The First Bite: a sacred beginning to your baby’s food journey by Dr. Dee | Feminine Systems

She sits up straighter.
She reaches for your plate.
She opens her mouth with curiosity instead of reflex.
It’s time.

Introducing food to your baby isn’t just a milestone—it’s a ceremony.

And with the right rhythm, foods, and reverence, it becomes a portal to lifelong nourishment and self-trust.

When and How to Begin Weaning (IAP Guidelines)

According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, complementary feeding (aka weaning) should start at 6 completed months, while continuing breastfeeding until at least 2 years.

Here’s the rhythm that works best, biologically and emotionally:

Homemade Baby Food Recipes (Simple + Seasonal)

1. Rice Moong Dal Khichdi (6+ months)
• 1 tbsp rice + 1 tbsp moong dal
• Cook until soft with water + tiny pinch of turmeric
• Mash or blend; add a few drops of ghee

2. Ragi Porridge (6+ months)
• 2 tsp sprouted ragi flour
• Mix with water; cook until thick
• Optional: Add expressed breast milk once cooled

3. Mashed Sweet Potato (6+ months)
• Boil or steam sweet potato
• Mash with breastmilk or water
• Add a pinch of jeera powder for flavor

4. Stewed Apple + Cinnamon (7+ months)
• Peel, chop, and steam apple
• Mash with a dash of cinnamon
• Serve warm as a comfort food

5. Soft Idli with Coconut Water (8+ months)
• Soak idli in coconut water, mash to soft texture
• Mild taste, easy to digest

Best Baby Cereals (IAP-Informed Choices)

Homemade is ideal, but you can consider packaged baby cereals that:

• Are fortified with iron
• Have no added sugar, salt, or gums
• Are made from single grains to start with (ragi, rice, wheat, raw banana powder oat, etc.) and gradually introduce combining grains and legumes or nuts

Top Clean Baby Cereal Brands in India (always check ingredients):

• Slurrp Farm – Ragi, Millet mixes
• Early Foods – Sprouted blends with no additives
• Tots & Moms – Regional grains with Ayurvedic touches
• First Solids – Millet mixes inspired by traditional recipes
• Greatbowl’s infant products
• Little Moppet Foods

The Feminine Systems Lens: Why This Is a Ritual

In Feminine Systems, we believe that how food is given is as important as what is given.

• We serve the first bite in silence, with a smile.
• We use silverware, terracotta bowls, or hands—whatever feels ancestral.
• We light a diya, hum a lullaby, or whisper blessings.
• We honor food as initiation and eating as a self-trust practice.

Because feeding a child isn’t just about calories—it’s about coding safety, slowness, and sensory memory into their body.

• Don’t rush this process. Each baby unfolds at their own pace.
• Expect mess. It’s a mark of autonomy, not disobedience.
• Sit with your baby. Make eye contact. Let this be your moment too.

And if you feel overwhelmed—return to your breath.
Return to your bowl.
Return to the system you are creating—a feminine one, rooted in ritual, rhythm, and reverence.