At 6 months, most babies are ready to begin solid foods so a question – How to Start Food for 6 Months Baby – becomes normal. So, while continuing breastmilk or formula. Key readiness signs include sitting with support, interest in food, and loss of tongue-thrust reflex. Start with iron-rich foods like rice or ragi porridge, mashed fruits (banana, apple), and moong dal khichdi. Offer tiny amounts (1–2 spoons) once a day, and gradually increase texture and frequency. Avoid honey, salt, sugar, and cow’s milk as main drink before age 1. Follow safe practices from trusted sources like WHO, AAP, and NHS.

What all we will cover in the blog?

Why 6 Months Is the Right Time

  1. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, then gradual solids.
  2. AAP advises iron- and zinc-rich foods early to prevent anemia.
  3. Introducing solids too early (<4 months) raises risks of choking, allergies, and digestive issues.
  4. Delaying beyond 7 months may increase picky eating and nutrient deficiencies.

Know about detailed – 6 Month Baby Food Guide

Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids

  • Can sit with little support
  • Holds head steady
  • Shows interest in your food
  • Opens mouth when offered a spoon
  • Doubled birth weight

Brain Food for Babies: What to Feed Your 6-Month-Old

How to Start Brain Food for 6 Months Baby

How to start food for 6 months baby (Indian Diet Focus)

At this stage, breastmilk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition, but soft complementary foods provide extra iron and energy. Offer simple Indian first foods such as ragi or rice porridge, mashed banana, apple puree, moong dal khichdi, and steamed vegetables. Begin with 1–2 spoons once a day, increase gradually, and watch for hunger and fullness cues. Always seat the baby upright and avoid honey, salt, and sugar.

👉 Get detailed guidance : Weight Gain Foods for 6 Month Baby

First food to be introduced –

Iron-rich & easy to digest:

  • Rice porridge or ragi (finger millet) porridge with breastmilk/formula
  • Moong dal khichdi (thin consistency)
  • Mashed banana or steamed apple puree
  • Steamed pumpkin, carrot, or sweet potato mash

Vitamin C boosters:

  • Small portions of mashed papaya, mango, or orange (helps iron absorption)

Protein & probiotics:

Curd/yogurt in small amounts (avoid flavored/sweetened types)

Reference: NHS recommends starting with soft fruits, vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals at 6 months.

Know about how much quantity food is good for 6 month old baby

start 6 month

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Food

Step 1: Pick the right time of day

Start when baby is calm, not too hungry or tired. Morning or mid-day is best.

Step 2: Begin with small portions

Offer 1–2 teaspoons (soft puree).

Step 3: One new food at a time

Wait 2–3 days before introducing another food. Watch for rashes, vomiting, diarrhea.

Step 4: Texture progression

  • Weeks 1–2: smooth puree
  • Weeks 3–4: mashed, slightly lumpy
  • By 7 months: thicker, semi-solid; soft finger foods

Step 5: Frequency

  • Start: once a day
  • By end of 6th month: 2 small meals/day
  • By 7 months: 2–3 meals/day

Detailed 6 Month baby Food Chart

What Not to Give at 6 Months

Avoid honey (risk of botulism), salt, sugar, and cow’s milk as a main drink before age one. Stay clear of hard foods like nuts or raw apple chunks to prevent choking. Skip packaged or processed foods with additives, fresh, simple meals are safest.

  • Honey (botulism risk until 12 months)
  • Salt and sugar (strain on kidneys, dental risk)
  • Cow’s milk as main drink (safe after 1 year, but can use in cooking)
  • Whole nuts, popcorn, raw apple chunks (choking hazards)

Practical Feeding Tips for Parents

Feeding your 6 month old works best when baby sits upright, using a small spoon instead of bottles. Keep meals short, calm, and never force, mess and refusals are normal. Maintain hygiene, and offer tiny sips of water with solids.

  • Sit baby upright in a high chair, never feed lying down.
  • Use a soft baby spoon, not a bottle for solids.
  • Keep feeding time under 15 minutes, don’t force.
  • Expect mess and rejections—patience is key.
  • Offer water in small sips from open cup.
  • Maintain hygiene: wash hands, utensils, and fruits thoroughly.

FAQs

Q1. How to start food for 6 months baby?
Start with 1–2 spoons of iron-rich foods once a day. Increase slowly while keeping milk as primary nutrition.

Q2. What is the best first food for 6 month old baby?
Ragi porridge, rice cereal, banana, apple puree, and moong dal khichdi are safe options.

Q3. How much food for 6 month baby?
Start with teaspoons; by 7 months aim for 2–3 small meals/day.

Q4. Can 6 month old have water?
Yes, a few teaspoons with meals. Avoid juices and sweetened drinks.

Q5. Is curd safe for 6 month baby?
Yes, plain curd is safe during daytime in small portions.

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