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.

Your baby will grow every day and with each passing day, you will adore your baby even more. While you will be able to see the physical growth, you may not be able to notice the mental growth.

There is a considerable amount of change in your baby’s diet by the time they turn 12 months. At this age, your baby is undergoing development and growth because of which they need a change in their food intake. Moreover, your child is at an exploring age where his/her likes and dislike may vary from time to time. That said, keep these pointers in mind to give your baby the required nutrients at this turning point.

As your child enters his/her second year, a lot has changed. Your toddler has had its first solid meal, he/she has started learning self-feeding methods and has made initial attempts at walking. The baby’s physical and social skills have begun to develop.

The 12-14 months phase in a child's life is an exciting time. The baby now learns to move around and have a greater control over his surrounding including food. During this stage, his motor skills develop at a rapid pace and your toddler would like to touch, smell and taste everything around. As your child immerses in this happy time, support his growth by making healthy food a part of his diet.

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.

At the onset of summer, you realise that your baby’s craving for food reduces considerably. The summer heat makes her grumpy and she refuses to eat. Lack of nutritious food intake could become a cause for constant worry, as it most certainly will affect your little one’s health.