The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued updated guidelines recommending semi-solid foods over watery options like ‘dal kaa pani’ when introducing complementary foods to infants at six months of age. The guidelines advise starting with thin porridge (dal gruel) for the initial 4-5 days and gradually thickening it to a slurry consistency, achieved through thorough mashing or pureeing of foods. This approach aims to support the introduction of complementary foods in a manner that aligns with infants’ developmental readiness and nutritional needs. These guidelines, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition, are part of a broader initiative to provide Indians across different age groups with recommendations for making healthier food choices.
“Do not give watery foods such as dal kaa paani, instead give mashed pulse/dals of a thicker consistency,” states the medical research body.
According to the ICMR guidelines, when infants spit out semi-solid or mashed foods, it may not necessarily indicate dislike for the food. Instead, it could be part of their learning process to swallow. The act of spitting out food is a normal developmental stage for infants as they are still learning to coordinate the swallowing reflex. The guidelines suggest that regularly feeding semi-solid foods helps infants achieve physiological maturity in swallowing such textures. Therefore, parents should not interpret spitting out food as a sign of rejection but rather as a natural step in the infant’s development.
“The fact is that an infant cannot achieve full coordination needed for the act of swallowing and hence, brings out the food by movements of the tongue). Therefore, it is important to start feeding with semi-solid foods in small quantity (two or three teaspoons).”
Complementary Foods:
Complementary foods refer to solid or semi-solid foods introduced to an infant’s diet alongside breast milk or formula milk when they reach around 6 months of age. While breast milk or formula milk provides essential nutrients for the first few months of life, it becomes insufficient to meet the growing energy and nutritional needs of the infant as they approach 6 months. Complementary foods help bridge this nutritional gap by providing additional energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal growth and development. These foods typically include pureed fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products, tailored to the infant’s developmental readiness and nutritional requirements. Introducing complementary foods at the right time and in appropriate amounts is crucial for supporting the infant’s growth and transitioning them to a varied and balanced diet as they continue to grow.
Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods, Avoid Sugary and Salty Options:
The guidelines recommend including nutrient-dense foods in an infant’s diet, such as cereals, oil seeds, nuts, milk, vegetables, and fruits. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients necessary for the infant’s growth and development. Additionally, protein-rich foods like flesh foods (e.g., poultry, fish, meat) and eggs, as well as plant-based sources like lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, cowpeas, and black gram, are advised to ensure adequate protein intake.
However, the guidelines caution against giving infants fruit juices and sugar-sweetened beverages due to their high sugar content and lack of nutritional value. Instead, fresh fruit juices or fresh fruit purees are recommended as healthier alternatives. It’s also emphasized that no sugar or salt should be added to complementary foods, as infants’ taste preferences are still developing, and excessive salt and sugar consumption can lead to health issues later in life.
Suggested foods for infants:
The suggested foods for infants in different age groups are tailored to their developmental readiness and nutritional needs:
For 6-8 month-olds:
- Carrot puree
- Pumpkin puree
- Spinach puree
- Potato puree
- Apple puree
- Grated boiled egg
- Mashed fish
For 9-12 month-olds:
- Grated mixed vegetables
- Egg pudding
- Eggnog
For babies of 1 year and above:
- Plain dalia (broken wheat porridge)
- Boiled egg
- Vegetable khichdi (rice and lentil porridge with vegetables)
These foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates, providing infants with the energy and nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. It’s important to introduce new foods gradually, monitor for any signs of allergies, and ensure that the food texture is appropriate for the infant’s age and stage of development. Additionally, maintaining a varied diet and offering a wide range of foods can help expose infants to different tastes and textures, fostering healthy eating habits later in life.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
