Complementary foods, or MPASI, are essential for babies 6 months and older. Breast milk alone cannot provide all the necessary nutrients as a baby's energy requirements increase. So, it's crucial to introduce complementary feeding as babies prepare for semi-solid foods.
Why is Complementary Feeding Necessary?
Complementary foods are needed to meet a baby's nutritional requirements alongside breast milk. Around six to seven months, babies develop the ability to swallow solid foods. Between eight to twelve months, babies can move their tongue from side to side. Delaying the introduction of complementary foods may lead to difficulties chewing solid foods, as babies lose the ability to hold semi-solid foods on their tongues. Additionally, their digestive system matures to process proteins, starches, and fats. By six to nine months, babies learn hand-to-mouth coordination and are inclined to chew and bite solid food with their developing hard gums.
What Foods Should Be Given to Babies?
The quantity of food a baby needs depends on their energy requirements, and it's advisable to start with small but frequent feedings. As the child grows, the quantity of food can be gradually increased. At 6-8 months, breast milk offers about 600 kcal of the baby's total daily energy needs. They need an additional 200 kcal from complementary foods, which increases to 300 kcal when the baby reaches 9-11 months.
Suitable Complementary Foods for 6-Month-Old Babies Include:
- Easily mashable fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes, and avocados
- Cereals and grains
- Staple foods: Make sure to mash or prepare them to avoid choking hazards gently.
Safety and Cleanliness: Top Priorities
Complementary breast milk or MPASI food must be safe, prepared, and stored with proper hygiene, clean equipment, and served with clean hands. Diarrhea is a common issue in babies, often linked to microbial contamination of food. To prevent this, follow these safety practices:
- Ensure food is fresh.
- Wash hands before feeding the baby.
- Wash the baby's hands to maintain hygiene.
- Clean feeding equipment, such as bottles and teats, to avoid infection.
- For stored food, reheat on the stove before serving.
- Always pay attention to the nutritional value of complementary foods for breast milk.
With these practices, we aim for intelligent, healthy, and happy babies!