How to change food consistency and type for a growing child?

• At 6 months of age, start with pureed, mashed, and semi-solid foods.
• Most infants can eat “finger foods” around 8 months.
• Most children can eat the family foods by the end of 1 year.
• Avoid foods that may be lodged in the windpipe (such as nuts, grapes, and raw carrots) and can result in choking.

A combination of continued breastfeeding for at least 1- 1.5 years along with timely and adequate complementary feeding is the most reliable option to provide optimum nutrition to the child. As the child grows, increase the number of times that the child is fed: 2–3 meals per day for infants 6–8 months of age and 3–4 meals per day for infants 9–23 months of age, with 1–2 additional snacks as required; use fortified complementary foods or vitamin-mineral supplements as needed and gradually increase food consistency and variety. Over and above the nutritional benefits, complementary feeding can strengthen the bond between children and their parents.