Choosing fish for children's solid food is the right thing. In addition to its delicious taste, fish is also a very nutritious food source for your little one. Check out the following explanation about serving fish for children's complementary foods.
You can give fish for MPASI since your little one is 6 months old. Fish is a source of food that is equipped with various nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, vitamins, iron, and minerals.
The nutritional content contained in fish is very beneficial for the development of the brain, nervous system, and vision of children. In addition, research shows that eating fish from an early age can help children avoid various allergic diseases, such as asthma and eczema.
Types of Fish for Safe MPASI
Although fish is rich in nutrients, there are some fish that are high in mercury and should not be consumed in excess, such as tuna. If mercury is consumed continuously, this compound will become a poison that can harm a child's brain. Therefore, it is important for you to choose the type of fish that is safe for your baby's solid food.
Below are some types of fish that are safe for consumption by children:
- Parrot fish
- Catfish
- Sardine
- Salmon
- Mackerel
In addition to choosing the type of fish, there are also several things that you need to pay attention to regarding giving fish for your baby's complementary food, here are some of them:
- Choose fresh fish.
- Choose large-boned fish, to prevent your little one from choking on the delicate fish bones.
- Wash the fish under running water until it is completely clean.
- Cook the fish until cooked and soft.
How to Process Fish for Children's MPASI
Mothers can process fish by steaming, boiling, grilling, or grilling it. This is the best way to maintain the nutritional content of fish. Mothers can also serve fruit or vegetables that your little one likes.
To introduce fish during your child's complementary feeding period, there are some simple recipes that you can try. Following are some of them:
Fish Porridge
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked boneless fish fillet
- 3 tablespoons breast milk, or formula, or water
How to process:
- Place the fish and liquid in a blender.
- Blend or crush until the fish is soft enough for your little one.
- Serve for the Little One.
Fish porridge with vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked boneless fish fillet
- 2 tablespoons breast milk, or formula, or water
- 1 tablespoon peas
- 1 tablespoon boiled carrots
- 1 tablespoon boiled sweet potato
How to process:
- Place the fish, vegetables, and liquid in a blender.
- Blend or crush until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Serve for the Little One.
In order to get maximum benefits, Mothers can give fish for children's complementary foods 1-2 times a week, but with smaller portions than the adult portion, which is about 30 grams of fish in a week.
However, mothers also need to be careful when serving fish for children's complementary foods, because fish is one of the foods that can cause allergies. Preferably, give fish in small quantities first, then see the reaction on the little one's body.
If there are no signs of allergies, such as skin rashes, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, you can add fish to the MPASI. If you still have doubts about giving fish to your child's complementary food, you can first consult with your doctor about this.