There are lot of questions from worried mothers that their toddlers does not chew their food and eat, If given food to chew they end up vomiting. Weaning between 6 to 9 months is very important, The food habits we instill around that time is what they are going to follow and it's going to make a huge difference in future. There are few myths we need ditch and move on. <br> Myth : Babies can't chew because they still don't have teeth. Fact: Babies can very well chew with their strong gums, as early as 6 months. They can chew soft rotis, paranthas, dosa, idly, handsmashed rice, murmura, steamed vegetables, thinly sliced fruits and so on. Start offering all these to your babies and be surprised what all they can eat with their gums, make sure to offer bite sized pieces and not big ones which might choke or gag them. <br> Myth: Babies should be given only pureed food or food grinded in mixie. <br> Fact : By end of 7 months purees should be stopped, and handsmashed foods should be introduced. By not giving textures you are restricting the baby only to gulp down the food. Start offering handsmashed and other textures, Babies are smart enough to manipulate the texture and eat accordingly. If you are going to give purees then they will not learn to bite or chew. Myth : Babies should be given only 2 flavours that is salt and sugar. <br> Fact : Till their 1st birthday they should not be given salt and sugar, however other flavours can be given. Breast milk and formula milk is already sweet so they know what is sweet. <br> Start offering flavours like pepper, lemon, tamarind added foods. Babies like to eat different flavours. Offer whatever you cook for the family without salt and sugar, Adjust the spice level according to the baby. <br> I have a 14 month old with 0 teeth, I repeat 0 teeth. But she can can bite all the vegetables, fruits, well cooked meat. She has been exposed to textures, flavours, aroma from 6 months. She drinks porridges, chews her ommlete and eats her well cooked rice. So trust your babies and offer textures. <br> Note : There is a condition where few babies cannot chew and eat at all, they will vomit food if given without pureeing. This needs attention, need to consult occupational therapist.

Sangita Cerelac is not at all required for the baby, please offer family food. Whatever you all eat as a family, adjust the spice level according to the baby. Cerelac is full of sugar and preservatives not good for the baby, and it does not offer any texture to the baby.

2 spoon