Which starter foods are recommended for a six-month-old baby?
Starter Foods Nutritional Comparison
| Starter Food | Key Nutrients | Preparation Method | Serving Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal | Iron, Carbohydrates | Mix with breastmilk/formula | 2–3 tbsp, twice daily |
| Mashed Banana | Carbs, Potassium | Well-mashed ripe banana | 1–2 tbsp, once daily |
| Moong Dal Khichdi | Protein, Iron | Soft-cooked dal & rice, blended | 2 tbsp, once daily |
| Steamed Carrot Puree | Vitamin A, Beta-carotene | Steam & blend carrot | 1–2 tbsp, once daily |
| Mashed Avocado | Healthy fats, Vitamins E & C | Mashed ripe avocado | 1 tbsp, every other day |
| Apple Puree | Vitamin C, Fiber | Steam & blend peeled apple | 1–2 tbsp, once daily |
Quick Answer
At six months, most babies are ready to begin complementary feeding alongside breastmilk or formula.
Begin with single-ingredient, iron-rich purees and cereals, offering small amounts (1–2 tablespoons) once daily, then gradually increase volume and variety.
Ideal starter foods include rice cereal, mashed banana, mild dals, and vegetable purees.
Introduce one new food at a time over 3–5 days to monitor for allergies.
Recommended Practices
Iron-Fortified Single-Grain Cereal
Mix 1–2 tablespoons of iron-fortified rice or ragi cereal with breastmilk or formula; start once daily and increase to twice daily over two weeks.
Mashed Banana
Offer 1–2 tablespoons of well-mashed ripe banana once daily; adds carbohydrates and potassium, and has a naturally smooth texture.
Moong Dal Khichdi Puree
Cook yellow moong dal and rice until very soft, blend to a smooth puree; serve 2 tablespoons once daily, providing protein and iron.
Steamed Vegetable Purees
Steam carrot, pumpkin, or potato until tender, blend to a thin consistency; begin with 1 tablespoon once daily, increasing to 2–3 tablespoons over a week.
Mashed Avocado
Serve 1 tablespoon of ripe avocado, mashed to a smooth consistency; rich in healthy fats and vitamins, offered every other day.
Fruit Purees (Apple/Pear)
Steam and blend peeled apple or pear; start with 1 tablespoon once daily to introduce fiber and vitamin C, then progress to 2 tablespoons.
What to Avoid
Honey Before One Year
May contain Clostridium botulinum spores causing infant botulism; strictly avoid until after 12 months.
Added Salt or Sugar
Can strain immature kidneys and encourage sweet/salty preferences; do not add to purees or cereals.
Whole Nuts or Large Pieces
High choking risk; avoid nuts, grapes, or large chunks until chewing skills develop.
Cow’s Milk as Main Drink
Low iron content and high renal solute load; continue breastmilk/formula as primary milk source until 12 months.
Unpasteurized Dairy or Juices
Risk of bacterial contamination (Listeria, E. coli); use only pasteurized products and dilute juices heavily if offered after one year.
Spicy or Highly Seasoned Foods
Can irritate developing digestive tract; introduce mild tastes without chili, garam masala, or excess spices.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Baby pushes food out with tongue
Wait 5–10 seconds after spoon placement before gently releasing; use a smaller spoon and thicker puree consistency to help baby accept the food.
Refusal of new vegetable puree
Offer the same puree on 3 consecutive days, then mix a small amount with a previously accepted food to build acceptance gradually.
Mild constipation after starting solids
Increase fruit purees like stewed plums or pear, offer 2–3 sips of water in a cup during meals, and gently bicycle baby’s legs to relieve discomfort.
Gagging on thicker textures
Thin the puree with breastmilk or formula to a smoother consistency, then gradually reduce liquid as baby becomes comfortable with texture.
Similar Questions Parents Ask
How do I know my baby is ready for solids?
Look for head-control, ability to sit with minimal support, and decreased tongue-thrust reflex around 6 months.
When can I introduce water?
Offer sips of water from a cup once solids begin, about 30–60 ml per day alongside breastmilk or formula.
Which foods are common allergens?
Introduce peanuts, eggs, and dairy one at a time after 6 months, watching for reactions over 3–5 days.
How much solid food should a six-month-old eat?
Start with 1–2 tablespoons once daily, increasing to 3–4 tablespoons over two weeks as appetite grows.
Signs to Consult Immediately
Difficulty breathing or choking during feeds
Blood or mucus in stools
High-fever (>38.5 °C) lasting over 24 hours
Severe vomiting or refusal to keep liquids down
Generalized rash or swelling after new food
Detailed Explanation
At around six months, infants’ digestive systems mature sufficiently to handle complementary foods while continuing breastmilk or formula, which still provides most nutrition.
Introducing solids at this age supports iron stores, which begin to deplete around 6 months, and exposes babies to new tastes and textures.
Normal developmental readiness signs include head-control, ability to sit with support, diminished tongue-thrust reflex, and showing interest in foods.
Variations exist—premature infants may start closer to corrected six-month age, and some regions delay complementary feeds to 7 months, although 6 months is globally recommended.
Begin with iron-rich, single-ingredient purees to reduce allergy risk and ensure adequate micronutrient intake.
Iron-fortified cereals or lentil-based purees (moong dal khichdi) are staple in Indian homes, aligning with IAP guidance for local diets and available ingredients.
Monitor for warning signs: persistent vomiting, high-pitched crying, blood in stool, or rashes after new foods could signal intolerances or allergies.
Introduce one food at a time, waiting 3–5 days before adding another, to detect reactions.
As babies grow from 6–12 months, texture progression is key: start with thin purees (6–8 months), move to mashed foods with small lumps (9–10 months), and progress to soft finger foods by 11–12 months, supporting oral motor skills and self-feeding.
Seasonal adaptations: in summer, incorporate hydrating purees like cucumber or watermelon (strained); during monsoon, focus on well-cooked, iron-rich foods to combat infection risk; in winter, include warming purees such as pumpkin or sweet potato to help maintain body temperature.
Sources
International Sources
“Introduce safe and nutritionally adequate complementary foods at 6 months” per WHO recommendations.