Introducing solids:

Baby Cereal: Rice/Oats (Brands such as Gerbers Plum Organics etc. which are very different from Cerelac because they have no added sugar, preservatives or milk powder) Reason: M had acute acid reflux and the doc said that 1 tbsp of cereal mixed with 4-5 tbsp 4 to 6 months (For individual of milk (bm/fm) - once a day would help the reflux greatly and this over a period of 2 cases only) months would help her prepare for solids as such) 6 to 8 months (Follow the 4 day rule - introduce a new food every fifth day and Boiled and mashed fruits: apples, bananas, plums, avocadoes, pears, peaches, apricots, introduce the same food for 3- nectarines, pumpkins, prunes Boiled and mashed/pureed veggies: gourds (bottle), squashes (all winter and summer varieties), carrots, green peas, sweet potatoes, green beans, parsnips Cereal: rice, brown rice, oats, barley, finger millet Quantity: No minimum requirement. Do not exceed 4-6 oz of fruits and veggies and 6-8 tbsp In case of constipation: Give pear/apple/prune juice diluted in water in 1:1 ratio. Do not No water: All hydration requirements met by breast/formula milk. No protein, dairy, honey: Immature digestive system cannot take these. Overly iluted forms such as lentil water etc. compromise on nutrient content. 8 to 10 months (Follow the 4-day Allrule) fruits, EXCEPT Citrus fruits and Strawberries All veggies, EXCEPT raw tomatoes and onions All cereals Proteins : Yellow lentils, tofu, boiled egg yolks (no egg whites), chicken and fish (no shell fish), meats Dairy: Cottage cheese, whole fate yogurt, Non-sticky varieties of cheese such as cream cheese, fromaife frais, cheddar etc. Can use clarfied butter , butter and cow's milk (whole fat) ONLY for cooking purposes. Spices such as turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg etc. okay in very small quantities. Avoid salt, especially if consumption of packaged food is high. No sugar. Finger foods: Soft/boiled fruits and veggies cut into bite-size for the baby, o-shaped cereal, cheese cubes, pasta pieces, boiled rice grains, bread pieces Quantity of solids: Based on child's individual needs and moods, about 3-5 sittings with 2-6 ozs per sitting . Do - let the child decide how much is enough. Limit juice intake - not giveforce-feed watered down juice only if baby is constipated - not more than 4 oz a day. No honey Water not required unless baby not producing 5-6 wet diapers or stool is hard. Limit quantity to 2-4 oz. Hydration must come from breast/formula milk. Discuss with your doctor. 10 to 12 months Introduce your baby to a variety of table foods and combination foods. Avoid salt No sugar No egg whites No whole fat cow milk No citrus fruits/ strawberries Start with half a cup of water once a day. No honey Anticipate introduction to whole fat cow's milk. Limit salt and sugar intake.

At 12 months

Limit intake of juice and other sweetened products/desserts. You can offer water to your baby at regular intervals. Ensure your child has a balanced diet with adequate amount of fruit, protiens, veggies and You can now offer egg whites, citrus fruits, and strawberries. No honey till over 1 year. No food that may pose a choking risk: hardened candy, slipper fruits that are not the right To avoid from birth to 2 years of bite age size, sticky cheese etc. No nuts No shell fish No peanut butter No low-fat/fat free products