As mentioned in my earlier post (read - when to start solids for your baby), you can start from the time your baby is one month old, with porridge made out of finger millet or ragi. As your baby gets older, her nutritional needs increases and she can no longer be satiated with breast milk or soft porridge.
You can start on fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry but you should begin with small quantities and with one type of food, at a time. This way, you can watch out any allergic reactions. However, you must not discontinue nursing your baby, as breast milk is still your baby’s main source of nourishment.
When your baby has turned 6 months old, the best natural baby solid food to start with are
Avocado kiwi puree – It is very high in vitamins C & E, potassium, fiber and good fatty acids like folic acid. It is a ‘nutrient booster’ and extremely likable to babies. Remove the seed and scoop out the soft creamy pulp of the avocado. Mash one kiwi and push the pulp through a strainer to remove the pip and mix with the avocado.
Banana Puree – It is one of nature’s rich treat to us as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, potassium, manganese, copper, anti-oxidants and is low-fat-high-calorie fruit. Its major benefit is that it helps in smooth bowel movements and prevents constipation. Mash one banana before until smooth. Mix 2 tsp of cooked baby rice and 2 tbsp of breast milk or formula milk into a firm or runnier consistency as required.
Pear and Apple puree – Pears are rich in all kinds of vitamins and minerals and high in fiber. They are non-acidic in nature and sweet to taste. Pear juice is highly recommended for babies on account of its fiber content and its laxative properties. Apple is an excellent source of iron. Peel and slice one apple and pear and cook it on low heat with 1 tbsp of water until tender. Blend it into a puree and feed your baby.
Carrot Puree – They are most healthy and very rich in nutritional value, as vegetables go. Its natural sweetness, make them a big hit with babies. Steam the carrot, puree it and add 1 or 2 tsp of milk or water if required before feeding your baby.
Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are the most versatile of all vegetables and high in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Boil and mash potatoes, add a little cream of milk and feed your baby.
Spinach and Potato puree - Both the vegetables are rich in iron and vitamin C. Boil one potato in unsalted water until tender. Blanch a handful of spinach in very hot water for a couple of minutes. Drain and mash the potato with 1 tbsp formula or breast milk. Purée the spinach and add to the potato and adjust the texture with more milk if required.
Papaya and Banana puree - Peel and deseed the papaya and mash it well. Mash a banana and add it to the papaya puree. For variation, add 1 tbsp of cooked baby rice.
Pumpkin and lentils - These are rich in iron, minerals, vitamins and betacarotene. Boil and cook 50 gm of split red lentils in a little water, until very soft. Mash 100 grams pumpkin and mix with the cooked lentil well and feed your baby.
Musk melon puree - Mash the pulp and add to 1 tbsp of cooked baby rice to make a thick mixture and feed your baby.
Other fruits like squash, peaches, plums, mangoes and dates are also good nutritional foods. Among the meats, boil and shred chicken or turkey finely or puree them before feeding your baby. Avoid egg whites. Boil and mash egg yolks. Overcooked and mashed lentils/pulses/grains/oats are all excellent natural foods for your baby.
Here is a recipe of wholesome porridge that your baby will love.
100 grams each of finger millet (ragi), soya beans, whole wheat, green grams, dried chick peas, dried green peas and 50 grams each of nuts like peanuts, cashew, pistachios and almonds.
Wash all the grains separately and soak them separately, overnight. Next morning, drain the water and leave them to sprout a little in a warm place for about 8-9 hours. Roast all the grains and nuts separately till they turn light brown.
Grind them all together finely into a powder and store it in air tight jars or containers. The nutritional value of this powder is very high as it is rich in calcium, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, folic acids, omega 3 fatty acids, enzymes and iron. You can take the necessary measure of this powder to make wholesome porridge for your baby, whenever required.
Method to make the porridge
Mix 1 tbsps of the powder to 2 cups of warm milk and stir it well to remove any lumps. Add sugar or jaggery to taste. Heat the mixture on a low heat, stirring continuously until it turns into a semi-solid consistency. You can enhance the flavor with a little butter and a pinch of cardamom powder, if needed
Feed your baby with this wholesome porridge once a day, along with other fruits and veggies, until your baby reaches 2 yrs of age. Increase the measure of the powder as your baby gets older.
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