Discover an easy and healthy food chart for 6-month-old infants. Explore nutritious meal ideas, first foods, and safe feeding tips to support your baby’s growth and development.
Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone! Around 6 months of age, most infants are ready to explore foods beyond breast milk or formula. This stage is all about helping your little one discover new tastes and textures while still ensuring that breast milk or formula remains their main source of nutrition.
To make things easier for parents, here’s a simple and healthy food for 6-month-old infants, along with tips to ensure mealtimes are safe, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids
Before starting solids, check for these readiness cues:
- Your baby can sit with little or no support.
- They show interest when you’re eating.
- They no longer push food out with their tongue (reduced tongue-thrust reflex).
- They open their mouth when offered food.
If you’re unsure, consult your pediatrician before introducing solids.
General Guidelines for Feeding a 6-Month-Old
- Start with single-ingredient foods to check for allergies.
- Go slow: offer one new food every 3–4 days.
- Texture matters: start with smooth purees and gradually move toward thicker consistencies.
- No added salt, sugar, or honey: babies’ kidneys and digestive systems are not ready for them.
- Offer small portions (1–2 teaspoons) and increase gradually.
Easy & Healthy Food Chart for Infants (6 Months Old)
Here’s a sample daily food chart you can follow:
Morning (After Breast Milk/Formula)
- Rice Cereal/Porridge: Made with rice powder and breast milk or formula.
- Ragi (Finger Millet) Porridge: Rich in calcium and iron.
Mid-Morning Snack
- Mashed Banana: Easy to digest and naturally sweet.
- Steamed & Mashed Apple: Soft and gentle on the tummy.
Lunch
- Moong Dal Soup: Mildly cooked lentils, strained and thinned.
- Vegetable Puree: Carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potato steamed and blended.
Evening Snack
- Oats Porridge: Smooth and light for babies.
- Pear Puree: Mildly sweet and soothing.
Dinner
- Rice + Moong Dal Khichdi (Thin Consistency) – A wholesome and filling option.
- Steamed Mashed Potato– Soft and creamy, easy to digest.
Foods to Avoid at 6 Months
- Honey (risk of infant botulism).
- Cow’s milk as a main drink (can be used in cooking in small amounts).
- Nuts, popcorn, or whole grapes (choking hazards).
- Sugary foods, fried foods, and packaged snacks.
Tips for Parents
- Consistency is key: Some babies may take time to accept new flavors. Patience is important.
- Make it fun: Smile, talk, and encourage your baby during mealtimes.
- Stay alert: Watch for any signs of allergies like rashes, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Continue breast milk/formula: This should remain your baby’s main source of nutrition until 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Introducing solids at 6 months is the beginning of your baby’s lifelong relationship with food. Keep meals simple, natural, and nutrient-rich. Every baby is different, so don’t stress if your little one eats only a few spoonfuls at first—it’s all part of the learning process.
A gentle, balanced food chart will help your baby grow healthy and strong, while also developing a taste for wholesome foods right from the start.
