Nutrition Milestones: What to Feed Your Baby at Every Stage

Table of Contents

1. Introduction – Baby’s Mealtime Adventure Begins
   

2. Birth to 6 Months – Only Mama Magic (Breast Milk or Formula)
   

• What to Give
  

• Why Just Milk?
  

• Tips on Feeding
  

• Milestones to Observe
  

3. 6 to 8 Months – First Taste of Solids
   

• Foods to Offer
  

• Textures to Start With
  

• Feeding Tools
  

• Schedule Suggestion
  

• Things to Watch Out For
  

4. 8 to 10 Months – Discovering Textures and Flavors
   

• Foods to Feed
  

• New Skills & Textures
  

• Mealtime Goals
  

5. 10 to 12 Months – Finger Foods and Family Meals
   

• What to Feed
  

• Feeding Style
  

• Texture Tips
  

6. 12 to 18 Months – Toddler Phase and Independence
   

• Foods to Include
  

• Dos and Don’ts
  

• Encouraging Tips
  

7. 18 to 24 Months – Building Healthy Habits
   

• Balanced Meal Ideas
  

• Tricks to Try
  

• Growth Spurts & Appetite
  

8. After 2 Years – Transitioning to Family Food
   

• Foods to Offer
  

• Key Tips
  

• Foods to Avoid
  

9. Tips for Safe and Happy Mealtimes
   

10. Creating a Daily Feeding Schedule That Works
    

• Sample Routine
  

11. Final Thoughts – Feeding With Love
    

12. FAQs

Baby's Mealtime Adventure: A Giggles, A Mess & A Milestone

Giving your little one food ain't all about filling up their belly, it's about adorable moments, messy faces, and seeing them grow, spoon by spoon. Holding a bowl of soft carrots or soft khichdi, this ride is filled with adorable moments and goofy mishaps. And we promise, having the right equipment matters too, such as a soft bib, a helpful highchair, and, yes, a stainless steel spoon set that won't slip or poke lil' gums.

Let's go through your baby's nutrition milestones, step by step, with real talk, straightforward advice, and real "been-there" thoughts.

1. Birth to 6 Months – Only Mama Magic (Breast Milk or Formula)

During this stage, your baby is a lil' drinking machine!

What to Give

• Solo breast milk (gold standard)

• Formula (if required or desired)

Why Just Milk?

Baby's gut is brand new. They don't require water, juices, or solids yet. Breast milk/formula provides all the hydration + nutrients they require. It also develops immunity, aids brain growth, and keeps baby satisfied.

Tips on Feeding

1. Feed every 2-3 hours (yes, including 3am)

2. Burp after feedings

3. Store milk at the correct temperature if pumped

4. Feed in a relaxed, snuggly room

Milestone to Observe:

At about 5–6 months, baby might begin displaying readiness signs for solids: head holding up, sitting with support, curiosity about your food.

2. 6 to 8 Months – First Tast of Solids

Let the actual fun (and mess.) begin:

What to Offer:

1. Mashed banana

2. Steamed & mashed vegetables (carrot, sweet potato)

3. Rice cereal

4. Ragi porridge

5. Masoor dal water

6. Apple puree

Textures

Start with very smooth purées. One food at the time. Be alert for allergies.

Feeding Tools:

1. Soft-tip spoon

2. Small bowl to try for portioning

3. Give sips of boiled, cooled water

Schedule Suggestion:

1. 2 solid meals/day

2. Milk remains main source

3. Solids after milk

Watch Out For:

1. Poop changes (completely normal!)

2. Sweet preference over veggies (also normal)

3. 8 to 10 Months – Discovering Textures and Flavors

Baby's now a mini food explorer!

What to Feed:

1. Thick mashed foods

2. Khichdi

3. Dosa/pancake pieces

4. Idli soaked in dal

5. Small fruit chunks

6. Cheese

7. Boiled egg yolk

New Skills:

They may start holding food, trying to chew (even with no teeth!)

Textures to Try:

Lumpy, mashed, finger foods

Mealtime Goals:

1. Encourage self-feeding

2. Let baby explore with hands

3. Let them get messy!

4. 10 to 12 Months – Finger Foods and Family Meals

Baby wants what you’re eating now?

What to Feed:

1. Soft roti bits with dal

2. Upma, poha

3. Steamed fish (boneless)

4. Chopped fruits and vegetables

5. Pasta with soft vegetables

6. Curd rice

Feeding Style:

• Family mealtime at the table

• Baby eats with all others

• No pressure to complete

Texture Tip:

No need to puree anymore – just mash gently or give soft chunks

5. 12 to 18 Months – Toddler Phase and Independence

The tantrums… and taste tests begin!

What to Feed:

1. Nearly all home food

2. Full egg

3. Paratha with curd

4. Rice with veggies

5. Paneer cubes

6. Fruit slices

7. Chapati rolls

Dos:

1. Encourage routine

2. Introduce different textures

3. Offer 3 meals + 2 snacks + milk

Don'ts:

1. Avoid too much sugar/salt

2. No processed food or soda

Encouraging Tip:

Let them assist in kitchen (passing spoon, selecting plate), it generates curiosity.

6. 18 to 24 Months – Building Healthy Habits

Time to reinforce good habits (yes, it's possible!)

What to Include:

1. Carbs + protein + veggies with balanced meals

2. Breakfast: egg toast or dosa/idli with chutney

3. Lunch: dal rice and bhindi sabzi

4. Dinner: stuffed paratha or roti with soup

Tricks to Try:

1. Serve on colorful plates

2. Cut fruits in funny shapes

3. Buy a baby dining chair for autonomy

Don't Panic If:

They eat less suddenly – it's natural. Growth slows down.

7. After 2 Years – Transitioning to Family Food

Now it's time for the same thaali as you!

What to Offer:

1. Family-style food

2. Mild spices

3. Less oil/sugar

4. Dry fruits (crushed/chopped)

5. More protein-rich foods

Key Tip:

Engage them in making shopping lists, mixing dal, or placing plates!

Avoid:

1. Junk snacks as treats

2. Forcing food

3. Screens during meals

8. Tips for Safe and Happy Mealtimes

1. Always supervise

2. Feed sitting up

3. No choking hazards (whole grapes, popcorn)

4. Clean utensils

5. Allow baby to lead feeding pace

6. Don’t stress if they reject food, just try again

9. Creating a Daily Feeding Schedule That Works

Here's a sample:

10. Final Thoughts and Feeding With Love

Don’t let Instagram mealtimes or judgmental aunties stress you.

Feeding is a ride, some days they'll inhale like a bhukkad baby tiger, and other days they'll toss the spoon at you like a mini wrestler.

The secret? Love, patience, and the proper equipment… such as a silicone plate set with spoon and fork that's just perfect for tiny baby hands and large messy escapades. One bite at a time.

FAQs

Q1. Can I put salt or sugar in my baby's food?

Under 1 year – no to both. From then on, small amounts if necessary.

Q2. What is the top first solid food?

Mashed banana or rice cereal. Gentle on tummy and allergen-free.

Q3. How can I tell if baby's allergic to something?

Rash, vomiting, swelling, or crankiness. Wait 3 days between new foods.

Q4. What if my baby won't eat?

Normal! Try again later, don't force. Variety + patience is key.

Q5. Is cow's milk okay before 1 year?

Not as main drink. Can be used in recipes after 10 months though