nutritionist
You can follow this chart each month up to 12 months. Each month continue the food your baby is already taking and add additional food from the list. 6 to 8 months old baby should be given 1 to 2 meals of any of the above-mentioned foods, along with their milk routine. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoon and as the baby adjusts, increase the intake to 3 ounces or 1/4th of a bowl of pureed food.
From 8 months onward 3 to 4 meals, the size of a 4 ounce or more than half a bowl, is enough for the babies of this age. You can adjust the quantity according to the taste and demand of your baby. At 10 months of age, babies start showing interest in eating more and mothers can adjust the quantity according to the demand. Generally, with 4 small meals with usual milk intake are enough.
Some babies like to have food in pureed form till 12 months. Oatmeal is the best cereal you can give to your baby as it helps strengthen their bones. Lentils would also be a good option but make sure they are soft enough for the child to take in. Increase the quantity of food as per your baby’s demand. While giving finger foods make sure to cut the food in enough small pieces that your baby can pick and it won’t cause a choking hazard. Also, peas, corns or grapes must be given in small chunks to avoid choking.
Water should be given to the babies at the age of 6 months and onward and should be included in a routine to avoid constipation. Read water intake for the babies.
Food Routine for a 1-year old baby
The doctors normally recommend to introduce everything you cook at home to your child at the age of 1 year, as by that time their taste buds developed fully. It is better to give them finger foods and avoid junks, salads, chapatti, kababs, eggs are the best foods. You can also give fish and tender meat to your child. Fruits are also nutritious for the child and you can easily introduce them as a one-time meal in the morning. Citrus fruits can also be given from the age of 1 year.
By 1-year, babies should eat three meals a day along with 2 or 3 small snacks. Formula or breast milk should be given as a complement to a meal, not as a meal itself. Cow’s milk and fruit juices can be introduced at the age of 1 year.
Foods to avoid:
You should avoid giving infants the following foods:
Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk should be avoided as breast milk and formula milk are the best intake for the first year
Honey: It can cause botulism, a serious illness and should be avoided until 1 year
Fruit Juices: Fresh juices should be avoided until 1 year of age
Sugar/salt: Avoid giving added salt or sugar to babies under the age of 1. Use shaker, jaggery or Gur to make the food sweet
Egg whites: Egg white can be given to babies after 1 year of age
Nuts, Popcorn, Grapes, Almonds: These foods are choking hazards and should be avoided or must be given in very small pieces
Read more about Introducing solids to babies
This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to offer medical advice.
