New Delhi, May 1 (IANS). For the first 6 months after the birth of a baby, mother’s milk is considered the most complete and essential food for him. During this period, the child does not need water or any other food, because mother’s milk provides all its nutrition, water and strength to fight diseases. But as soon as the baby turns 6 months old, his needs start changing.
Milk alone is not enough for the rapid development of his body and mind. The supplementary diet begins from here, which is also called supplementary diet.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development posted on social media that after 6 months of birth, the baby should be given solid or semi-solid food along with mother’s milk. This is very important for the development of the child, because at this time his brain grows rapidly and the body needs more energy, protein, iron and other nutrients.
You can start giving light and soft food to the baby 2 to 3 times a day. One should always start with very easy and digestible food like porridge, moong dal water, thin khichdi, boiled and mashed vegetables like potato, carrot or bottle gourd and mashed fruits like banana or apple. The thing to keep in mind is that the food should not be too thin. It should be a little thick and also soft to swallow so that the child can gradually learn the habit of chewing and swallowing.
In the beginning, only one new food should be given at a time and it should be given for at least 3 to 4 days. This shows that the child is not facing any allergy or problem with that food. During this period, mother’s milk supply should not be stopped at all, rather it should continue as before.
As the baby turns 9 to 12 months old, a little more variety of food can be offered. At this age, the child tries to eat food by holding it with his fingers, so he can be given soft fruits, vegetables cut into small pieces and light home-made food. It is better to give 3 main meals and 1–2 light snacks a day.
At the age of 12 to 24 months, the child gradually starts eating the same food as the family, only his food should be a little soft and in small pieces. At this age he can be given 3 main meals and 2 light snacks a day.
A very important thing is that the child’s diet should include different types of food groups every day, such as grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk and protein foods. Due to this, his overall development takes place in a good manner.
Also, small children should be kept away from things like excess sugar, salt, junk food, packaged juice and chocolate, as these can be harmful for their health.
–IANS
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