When the baby is 6 months old, complementary feeding can be started. nowBefore that, Mother needs to know the 6 month baby's feeding schedule so that the complementary feeding to the little one can run smoothly.
Entering the age of 6 months, babies can be given complementary foods (MPASI). Apart from having the digestive tract ready for solid food, the reflexes of a 6 month old baby have also developed quite well.
Babies aged 6 months generally have good tongue reflexes, can hold their heads up well, and can also sit up straight. Some of these characteristics indicate that the baby is ready to be introduced to solid food.
Setting a 6 Month Baby Feeding Schedule
Complementary foods that are started at 6 months of age should be given gradually. Therefore, Mother needs to prepare a baby's eating schedule, so that he can adapt to changes in the type and texture of his food.
The following is a 6 month baby feeding schedule recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia:
- 06.00-07.00: Breast milk, as much as the baby wants.
- 09.00-10.00: Puree fruit, as much as 2-3 tablespoons.
- 12.00-12.30: Breast milk, as much as the baby wants.
- 14.00-15.00: Puree fruit, as much as 2-3 tablespoons.
- 5:30-18:00: Breast milk, as much as the baby wants.
- 20.00-21.00: Breast milk, as much as the baby wants.
It should be noted that the feeding schedule for a 6 month baby may be different for each baby, but the intervals for giving it are approximately the same, ie 6-8 times a day. Mothers can experiment to find the most suitable time for the little one.
Tips for Starting Complementary Feeding
Here are some tips for giving complementary foods that are included in a 6 month baby's feeding schedule:
- If your little one refuses the solids you give them, try waiting a few minutes or a few days. If your little one is still not interested, you don't need to worry, because during this period, complementary foods are still complementary foods and not the main intake for babies.
- If your little one wants to eat one type of solid food, wait up to 3 days before introducing another type of solid food. This time span is needed to see if the baby has an allergy to the food.
- When introducing MPASI, you can mix crushed fruit and vegetables with breast milk. This mixing aims to make the texture of the solid food softer so that it is easily digested by the baby.
- So that the solids are richer in taste, you can add a little salt and sugar to it.
- When giving MPASI, you can feed your baby water as a distraction, to help your little one swallow.
- Avoid giving honey or cow's milk to your little one. Both can only be given when he is 1 year old.
- Research the MPASI menu guide that is widely circulated, for example, MPASI 4 stars. Consult with a doctor first to ensure the safety of this guide.
In addition to doing the tips above, you can also consult a doctor to plan a 6 month baby's feeding schedule and what types of food are good to give when introducing complementary foods. In addition, remember to keep an eye on your little one while eating, so he doesn't choke.