At 6-9 months your baby is curious and eager! Although mother’s milk still forms the major part of the baby’s diet, by now the child is ready and eager to try new foods and taste new flavors. The child will even develop some ‘favorites’ and ‘likes’ by now. The food and nutrition of the baby is still the most important factor that parents need to cater to for complete growth and development.
Every child has a unique taste and it may take some time for you to figure what specific foods your baby readily accepts and what foods are not liked by the baby or not accepted by the body. The first rule of thumb is to consult your doctor before trying anything new that my trigger an allergy.
Never force your baby to eat something; if the child refuses a particular food, try again after a few days. Also, every child has a different need so comparing to an older sibling or other children must be avoided at all times! While babies don’t talk in words, they do express in actions. Look for signs that indicate your baby is hungry. Crying or opening the mouth are a couple of the common signs, but again these vary from baby to baby.
Along with mother’s milk, you can add the following to a baby’s diet:
- Cooked vegetables, grains, meats or meat alternatives in a mashed form (2-3 tablespoons)
- Soft fruits (3-5 tablespoons)
- Half medium egg, mashed
- Cooked, hot or cold cereal (half cup)
- Shredded cheese or yogurt (2 – 3 tablespoons)
The quantity specified varies from each child. Let your child decide how much is enough!
By the age of 9 months you can give your child 2 – 3 meals in a day along with 1 or 2 snacks. Always remember to give plenty of fluids – water, juices, milk – to keep the child hydrated at all times. A new meal or food may affect the bowel movement at first, but if it persists stop and check with a doctor. Babies show interest in food at this age but be sure you are not overfeeding your child! Healthy eating habits must be a part of the child’s life from a young age.
Introduce all kinds of food, and let the baby develop a taste for everything. If your child is picky, keep trying and never let the child shun something off a diet, unless it creates medical issues.
