6 Months Baby Food Chart (Indian) – Complete Guide for Indian Parents
When your baby completes 6 months, every Indian parent has one big question – “आता बाळाला काय खायला द्यायचं?”
This is the most important stage in your baby’s life because solid food introduction starts now. Wrong food, wrong timing, or force-feeding can cause digestion problems, allergies, or long-term food refusal.
In this detailed guide, we will explain:
- 6 months baby food chart (Indian)
- First food for baby – what is safe & what is not
- Marathi + English explanations for Indian parents
- How much food to give
- Common mistakes parents make
This article is specially written for Indian parents, keeping Indian food habits, climate, and pediatric recommendations in mind.
Is Your Baby Ready for Solid Food at 6 Months?
Before starting solids, ensure your baby shows these signs:
- Baby can sit with support
- Good neck control
- Baby shows interest when others eat
- Tongue-thrust reflex has reduced
जर बाळ हे signs दाखवत नसेल, तर जबरदस्तीने food सुरू करू नका.
Breast milk or formula is still the main nutrition source even after starting solids.
First Food for 6 Months Baby – Indian Perspective
Indian pediatricians recommend starting with single-ingredient, easily digestible foods.
Best First Foods for Indian Babies
- Rice cereal (homemade)
- Mashed banana (small quantity)
- Steamed apple puree
- Steamed carrot puree
- Dal water (not dal paste initially)
Note: Avoid packaged baby food initially if possible. Homemade food is safer and builds healthy eating habits.
6 Months Baby Food Chart (Indian)
Below is a simple and safe baby food chart for 6-month-old babies.
| Time | Food |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast milk / Formula |
| Morning | 1–2 tsp Rice cereal OR fruit puree |
| Mid-day | Breast milk / Formula |
| Evening | Vegetable puree (1–2 tsp) |
| Night | Breast milk / Formula |
सुरुवातीला फक्त 1–2 चमचे पुरेसे आहेत. Quantity हळूहळू वाढवा.
How to Prepare Rice Cereal at Home (Step-by-Step)
Rice cereal is the most recommended first food for Indian babies.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp good quality rice
- Clean drinking water
Method
- Wash rice properly and soak for 30 minutes
- Dry it completely and grind into fine powder
- Cook 1 tsp powder with water until thin consistency
- Cool before feeding
No salt, no sugar, no jaggery.
Fruit Purees for 6 Months Baby
Safe Fruits
- Apple (steamed)
- Banana (ripe, mashed)
- Pear (steamed)
कच्ची फळं देऊ नका. Always steam fruits for better digestion.
Vegetable Purees – What is Safe?
Best Vegetables to Start With
- Carrot
- Pumpkin
- Bottle gourd (dudhi)
- Sweet potato
Avoid adding spices. Keep texture smooth.
Dal Water for 6 Months Baby
Dal water is nutritious but must be introduced carefully.
Safe Dal Options
- Moong dal
- Masoor dal
Give only clear water from cooked dal – not thick paste.
Foods to Avoid at 6 Months
- Salt
- Sugar
- Honey (very dangerous)
- Cow milk
- Packaged snacks
- Fried foods
हे पदार्थ बाळाच्या किडनी आणि पचनासाठी धोकादायक असू शकतात.
How Much Food Should a 6 Month Baby Eat?
At 6 months:
- 1–2 teaspoons initially
- Slowly increase to 2–3 tablespoons
- 1–2 solid meals per day
Never force-feed. Let baby decide.
Common Mistakes Indian Parents Make
- Starting solids too early
- Adding salt or sugar
- Comparing baby with others
- Force feeding
- Ignoring allergy signs
Signs of Food Allergy
- Rashes
- Vomiting
- Loose motions
- Excessive crying
If any symptom appears, stop food and consult pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I give banana daily?
Yes, but in moderation and observe digestion.
Is cerelac safe?
Homemade food is better. Cerelac can be used occasionally.
Can I give water?
Small sips after meals are fine.
Final Words from Parenting Sutra
Starting solids is a beautiful milestone. Every baby is different. Follow your baby’s cues, keep food simple, and trust your instincts.
Parenting Sutra is here to guide you with practical, Indian, research-backed parenting advice.
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