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Suggest A Healthy Diet Plan For An Infant

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Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017
Question: Hi Doctor,

My son is 6 months old. We did not yet started solids for him. He is in bottle feeding and drinks milk for every three hours. Can you suggest diet plan for him. Thank you.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for choosing this platfotm

This is the right time for introduction of new solid food items because further delay may cause iron, calorie and other nutrient deficiency.
It is better to start with solid food first and milk thereafter at any meal. Provide lumpy, pureed or mashed item to avoid choking.
New food items can be introduced every day like most of the cereals, vegetables and fruits but those items which can cause allergy like wheat, nuts, mustard, soy should be introduced one at a time only. Wait for 2-3 days before introducing other common food allergen. If there is no reaction or intolerance these food can be given regularly.
You can start with properly mashed rice mixed with pulses, butter and vegetables(khichdi), dal ka pani, mashed potato, boiled mashed Apple and banana.
Avoid giving syrup, cow milk, egg white till one year of age. As it has been seen that early intro turn of these items leads to increased propensity of allergy in future life.
Increase the amount and consistency gradually. Give 2-3 larger feedings ( each serving made of 1/2 katori) and 1-2 smaller feeding(snacks) per day.
Continue milk/breast feed along with all these.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more doubts.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (21 hours later)
Thank you for your detailed answer.
I have two more questions:
Sometimes he is crying less than 2 hours after giving larger feed. How long we need to wait after giving him larger feed(mashed rice + dal)

When can I start giving him ragi malt

Thanks and Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can start Ragi and malt right now

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for follow up

Although I didn't mention it specifically both Ragi and Malt are good cereals to give to the infant.
They are highly nutritious and less allergic to infant. So you may give these to the baby one by one at this age.
Usually it takes one to three hours for the food to pass the stomach in the infant. So a waiting period of 3 hours is considered to be enough.

I shall be glad to help you further if you need any.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)
Thank you so much. One more question I have is, sometimes his gestures(like keeping his tounge out) indicates me that he is thirsty. How frequently and how much quantity of water should be given to him.

Regards-XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Small sips of water can be given on demand

Detailed Answer:
Hi

There is no specific guideline regarding the quantity and frequency of water given to the infant.
Water can be given safely to the babies older than 6 months in small sips on demand. In fact the proper assessment for demand of water is also very difficult in this age. So whenever you feel or find that child is thirsty, give it to the baby in small sips.
As the major part of diet in this age is still comprises mainly of fluid or say water, the extra amount of water is not needed. Just try to avoid giving it too much or too frequent as this may hamper the nutritional requirement.
One important thing is that you should try sipper cup instead of feeding bottle now. By the age of one year baby should be shifted to sipper cup to avoid tooth decay.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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Suggest A Healthy Diet Plan For An Infant

Brief Answer: Details below Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for choosing this platfotm This is the right time for introduction of new solid food items because further delay may cause iron, calorie and other nutrient deficiency. It is better to start with solid food first and milk thereafter at any meal. Provide lumpy, pureed or mashed item to avoid choking. New food items can be introduced every day like most of the cereals, vegetables and fruits but those items which can cause allergy like wheat, nuts, mustard, soy should be introduced one at a time only. Wait for 2-3 days before introducing other common food allergen. If there is no reaction or intolerance these food can be given regularly. You can start with properly mashed rice mixed with pulses, butter and vegetables(khichdi), dal ka pani, mashed potato, boiled mashed Apple and banana. Avoid giving syrup, cow milk, egg white till one year of age. As it has been seen that early intro turn of these items leads to increased propensity of allergy in future life. Increase the amount and consistency gradually. Give 2-3 larger feedings ( each serving made of 1/2 katori) and 1-2 smaller feeding(snacks) per day. Continue milk/breast feed along with all these. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more doubts. Regards