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Are Solid Foods Advisable For A 5 Months Old Baby?

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Posted on Sat, 28 Jan 2017
Question: Hi dr. My baby has turned 5 months today. Can I start solids on him? If yes, please advise how and what should be started?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can start with thick liquids first

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Exclusive breast feeding is advisable upto 6 months of age and thereafter weaning to semisolids is advisable. However, it is ok to start semisolids at 5 months. You can start with thick liquids like dal water or fruit juices, gradually move over to semi-solids or mashed foods, and subsequently start with pounded food. Consider your ABCs - applesauce, bananas, and cereal (rice, biscuits dipped in milk, or roti softened with milk/water). Boiled rice and dal with vegetables and give in mashed form. Gradually increase the amount and frequency. Introduce one new food item per week and stick to it at least for the week.

I would insist you to go through the following chart about what foods to give at what age:
http://www.superbabyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Baby-Food-Chart-4-to-12-months-baby-SuperBaby.jpg

A detailed diet chart can be found at:
http://indianhealthyrecipes.com/indian-baby-food-chart/

Noting down so much information would have made the answer unnecessarily long. Pardon me for avoiding that.

Hopefully that clears your queries.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (25 hours later)
can I give him cerelac?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may start thick liquids

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Normally we find home made food more suitable and nutritive than ready-to-make items like Cerelac. Cerelac is not a thick liquid. I insisted on starting thick liquids first. I would insist waiting a bit more before starting Cerelac.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (14 minutes later)
What food comes under thick liquid? I tried apple puree. But he just had a little of it though his tummy was not full. Finally he had milk and was then satisfied.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pureed fruits can be given.

Detailed Answer:
hi,

You can start with thick liquids like daal water or fruit juices, pureed tomatoes or apples etc. and gradually move over to semi-solids or mashed foods. As of now, (up to 6 months of age) milk would be the primary feed.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Are Solid Foods Advisable For A 5 Months Old Baby?

Brief Answer: You can start with thick liquids first Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Exclusive breast feeding is advisable upto 6 months of age and thereafter weaning to semisolids is advisable. However, it is ok to start semisolids at 5 months. You can start with thick liquids like dal water or fruit juices, gradually move over to semi-solids or mashed foods, and subsequently start with pounded food. Consider your ABCs - applesauce, bananas, and cereal (rice, biscuits dipped in milk, or roti softened with milk/water). Boiled rice and dal with vegetables and give in mashed form. Gradually increase the amount and frequency. Introduce one new food item per week and stick to it at least for the week. I would insist you to go through the following chart about what foods to give at what age: http://www.superbabyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Baby-Food-Chart-4-to-12-months-baby-SuperBaby.jpg A detailed diet chart can be found at: http://indianhealthyrecipes.com/indian-baby-food-chart/ Noting down so much information would have made the answer unnecessarily long. Pardon me for avoiding that. Hopefully that clears your queries. Regards