In addition to choosing the right MPASI menu, the cleanliness of the MPASI equipment should not go unnoticed by Mother. If this is neglected, solid food can be contaminated with viruses and bacteria that can make your little one sick. Find out tips for keeping MPASI equipment clean here, come on, Bun!
Babies are more susceptible to various diseases because their immune systems have not worked as optimally as adults. If the baby is often exposed to infections, growth and development can be disrupted. This is the reason why the cleanliness of the baby's body and equipment, including the complementary feeding equipment, must always be maintained properly.
How to Keep MPASI Equipment Clean
Contamination of bacteria, viruses or bacteria in food can cause various diseases in infants, ranging from thrush, vomiting, to diarrhea. To prevent your little one from experiencing this condition, let's apply the following ways to keep the MPASI equipment clean:
1. Wash your hands before touching the solid food equipment
Make sure your hands are clean before touching and cleaning the complementary feeding equipment. This method is very important to do to prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria from Mother's hands to the Little One's eating utensils. Wash your hands with running water and soap for 20 seconds.
2. Use baby dish soap
Do not use dish soap that is made of harsh chemicals or contains bleach because it can cause the solid food to peel and damage.
Mothers are advised to use laundry soap that is specially formulated to clean baby eating utensils. The content in this laundry soap is gentler than ordinary dish soap.
3. Use a special sponge or brush
We recommend that a sponge or brush for washing MPASI tools be separated from other equipment, Bun. This is done so that bacteria from other eating utensils do not transfer to the MPASI equipment. In addition, immediately wash the MPASI tool after use and don't stack it with other dirty equipment, OK?
4. Sterilize MPASI equipment
Mothers do not need to always sterilize MPASI equipment after each use, because sterilization that is too frequent can actually damage the surface of the MPASI equipment.
Sterilization is only needed if the complementary feeding device has just been purchased or has been used by another baby. However, sterilization can be done once a day if your child is sick or has a weak immune system.
Sterilizing MPASI equipment can be done by immersing it in a container filled with boiling hot water. Do not mix water with any soap because it can scrape the surface of the solid food tool.
Use filtered water and avoid using tap water because it is feared that it may contain mineral deposits that might damage the complementary feeding equipment.
First of all, heat the water on the stove until it really boils. For tools made of plastic, glass, or metal, sterilize in boiling water with the fire turned off. If the fire is still burning, it is feared that the MPASI utensil will touch the bottom of a very hot pan, then it will break or melt.
MPASI tool made from stainless steel can be sterilized over boiling water with the fire still burning for 10 minutes. After that, close the container and leave it until the water cools down.
If you want something more practical and guaranteed cleanliness, you can use a tool sterilizer. In addition to MPASI equipment, this tool can also sterilize milk bottles or baby toys.
5. Dry and store the MPASI equipment in an airtight place
After being washed or sterilized, dry the complementary feeding equipment using a tissue or by allowing it to dry on its own. Avoid using rags or dish towels that are used repeatedly because they can cause bacterial and viral contamination.
Store MPASI equipment in closed containers and separate from other eating utensils. This is very important to do so that MPASI equipment is always clean and not contaminated by dust or dirt that can stick to the air around it.
When washing solid food utensils, check all surfaces and make sure nothing is cracked or damaged. Besides being able to injure your little one, a damaged MPASI tool is a more ideal place for bacteria to breed. So, if any MPASI equipment is damaged, you should replace it with a new one, Bun.
Keeping MPASI equipment clean can be one way to prevent children from getting sick. Therefore, apply the tips above so that the cleanliness of the baby's complementary feeding equipment is always maintained.
If your little one has certain conditions that cause their immune system to be weaker or may need special complementary foods, don't hesitate to consult a doctor regarding how to keep these solid complementary foods clean.
