The Growth and Development of Your Little One

Grains are an inseparable part of our diet. Every Indian household has grains like oatmeal, wheat, rice, etc. because of its nutritional value. These grains are great sources of macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that are necessary for meeting certain nutritional requirements of your body. Whole grains like these also make great first food for babies. To keep up with the growth of babies, you need foods that can provide adequate nutrition and support their growth and development.

The way we lead our lives today is quite different from the lifestyle we led decades ago. Today, the world is getting competitive day by day, resulting in a hectic daily routine. Preparing your kid for a life means laying a strong foundation of a healthy body and mind. And, this includes a nutritious diet. One of the foods that can fulfill your baby’s nutrient requirements for a strong body and mind, is ragi.

During the initial months of infancy, a baby’s nutrient requirement increases. Both, macro and micronutrients are required in prescribed amounts for healthy growth.

Your baby is growing quickly and this is the ideal time to introduce complex cereals and food to support his healthy growth. At 9-12 months, include lumpy and soft cooked food in your baby’s diet. Along with solids, ensure that you continue with breastmilk as it provides nutrients for the baby’s growth and development.

For the first six months, breastmilk is the source of nourishment for your baby. It provides nutrition in the form of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in just the right amount for your baby. As babies grow and reach 6 months of age, complimentary food becomes a part of their diet. As parents, paying attention to your baby’s readiness for food will help you get started with complimentary food. Every baby develops at its own pace, so identify the signs and introduce new foods and textures, accordingly.

The first few months after the baby is born are easy on the parents as far as feeding is concerned. Breast milk is an ‘easy-to-digest’ option that provide the baby with essential nutrients in the initial period up to 12 months. An important point to be taken into consideration is that breast milk keeps the baby safe from infections. Post 6 months, the act of feeding the baby becomes challenging as the nutritional demands of the baby increase with growth. Note that breast milk should not be discontinued from the sixth month onwards. 

A baby’s needs are basic- food, sleep, play and love. However, it is essential to know what your baby requires when, and how much of it.

You might have observed your little one toying with a bowl of food, trying to use a spoon or grasping a fork. This is an indication that the baby is exploring its environment, and more importantly, attempting to learn and eat on its own.

As your little one grows, solid food eventually becomes their source of nutrients for development and growth. Taste preferences are formed at an early stage in life and getting your baby used to new textures and colours can sometimes be a task. But as a parent, you have the ability to instil the habit of healthy eating right from 6 months of age. You can introduce foods like vegetables and fruits with varied colours and texture.