The newly born baby feeds on mother’s milk and this milk provides all the essential nutrients required for the baby till 6 months of life. But what after that? After 6 months the growing baby’s need of calories and protein increases. Also, the milk output of mother declines. For the expected growth rate of the baby, supplementary feeding has to be resorted to around 6th month. Start to feed your baby with liquid foods. It is recommended to introduce a ‘single ingredient’ new food at a time.

Have it!

1.Mammalian milk

After 6 months of life, the frequency of breastfeeding is reduced to 3 or 4 times per day and it is substituted with animal milk. Comparing the animal milk with human milk, it has a comparatively more amount of protein which is biochemically different and less digestible for the baby. Moreover, the higher fat content of animal milk makes its absorption difficult. So, for the first feeds, cow’s milk is diluted with boiled and cooled water in the ratio of 2:1 (2 parts milk and 1 part water). Reduce the amount of water gradually. Two feeds of 225 ml each are an ideal replacement. Also, add sugar for taste and increasing calories.

2.Juicy fruity

Milk is a poor source of Vitamin C. So, supplementation with fresh fruit juice is essential. Supplement with orange, tomatoes, sweet lime and grape juice. It is beneficial to start feeding small quantities of fresh fruit juice even in 3rd or 4th month of life. For initial stages, dilute juice with an equal amount of boiled water and feed only a couple of teaspoons. Gradually, increase the feeds and reduce the water dilution. In a week’s time, the baby should receive 85 ml orange juice or 170 ml tomato juice. Tomato juice is required in double quantities than orange juice.

3.Greeny soup

Begin by giving strained soup in the beginning made from green leafy vegetables. Substitute with unstrained soup later on.

4.Fish liver oil

Fish liver oil is a good source of Vitamin A and D. Give your baby a few drops of ½ tsp per day mixed in small quantity of milk.

5.Sterile the water

Healthy infants fed adequate amounts of breast milk in the first six months of life generally do not require additional plain water in their diet. Feed a small amount of sterile water when complementary foods are introduced. Water should be boiled and cooled.

Chunk it!

1.Ditch the caffeine

Beverages containing caffeine are not recommended for the infants. Coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate contain these substances.

2. No to herbal teas!

Some cultures recommend herbal teas to infants who have symptoms of colic but these teas contain substances similar to drugs and are not suitable for your newly born.

3.Cut the sweetened drinks

Sodas, preserved fruit juices, iced teas etc. are a ‘NO’ for your babies. The high sugar content of these beverages is fermentable, leading to tooth decay. Also, too much sugar may lead to dehydration.

The final word

Begin introducing complementary foods after 6 months of life. Introducing them too early are of little benefit to the infant and have a risk of choking the baby. Introducing them late may lead to undernourished child. Start with ‘single ingredient’ food at a time. Begin with diluted liquid foods.