Baby food can generally be given when the baby is 6 months old. Mothers can start introducing baby food to your little one at that age so that he gets used to eating solid food. However, do it gradually and choose baby food according to your little one's age.
The main source of nutrition and intake for infants is breast milk (ASI). If it is not possible to breastfeed, the baby can be given formula milk. Well, after 6 months of age, babies can be introduced to complementary foods (MPASI) so that they get used to eating solid foods.
There are several signs that you can recognize as your little one's readiness to eat solid food, such as starting to lose the pushing reflex on your little one's tongue, he can sit up straight and maintain the position of his head and neck, and he looks interested in food.
Introduce Age-appropriate Baby Food
Introducing baby food needs to be done gradually. The following are instructions for feeding babies according to their age:
Age 4–6 Month
At this time, breast milk or formula is still the baby's main nutritional intake. Meanwhile, solid food is still an additional intake.
Usually the first baby food introduced is baby cereal porridge mixed with breast milk or formula. In addition, Mother can also start giving porridge made of banana, apple, papaya, and sweet potato mashed with blender.
To introduce food to your baby, you don't need to be in a hurry and do it slowly and gradually according to your little one's wishes and abilities. For example, give porridge about 1 teaspoon, then increase to 1 tablespoon, and give it 2 times a day.
You also need to pay attention to how to give it. Give food by bringing 1 spoonful of food near your little one's mouth and pay attention to his response. If he refuses, pause or wait a few days before trying again.
As much as possible try to feed your little one regularly. Do not delay until he is too hungry, as this can make him cranky or tired, making it difficult to eat.
To work around this, Mother can give a little breast milk first. After that, put your baby on your lap or sit on a special seat to start the first steps of baby feeding.
Age 6–8 months
At this age, the average baby is able to sit in a special baby chair without assistance. However, to be more secure, don't forget to wear a seat belt that is usually attached to a baby seat, yes, Bun.
Now, if your baby can eat soft cereal or rice porridge from a spoon, then you can introduce other types of baby food. However, remember. Keep introducing slowly when you give him a new type of food.
Mothers can give these foods to their little ones for several days in a row, so that he gets used to the taste, as well as knowing the possibility of the baby having an allergic reaction to a food or not.
At this age, you can already give mashed fruits and vegetables. For example, avocado, sweet potato, or carrots that have been cooked beforehand. Another option is porridge from beans, such as edamame, string beans, kidney beans, soybeans, and porridge from tofu.
A serving for babies 6–8 months is 1 teaspoon of fruit pulp, which can then be increased to to cup gradually over 2–3 meals. The same portion applies to porridge from vegetables. Meanwhile, soft cereal or rice porridge you can give about 3-9 tablespoons in 2-3 meals.
To meet your little one's protein needs, you can give them finely chopped meat, fish, eggs, tofu and tempeh. In addition, you can also give yogurt unsweetened in small portions.
Age 8–10 months
At the age of 8-10 months, most babies are able to consume porridge or cereal that is given along with breast milk or formula.
Generally, by this time babies can enjoy chewing food with a coarser texture. 9 month old babies are also usually better at grasping food and putting it in their mouth.
At this age, Mother simply mashes baby food, no longer needs to make it into porridge.
Some foods, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, need to be cooked first, but don't need to be mashed. Mother simply cut the food into small pieces so that Little SI doesn't choke. Similarly, if the mother will give special baby biscuits.
An 8–10 month old baby should eat about to cup of cereal, or 1 cup of fruit and vegetables, and up to cup of protein-rich foods, such as meat and fish.
Age 10–12 months
By their first birthday, babies are able to eat many of the same types of food as adults. It's just that, it needs to be given in small pieces to be safe when chewed and swallowed.
However, nuts, whole eggs, and fish products should be given to babies when they are 1 year old, especially if the baby has risk factors for developing allergies, for example if there is a family member who has a history of allergies.
In addition, cow's milk and honey are also recommended to be given after the baby is 1 year old. For food portions, babies aged 10-12 months are not too different from those aged 8-10 months.
Tips PrepareBaby food
Before preparing baby food, the first thing you should not forget is to wash your hands with running water and soap until they are completely clean.
In addition, remember to always provide food with a texture that is appropriate for your little one's age. For example, at the age of 9 months, you can already give him food with a coarser and thicker texture to help him learn to chew.
Here's how to prepare baby food according to the type of food:
Fast food
If you decide to give your little one ready-to-eat baby food, the things you need to pay attention to include:
- Make sure baby food products meet health standards.
- Avoid buying baby food products that contain sweeteners and other additives.
- Transfer baby food to a bowl first before giving it to your little one. Then, store the rest in the refrigerator.
- Use up ready-to-use baby food within 1-2 days of opening the package.
Self-prepared food
If you choose to give your little one baby food that you prepare yourself, the things you need to pay attention to are:
- Use a blender or food processor to grind baby food.
- Choose a cooking method that can maintain good nutrition. For example, instead of boiling, it's better for you to steam fruits and vegetables.
- Give your little one food with 1 ingredient first. When he is used to it, try mixing 2 food ingredients to be processed into porridge.
If you still have questions about how to introduce age-appropriate baby food or are confused about choosing the right food for your little one, don't hesitate to ask the doctor, okay?