Can one start semi solids to baby with Ragi porridge? - Dr. Shaheena Athif

Weaning usually starts by 6 months and in South India the most common staple food started for the babies is Ragi. Ragi or the finger millet as what we say is very beneficial for the baby and it contains good amount of calcium and iron, which is very helpful for the growing stage of the baby, also it contains a lot of fiber for clearing all the gastrointestinal bowel movements and helps in the proper bowel movements in the child and it does not contain any gluten. Some children, very less likely in the Indian population but more in the Western population, they are gluten allergic. Ragi is usually safe as it does not cause any allergic reactions in the body. However some babies may have constipation and this is due to decreased water intake while taking solid food. There is a myth that ragi is very cold for the body and it should be avoided when the child has any respiratory infections like common cold, cough etc that is not true to full extent. As the child, any of the food for that matter does not increase the phlegm or any mucus secretions in the body but if the chest congestion is more we always say to reduce the solid amount in babies and to increase the liquid content. So during this time you can make them again in liquid form and give or increase the amount of plain water also.