- July 30, 2024
- 12:02 PM
Introducing spices to your baby can enhance their taste preferences and provide various health benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you safely incorporate traditional Indian spices into your baby’s diet.
Tips for Introducing Spices
- Start Slowly: Introduce one spice at a time and observe for any allergic reactions.
- Mix with Familiar Foods: Mix new spices with foods your baby already enjoys.
- Consistency: Use ground spices or make a fine paste to avoid choking hazards.
- Watch for Reactions: Always watch for any signs of allergy or intolerance.
Age 6-8 Months
Spice: Turmeric (Haldi)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a pinch of turmeric to pureed vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.
Spice: Cumin (Jeera)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Aids digestion.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a pinch of cumin powder to mashed lentils (dal) or vegetables.
Age 8-10 Months
Spice: Coriander (Dhaniya)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and helps in digestion.
Recipe Suggestion: Sprinkle a pinch of coriander powder into soups or purees.
Spice: Fennel (Saunf)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Helps with digestion and reduces colic.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a pinch of fennel powder to apple puree or rice pudding.
Age 10-12 Months
Spice: Ginger (Adrak)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Helps with digestion and reduces nausea.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a pinch of grated ginger to vegetable soups or lentil dishes.
Spice: Cardamom (Elaichi)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Helps in digestion and has a soothing effect.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a pinch of cardamom powder to porridge or mashed bananas.
Spice: Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
Quantity: A tiny pinch
Benefits: Improves digestion and has antioxidant properties.
Recipe Suggestion: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of black pepper on scrambled eggs or vegetable soups.
Spice: Garlic (Lahsun)
Quantity: A tiny pinch
Benefits: Boosts immunity and has antibacterial properties.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a tiny pinch of crushed garlic to lentil soups or vegetable dishes.
Age 12 Months and Above
Spice: Cinnamon (Dalchini)
Quantity: A pinch
Benefits: Regulates blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Recipe Suggestion: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on oatmeal or yogurt.
Spice: Cloves (Laung)
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Antibacterial and aids digestion.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a small pinch of clove powder to soups or stews.
Spice: Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Helps with sleep and digestion.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a small pinch of nutmeg to mashed sweet potatoes or milk.
Spice: Mustard Seeds (Rai)
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Good source of vitamins and minerals.
Recipe Suggestion: Temper a small pinch of mustard seeds in oil and add to cooked vegetables or dal.
Spice: Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
Quantity: A tiny pinch
Benefits: Boosts metabolism.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a tiny pinch of red chili powder to lentil soups or vegetable curries.
Spice: Garam Masala
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a small pinch of garam masala to chole or rajma for a flavorful meal.
Spice: Sambar Masala
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Rich in various spices, provides complex flavor.
Recipe Suggestion: Add a small pinch of sambar masala to lentil soups or vegetable stews.
Spice: Amchoor Powder
Quantity: A small pinch
Benefits: Adds tanginess and is rich in vitamins.
Recipe Suggestion: Sprinkle a small pinch of amchoor powder on cooked vegetables or salads.
For personalized assistance with introducing solids or enhancing your child’s eating habits, explore our 1:1 Support, MasterClass Or Meal Guides
