(Scroll Down For Free Month-By-Month Printable Guide PDF)
So, your little human has finally hit that 6-month milestone, and it’s time to dive into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating world of baby weaning.
Spoiler alert: You’ll probably end up wearing more food than your baby eats.
But worry not! We’re here to break down what to feed your baby month by month, , with a mix of traditional Indian goodness and modern convenience because let’s be real, no one has time to grind, steam, and puree everything from scratch every single day) 😊
What is Weaning?
Weaning simply means introducing solid foods to your baby while gradually reducing their dependence on breastmilk or formula.
When to Start Weaning?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. After that, babies need additional nutrients from solids while continuing with breast milk or formula,
If your baby can sit up with support, has good head control, and shows interest in food, congratulations! It’s time to introduce solids.
Month-by-Month Weaning Guide
Free Printable Month-wise Baby meal plan for Download is available below. Keep scrolling for the goodies.
6 Months: The Gentle Introduction 🍵🍌
Welcome to baby’s first bite! Start with single-ingredient purees to check for allergies.
✅ Traditional Indian Foods:
- Rice Cereal (Homemade is best—just roast rice, grind it, and cook with water!)
- Dal Ka Pani (Lentil water—light and packed with iron)
- Stewed Apple or Mashed Banana (The ultimate first-food classics)
- Ragi Porridge (Ragi is a superfood rich in calcium and iron)
🔸 Modern Additions:
- Avocado Mash (Because millennials can’t resist avocados)
- Sweet Potato Puree (Naturally sweet, naturally awesome)
❌ Avoid: Salt, sugar, honey, cow’s milk, nuts, and anything chunky.
💡 Pro Juju Tip: Start with a runny consistency and gradually thicken it as your baby learns to swallow
7-8 Months: Let’s Get Textured! 🥣🥑
Your baby is now a pro at swallowing (mostly), so it’s time for thicker purees and soft finger foods 🎉
✅ Traditional Indian Foods:
- Moong Dal Khichdi (A classic! Light, nutritious, and perfect for tiny tummies)
- Vegetable Mash (Carrots, pumpkin, lauki, peas – all gently cooked and mashed)
- Curd Rice (Introduce plain homemade curd to help with digestion)
- Sooji (semolina) Porridge with ghee (Soft and easy to digest)
- Mashed banana (Great iron source!)
- Homemade Ghee & Rice (Yum!)
🔸 Modern Additions:
- Oats Porridge with Fruits (Oats are iron-rich and easy to digest)
- Greek Yogurt with Berries (High in protein, naturally sweet)
- Scrambled egg yolk (Proteinaceous!)
❌ Avoid: Hard, crunchy foods (nuts, popcorn), processed foods, excess dairy.
💡 Pro Juju Tip: Introduce one new food at a time to check for allergies!
9-10 Months: Mini Food Explorer 🥗🍚
Your baby’s pincer grasp is developing, so it’s time to introduce more textures and finger foods.
✅ Traditional Indian Foods:
- Sooji Upma (Packed with veggies)
- Idli with Ghee (Fermented foods = happy gut)
- Soft Roti Pieces Soaked in Dal
- Vegetable Dalia (Broken wheat porridge with veggies)
- Homemade paneer cubes (Hello, Proteins!)
🔸 Modern Additions:
- Whole Wheat Pancakes (Ditch sugar, add mashed banana instead)
- Scrambled Eggs (If no allergy, a great protein source!)
- Cheese Cubes (Calcium boost + easy finger food)
❌ Avoid: Excess salt, deep-fried foods, sugary snacks.
💡 Pro Juju Tip: Offer a variety of textures to avoid picky eating later!
11-12 Months: Eating Like a Tiny Human 🍛🍞
Your baby can now eat almost everything you do (minus the spice explosion!). Time to introduce more variety.
✅ Traditional Indian Foods:
- Mini Parathas (Stuffed with Paneer/Veggies)
- Dal-Chawal with a Bit of Ghee
- Mild Masala Poha (Skip the chilies, but keep the nutrition)
- Homemade Laddoos (Ragi, dry fruits, or sesame-based—nutrient-dense!)
- Mini dosa with coconut chutney
- Besan (chickpea flour) chilla
🔸 Modern Additions:
- Whole Wheat Pasta with Veggies (Because kids love pasta, period.)
- Nut Butters on Whole Grain Toast (Allergy-tested and in small amounts)
- Hummus with Soft Pita (Protein-packed and tasty!)
- Grilled chicken strips
- Smoothies with yogurt & fruits
- Omelette strips
- Whole wheat pasta with mild tomato sauce
💡 Pro Juju Tip: Encourage self-feeding to build confidence and motor skills! 😊
Tips for a Smooth Weaning Journey
- ✔ Follow the 3-Day Rule: Introduce one new food at a time and wait for 3 days to check for allergies.
- ✔ Let Them Explore: Babies will play, squish, and throw food—embrace the mess.
- ✔ Meal Timing Matters: Aim for small meals, 2-3 times a day, along with breastmilk/formula.
- ✔ Don’t Worry About Rejections: Babies reject foods all the time. Keep offering!
- ✔ Watch for Allergies: If you have a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician before introducing dairy, eggs, nuts, etc.
Common Weaning Mistakes to Avoid 🚨
Even the most seasoned moms can slip up when it comes to weaning! Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- ❌ Introducing solids too early (before 4 months) or too late (after 7 months) – This can lead to digestive issues or picky eating later on. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
- ❌ Relying too much on packaged baby food – Homemade meals provide more nutrients and fewer preservatives.
- ❌ Forcing the baby to eat – Babies have tiny tummies, and it’s normal for them to eat less some days!
- ❌ Skipping iron-rich foods – Iron is crucial for development. Include dal, ragi, and spinach! (Source: National Institute of Nutrition, India)
- ❌ Giving honey before age 1 – It can cause infant botulism. (Source: CDC)
- ❌ Not offering enough variety – Babies who eat diverse foods early on are less likely to be picky eaters later.
Download the chart here:
(Download it, Print it and stick it to your fridge for easy reference!)
Common Questions & Concerns
- Can I give my baby store-bought baby food?
- Homemade is always better, but store-bought is fine (check labels for preservatives and added sugars).
- What about spices?
- Mild spices like cumin, turmeric, and hing are great for digestion. Just go easy on chili!
- What if my baby refuses solids?
- It’s normal! Try again later, or change the texture. Patience is key!
- What should I do if my baby is constipated?
- Include fiber-rich foods like prunes, pears, and papaya. Hydration is crucial!
Final Thoughts 🎉
Weaning is a journey, and every baby is different.
Some love food instantly, others take their sweet time (literally).
The key is to stay patient, make mealtime fun, and embrace the chaos.
📌 Sources & Further Reading:
Got a favorite weaning recipe that worked wonders for your baby? Share in the comments below! 🥰🍲
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