In the early days of birth, babies are only allowed to consume breast milk, aka exclusive breastfeeding. However, when the baby is 6 months old, you need to provide additional intake, namely complementary food for breast milk (MPASI), so that the baby’s nutrition can be optimally fulfilled.
In addition, the reasons why babies can eat at the age of 6 months are:
- Its development has reached the stage where it is ready to eat, such as being able to sit steadily and having good coordination between the eyes, hands and mouth.
- He is already able to move food from side to side in the mouth, chew and swallow better.
Keep in mind, Mums, at the beginning of giving MPASI, babies are still in the concept stage of knowing food. So, how much food you enter, don’t worry too much. Most importantly, the foods that you introduce are rich in nutrients, guided by balanced nutrition, and are age-appropriate, both in terms of portion, texture, and frequency of eating.
What are the signs that a baby is ready to be given solids?
Apart from reaching 6 months of age, there are several main signs that indicate a baby is ready to be given solids, namely:
- Starting to be able to sit up straight without assistance.
- Already able to control the neck and head.
- Coordination between eyes, hands and mouth is good, so he can look at the food, pick it up, and put it in his mouth.
- Can move food from spoon to mouth, then swallow it.
- Opens mouth when he sees a spoon or food brought to his mouth.
- Gives hunger signals, for example reaching for food that is nearby.
What Needs to Look For?
Even though they can eat, the baby’s ability to eat is not optimal. He is still prone to choking. His stomach is still very small, so he doesn’t need to eat large portions.
With age, the frequency, portion, and texture of complementary foods will change too, Mums:
|
Age |
Texture |
Frequency |
Dose |
|
6-9 months |
Puree texture (filtered), then gradually turn into crushed until smooth (mashed). |
2-3 times a day with an additional 1-2 snacks between large meals. |
2-3 tablespoons at a time, then slowly ½ cup measuring 250 ml. |
|
9-12 months |
Texture ranging from finely chopped (minced), coarsely chopped (chopped), and handheld (finger food). |
3-4 times and 1-2 times snack between big meals. |
½ cup measuring 250 ml. |
|
12-24 months |
Can already be given family food with the texture of chopped or mashed as needed. |
3-4 times and 1-2 times snack between big meals |
Increase gradually to ¾ of a 250 ml bowl at one time. |
How to Prepare the Right MPASI
As previously mentioned, the texture of baby solids really needs attention. Because if it is not according to its age stage, the baby will have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, and his stomach will have difficulty digesting food. One-one, he is at risk of choking and experiencing digestive problems.
Pigeon Home Baby Food Maker can help mums prepare baby solids according to their practical development. With 1 tool, you can get 6 benefits, including:
- Squeeze fruit, such as oranges and lemons.
- Grind food and filter it.
- Grate fruits and vegetables.
- Mash food.
- Smoothes the texture of food to be softer.
- Become a MPASI container.
Pigeon Home Baby Food Maker is also very compact and portable, which can be stacked on top of each other, making it easy to store and carry around. Mums don’t need to worry about the hassle of compiling it because there is a small dot on each product to indicate the order in which it is prepared. Pigeon Home Baby Food Maker is also equipped with a spoon. No less important, this product is BPA-free, Mums!
There are also some tips for mothers regarding giving complementary foods to babies:
- Remember that every baby’s condition is different. Some are enthusiastic and eat voraciously, while others need time to adapt to the taste and texture of food. There are those who gorge themselves today, they are lazy to eat tomorrow, and there are those who suddenly refuse to eat at all. This is normal. Therefore, you must be patient and always encourage your baby during the feeding session.
- Watch for signs of satiety and hunger from the baby. When full or not interested in eating, he will usually cover his mouth or look away. If so, then stop the eating session. If you feed your baby with a spoon, then wait until he opens his mouth, then feed him. Do not force the baby to eat or finish the food.
- Sometimes, it takes 10 tries or more to introduce one food type, taste or texture.
- Let the baby touch and grip the food, hold the spoon, or eat alone. Even though it will definitely end up falling apart, this is important for its development, yes, Mums.
- Avoid distractions, such as television, gadgets or toys, during the feeding session.
- Invite the baby to eat together, so he is more excited about learning to eat.
So, Mums’ provisions for welcoming the baby’s first MPASI stage are complete, OK? Have a nice new phase with the Fruit of the Heart! (US)
Reference
NHS: Your baby’s first solid foods
CDC: When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
IDAI: Providing Complementary Food for Breast Milk (MPASI)
