By Monalisa Mehrotra
Starting solids – decidedly one of the most exciting milestones for new moms is also a time of experimentation and uncertainty. What would be the best food to start with, how many meals a day does a 6-month-old need?
There are certain signs of readiness which you can keep an eye out for, which will help you decide if your baby is ready for that first exciting spoonful of mush:
- Baby is around 6 months old
- Baby can hold his head up in a steady, upright position
- Baby can sit up without support
- Baby has lost her ‘tongue-thrust reflex’ – babies tend to naturally push out anything that’s put into their mouths with their tongue, including the first spoonfuls of food you will offer her.
- Baby can pick up an object with her forefinger and thumb
- The baby looks at the food you are holding with interest and occasionally tries to grab at whatever he sees you eating
- Baby still looks hungry after a full day’s feeding of breast milk
Softer textures are very important when introducing solids to your baby. Infants usually start with pureed or mashed foods around six months. As infants develop chewing and motor skills, they are able to handle items like soft pieces of fruit and finger foods. As the child ages, a variety of healthful foods is encouraged.
Apple and oat are very nutritious and high fiber foods, together make a hearty nutritious meal for your baby. Rather than giving as plain apple porridge for babies or oats porridge for babies, this combo works out great. Oats are considered one of the least allergic foods, hence it can be introduced as the first food for your baby. This porridge tastes good even plain without adding any additional natural sweetener as it has a natural sweetness from the apples.
Flavorful, filling, healthy, and made from all clean ingredients this apple oats recipe is fit if you are planning on introducing solids to your baby. Did I forget to mention that it can be prepared in less than 10 minutes. This is my all-time favorite go-to recipe for a quick breakfast.
Sathu Maavu | 100% Natural Porridge Mix |
The possibilities if this recipe are basically endless. If your little one likes it the recipe with apple, you can try the same recipe using other fruits too.
PS: Do not use sour tasting apples to make the porridge.
Apple Oats Recipe:
Ingredients:
1. 3 Scoops of Slurrp Farm Organic Oats Cereal
2. 1/4 Cup grated apple
3. One teaspoon Slurrp Farm Nut Powder
4. 150 ml water
Watch the video:
Method:
1. Wash Apple well in running water. Peel and discard the skin of the apple.
2. Take the help of a garter and finely grate the Apple.
3. Take 150ml of boiled and cooled water in a pan, add 3 scoops of oats cereal to it and mix well to remove any lumps and cook.
4. Also add 1 teaspoon Nut Powder to it (omit this if your child is allergic to nuts)
5. Add the grated Apple to the mixture.
6. Cook on a low flame, stirring constantly for 2 to 5 minutes till the mixture comes to a boil.
7. Switch off the gas, transfer into a bowl and cool the cereal before you feed your baby.
Note: Each baby is different, so it’s a good idea to discuss your baby’s weaning schedule with your doctor. Do talk with your pediatrician about the risk of food allergies as Oats are not gluten free.