1. Liquid Supplements and
2. Solid Supplements
Liquid Supplements
Milk
During the sixth month of life the frequency of breast feeding is reduced to 3 or 4 times per day and animal milk is substituted. The contituents of nutrients in animal milk differs from that of human milk so it is important that the cow's milk is diluted with boiled and cooled water in the proportion of 2:1 for the first feeds. We can gradually reduce the amount of water so that in the course of few weeks the baby receives undiluted animal milk. 225ml of milk per feed is an ideal replacement for babies. Sugar is optional and can be added for taste and to increase calories.Fresh fruit Juice
Oranges, papaya, tomatoes, sweet lime, apple, grapes can be used as a supplement. These fruits have all the essential nutrients absent or not present in sufficient amounts in breast milk as well as in animal milk. Small quantities of fresh fruit juice can be given as small feeds in the 3rd or 4th month of life.
At the first feed, the fruit juice is diluted with an equal amount of boiled water and only about 10ml are fed. The quantity of fruit juice fed is gradually increased and at the same time the dilution with water is decreased. 85ml of orange juice or about 170ml fresh tomato juice is served in a week. The quantity of tomato juice is doubled since it does not contain the same proportion of nutrients as orange juice.
Green leafy vegetable soup
Green leafy vegetables may be used as an alternative for fresh fruits. Strained soup can be given first and unstrained soup later on.Fish liver oil
Fish liver oils are good source of vitamin A and D. A few drops of fish liver oil mixed in small quantity of milk can be given to infants.Solid Supplements (Mashed)
Solid supplements are started around 7th or 8th month of life. The infant is ready during this period because it is already receiving animal milk, fruit juice or vegetable soup and fish liver oil.Cereal and starchy gruels
Well cooked mashed cereals mixed with milk and sugar can be given to meet the increasing demands of calories and protein. Malted wheat and ragi are best Calorie dense cereals.Vegetables
Potato, green leafy vegetables and carrots can be cooked and mashed and introduced to get vitamins and minerals in the diet.Fruits
All fruits must be stewed and sieved for one year old baby. Banana is an exception and it must be mashed. After the first year the fruits can be simply stewed, with the addition of little sugar and lime juice for flavour.Pulses
Pulse and meat preparations can be given on alternate days.Non-vegetarian foods
Hard boiled egg yolk is given in small amounts to start with non-vegetarian and if the infant tolerates, the amount may be gradually increased to a complete yolk of an egg. Egg yolk serves as a good source of vitamin A, iron and protein. Egg white is not given until the infant is 8 to 10 months old, because of the frequency of allergic reaction. The whole egg can be given to the baby at the age of one year. It may be soft boiled or poached.Minced and cooked meat or boiled fish may be fed 3 to 4 times a week after adding salt.
Solid Supplements (Unmashed)
Best time to start chopped and lumpy foods is when the baby starts cutting his teeth. Cooked cereals, pulses and vegetables, solids like idli, idiappam, bread, chappathi, rice and dal can be given after the baby gets used to semi-solids.Vegetables may be nicely chopped into small pieces, and boiled. Cooked and mashed potato can be given. Leafy vegetables can be given well boiled and soft after a year. A slice of raw carrot can be given daily to avoid any eye problems. Fruits with all skin and seeds removed is a good exercise for the gums. As the child grows, give lots of fruits since it provedes bulk in the diet and is good for bowel movement.
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