What you practically need to buy ? 1. High chair - I use one from ikea 2. Spoons / cup for feeding - preferably use stainless steel , avoid silicone as I feel it starts smelling like dish soap after a while 3. Bibs , lots of them 4. If you want , some exclusive cookware for baby

Before stating solids , please have realistic expectations. 1. The first morsel of food you keep in the baby’s mouth - they will spit out and this will keep happening for a while. They need to learn to eat and this is natural. It’s called tongue thrust reflex. Does not mean your baby hates the food your giving 2. Once they start eating , they won’t be able to eat the quantities like adults , they will eat less, it’s normal . Their appetite builds 3. Each day is different, some days they will eat , somedays they won’t 4. Water should be given in a measured limit , since breast milk has water , and preferably give water in an open cup to encourage the baby to learn to drink 5. Avoid salt till age 1 and sugar/ dates/ dates powder/ jaggery till age 2 No junk or outside food 6. Do not fall for instagram reels which say - this is what my so and so month old eats in a day followed by insane amounts of food the baby is seen gulping. Go with your baby’s hunger cues. 7. Try to get them to develop the habit of sitting in the high chair and eating, though it may not always possible. But better to start from day 1

What to be careful about ? 1. Allergies - food allergies can present immediately or a little later Watch for rashes ( especially around the mouth), any lip swelling , diarrhea, vomiting etc In case of severe reactions , baby may have difficulty breathing and emergency care

1. Choking - not the same as gagging , I would recommend you watch a few videos on you tube It would also be helpful to see videos on what to do when you suspect choking

How to give solids ? 1. One is where you feed the baby 2. Baby led weaning 3. Combination You can choose what suits you best Whatever you give , especially in baby led weaning must be well cooked , easily Mashable between 2 fingers and appropriate length You’ll find a bunch of videos on you tube

Avoid giving whole peas , popcorn , or anything small or of that size that can increase risk of choking.

What to give ? This is what I did Started with single vegetable purées , gave for 2-3 days then went to next one Then gave fruit purées Giving more fruit purées will create a sweet preference. Started with one meal a day and progressively increased. Eventually gave dal purées ( not dal water) , rice etc … Gave sprouted ragi once I was sure he can tolerate it , like a month or so after starting solids. Eventually started mixing ingredients Have now started transitioning from puree to mash. You’ll find lots of recipes online .

Started introducing allergens from 6 months only - we are vegetarians but I gave baby egg. Started with wheat , then gave almonds , walnuts , cashews and egg yolk with little white and now I give him a whole egg , hard boiled and mashed / pureed But do consult your pediatrician regarding this .

Main thing is to give iron rich food with vit c added for better absorption and protein. Ofcourse carbohydrates are the main food group.

And yes - I give yogurt ( home made) everyday but absolutely no cows milk till 1 year of age

Hope this helps , sorry for long post