Question
Can a 29-month-old baby eat mixed grains and yams, and other foods? The child is in good health, and I want to add red beans, Job’s tears, mung beans, black beans, corn noodles, etc., as well as yam puree and potato puree. Is that okay?
Answer
A 5-month-old baby is not suitable for eating mixed grains and yams due to their immature digestive systems, which may not be able to absorb these grains properly. To prepare for weaning, it is recommended to gradually increase the proportion of rice-based foods, aiming to have the child transition to a diet mainly consisting of rice by the time they are 18 months old, with at least half of the food being rice. By the time the baby is 8 months old, most babies can eat delicate and soft foods such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Some babies can even eat slightly coarser foods like buns and bread that require some chewing. It is personally advised that when feeding a 5-month-old, one should first pay attention to safety and hygiene. Since the baby’s digestive system is still growing and improving, it is quite fragile, and what adults can eat may not be easily digested by children. Therefore, food should neither be too hot nor too cold, and the flavor should not be too strong; it should definitely not be too sour, salty, spicy, or greasy. All foods should be hygienic; fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed, and rice must be cooked at high temperatures to ensure they are completely safe.
