Maccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), time The right time to give complementary foods to breast milk is when the baby is 6 months old. Mfood given even should in accordance portions and nutrients needed at that age.
WHO recommends that complementary foods (MPASI) given must contain proportional carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins and minerals. This is important for babies who are experiencing a period of growth. In addition, food processing and serving needs to be done hygienically to minimize the risk of contamination with bacteria and dirt.
Recommended Complementary Food Menu
Maybe many parents are confused about what menu to give as complementary foods to breast milk. Some of the guidelines below may be used as a benchmark to overcome this confusion.
- Msimple mealSimple food here means food made from only one ingredient without added sugar or salt. It is recommended to wait 3-5 days before introducing the next new food. That way, if your little one experiences a reaction in the form of vomiting, diarrhea or allergies, parents can recognize it and no longer give this type of food to him.
- baby cerealOther complementary foods that can be given to babies are baby cereals. This cereal is the food of choice for many parents. How to make it simply by mixing a tablespoon of cereal with 60 ml (4 tablespoons) of breast milk or formula.
- Porridge meat, vegetables, or fruitWhen the baby is familiar with complementary foods, parents can start introducing porridge made from meat, vegetables or fruit. The introduction of this type of porridge should also be done gradually. So that the baby is not surprised, vary the provision of porridge made from meat, vegetables or fruit every five servings. We recommend that the porridge served does not contain salt or sugar.
- Finely chopped foodThe majority of babies aged 8-10 months can already eat solid foods that are finely chopped in mini portions. Some foods that can be served this way are soft-textured fruits, vegetables, pasta, cheese, and cooked meats.
- Foods that contain substancesbesi dan zincBoth of these nutrients are very important for the growth and development of your little one. So, don't forget to give your little one complementary foods that contain these two nutrients, such as meat, eggs, fish, and kidney beans.
The frequency of complementary feeding will increase as the baby approaches one year of age, where the baby may already be able to eat three times a day. In addition, parents can also provide snacks in the form of small pieces or mashed to the Little One.
Giving Complementary Foods for Breastfeeding Must Be Patient
For six months of his life, the little one is always given breast milk or formula milk. It's normal for babies to refuse food other than what they normally eat. When the baby refuses or is not very interested in the food given, parents need not worry because this adaptation process will not last long.
Introduce new foods one at a time. Wait a few days before your little one is introduced to the next new food. Thus, parents can identify any foods that can cause allergies in babies.
Parental patience is important, considering this is a transition period from exclusively breastfeeding to solid foods. This transition period is a very vulnerable time. If this period can not be passed smoothly, then the baby can be malnourished.
Providing complementary foods with breast milk is one of the keys to supporting the growth and development of infants. Therefore, parents need to prepare these foods according to the nutrients their little ones need.
If you have tried giving various types of food but your little one still doesn't want to eat, or if you have difficulty determining the right complementary food for breast milk, you can consult a pediatrician.
