Introducing Solids: 10 Foods You May Not Know You Can Feed Your Baby

How is the blissful journey of motherhood treating you? Do you often worry about food options when your baby starts weaning? And are you confused about the food to choose for your little bundle of tantrums? Well, we have got you covered.

Here is the list of 10 nutritious, yummy and easily available food options that could undoubtedly become a part of your baby’s daily meals. Once the baby is six months old, mother’s milk alone is not enough for their overall development. Semi-solids and then solids should be introduced gradually, and this list will make that endeavor easy breezy.

These 10 tried and tested food items are safe for your baby to consume. And some are great teethers too.

1. Beetroot

You can serve beetroot in raw, steamed or puree form to your baby. Beetroots are packed with loads of vitamins B and C, and potassium. And yeah, you’ll have a tough time cleaning up his or her hands, but it’s completely worth it!

2. Brown rice, couscous and quinoa

Extremely well boiled brown rice is easy for your baby to chew before swallowing! Brown rice has antioxidants, and quinoa and couscous have protein! Did you know that quinoa is a superfood because it contains all the nine essential amino acids?

3. Butter

Instead of oil, cook your baby’s food in a little bit of butter. Butter has ‘good fats’. Make sure that you use only grass-fed butter and not margarine.

4. Cheese

Cheese has calcium and vitamin B12. As it’s addictive make sure you serve it in limited quantities. Also, serve moldier cheeses to your baby after he/ she turns 1.

5. Hummus

Hummus is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. You can serve your baby hummus along with a bit of lightly toasted bread. Watch how he or she washes it down the throat and looks at you for more servings!

6. Artichoke

This is the one! This vegetable can be a great teether. Artichokes have antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamin K. This helps in the brain and cognitive development.

7. Mushrooms

Well-cooked mushrooms will give that recommended dose of potassium, iron, and fiber. Mushrooms are actually much better than bananas in this aspect!

8. Ladies’ finger or okra

You should introduce okra to your baby. Some will hate it while some babies love it. Ladies’ fingers are a great source of vitamins B and C, and folic acid. But cook okra well enough before giving it as a finger food to your baby.

9. Spring onions

Image: Shutterstock

Mix cooked spring onions along with baby food so that they get its wonderful benefits.

10. Spices

Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, parsley, and rosemary are perfectly safe in moderate amounts. Add flavor to your baby’s food and also introduce your baby to wider food palates. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Cardamom helps in digestion while parsley has vitamins K and C.

Add a pinch of these spices as needed to your baby’s food and watch him or her eat well!

Introduce these ten foods gradually. Make sure that none of them are fried and you don’t use oil for cooking. During the weaning period, the baby needs enough rest and proper intervals between two meals. These intervals should be regular and adhered to every day so that your baby’s digestive system adjusts to the new food timings.

Steamed brown rice, veggies, and mild spices will not only widen your baby’s food palate but also provide necessary nutrients for their health and growth. Your baby will start appreciating all kinds of healthy food sooner.

Isn’t that worth it?! So go ahead and indulge your baby in these healthy morsels.

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