An 8 month old baby food menu should consist of plenty of fresh fruits. Fruits are excellent sources of essential nutrients and vitamins. You can cut up various fruits and give them to your baby in cubes or pieces. You can also cut up meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables in cubes. Lastly, you can introduce different spices to your baby’s diet gradually. These spices may be introduced gradually and should be given for at least three days.
The fish can be cooked in small amounts by placing it in water. Once the fish is cooked, grind it into a smooth puree and mix it with salt and jeera powder. Ragi, also known as finger millet, is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and iron. Use it for porridge. You can cook it until it becomes soft and serve it as a snack. Similarly, you can make porridge for your baby by mixing it with an apple.
Yogurt is another excellent food for your baby. Cow’s milk yogurt is a healthy choice for babies. However, you can also opt for fruit-flavored varieties. Yogurts contain many beneficial bacteria for the gut and are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. If you want to make your baby’s mealtime experience as happy as possible, consider incorporating these fruits into the 8-month-old baby food menu.
An egg is a great source of protein. It is also easily digestible. Like a baby’s first food, you can offer it yolk and white portions. Ensure to chop it into small pieces and serve it to your baby. You can also serve deboned fish and well-cooked meat. As for pasta, choose soft wheat or rice pasta, spiral or macaroni. Avoid maida pasta and other similar products.
Tofu made of soy milk and paneer made of cow’s milk is also good options. These two products are rich in protein and great for babies allergic to either. Chicken is also considered healthy for babies. You can feed it in soup or puree form. Even the broth is nutritious for your baby. More, the chicken can also be cooked in a pressure cooker. So, while it’s okay to feed your baby some rice, you should limit the amount of rice and limit it to two or three times a week.
Once your baby has reached this stage, it’s time to introduce solid foods. Although the AAP recommends waiting until six months, most pediatricians begin solids earlier. This chart covers all the stages until twelve months. If your baby can mash up a bit of food, you can try bread, muffins, and pasta. Also, soft-cooked fruits and vegetables are excellent beginner finger foods. If you’re unsure, consult your pediatrician to learn more about the right age for your child.
You can also introduce herbs and spices to your baby’s food. But remember to avoid salt until after the first year. Salt is an unnecessary load on the kidneys and has been linked to higher risks of diseases later on in life. Sugar will cause tooth decay and contribute to the development of cavities. Additionally, too much sugar can suppress your baby’s immunity, increasing his risk of obesity and diabetes. Avoid frying foods; they contain unhealthy chemicals. Instead, substitute fruits and vegetables with steamed vegetables.
