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My son is 6 months old and is exclusively breastfed. What food can I give him?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a 5-month-old baby boy. I feed him mother's milk only till now. By next month I need to join my job. So this month I want to start other foods. Which food can I give to him?

Answered by Dr. Swati Pandey

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Swati Pandey is a Pediatrician with valuable clinical experience in managing and treating a wide range of childhood diseases. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for children, ensuring their growth, development, and well-being. With a compassionate and patient-friendly approach, she offers quality care for infants, children, and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include child nutrition, immunization, developmental assessment, and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As your baby reached five months, great that you only gave exclusive breastfeed. Now once he approaches six months you can start giving weaning diet. All homemade stuff along with breastfeeding until 2 years of age.

It is always better to introduce baby with rice potato first as they are gluten-free and gradually built-up to multi cereal diet like grilled thick dal, mashed banana, mashed dal, mashed roti, bread, biscuit mixed in sweetened undiluted milk, chikku (suppota), mango, and papaya as snacks.

Basically our aim is to give small energy dense feeds at frequent intervals. You can add ghee or oil to make it more energy dense. Until 6 to 12 months keep frequency three to four times at least per day if breastfed.

Always make the baby sit on your lap and then feed and maintain all the hygiene and clean your hands before preparing food and while feeding. Avoid all packed food.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At April 6, 2020
Reviewed At January 10, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Swati Pandey is a Pediatrician with valuable clinical experience in managing and treating a wide range of childhood diseases. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for children, ensuring their growth, development, and well-being. With a compassionate and patient-friendly approach, she offers quality care for infants, children, and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include child nutrition, immunization, developmental assessment, and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Swati Pandey is a Pediatrician with valuable clinical experience in managing and treating a wide range of childhood diseases. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for children, ensuring their growth, development, and well-being. With a compassionate and patient-friendly approach, she offers quality care for infants, children, and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include child nutrition, immunization, developmental assessment, and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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