Starting solids is a major milestone in your baby’s growth journey. At around 6 months, breastmilk or formula alone is no longer sufficient to meet nutritional needs—especially iron and protein. A gradual, step-by-step approach ensures your baby gets the right nutrients while learning new tastes and textures.

6 Months

• Begin with single-grain cereals like rice cereal or homemade ragi porridge.
• Pureed fruits: apple, pear, banana.
• Pureed vegetables: carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato.

7–8 Months

• Add mashed lentils and soft dal.
• Introduce well-cooked, mashed vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini.
• Start soft finger foods if you prefer baby-led weaning.

9–10 Months

• Offer egg yolk (well-cooked), paneer, and yogurt.
• Small pieces of chapati soaked in dal.
• Soft fruits like papaya, avocado, and melon.

11–12 Months

• Move towards family foods with less spice—khichdi, idli, or upma.
• Finger foods such as paratha strips or boiled veggies.
• Reduce purees and encourage chewing.

Foods to Avoid in the First Year

• Honey
• Whole nuts (choking hazard)
• Cow’s milk as a main drink
• Excessive salt, sugar, and processed foods

Pro Tip: Always introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 days before adding another to monitor allergies