Entering six months of baby's age, you may be more diligent in seeking information about providing complementary foods for breast milk (MPASI). For this reason, you may often seek advice on giving solids from various sources, ranging from internet sites, social media, to fellow parents. But you know, not all the information circulating is proven to be true. Some of them are just myths which, if applied carelessly, can be dangerous for the growth and development of your little one. So, this time, let's find out the myths about giving complementary foods that you need to avoid.
Myth 1: MPASI can be given as soon as possible
Until the age of five months, breast milk or formula milk recommended by a doctor is the only source of nutrition for babies. Except on a doctor's recommendation, you should not give complementary foods before your baby is six months old. The baby's body's ability is still limited in processing food so that giving complementary foods too quickly can have a negative impact on the baby's digestion.
Myth 2: There is no need to give solids
For babies aged six months, breast milk alone is not enough to meet their nutritional needs. Breast milk is still needed, but babies also need other energy sources that can be obtained through solids. Neglecting to provide solids can cause your little one to lack nutrition during important periods of growth and development.
Myth 3: Stop breastfeeding
Contrary to the previous myth, some sources say that solids alone are enough for the baby's body. This is wrong because breast milk remains the main source of nutrition for your little one until he reaches two years of age. For this reason, breastfeeding and solids must continue to go hand in hand. WHO also recommends that the frequency of breastfeeding should be maintained the same as before and not reduced. On each baby's meal schedule, you can give breast milk first, then follow by giving complementary foods.
Myth 4: Vegetables first, then fruit
Vegetables are often seen as children's big enemies. In order for your little one to get used to the taste of vegetables, several sources advise parents to introduce vegetables as early as possible. The way that is often done is to give vegetables as the baby's first solids.
This assumption is not proven true. Giving vegetables as the first solids will not make children automatically like vegetables. In addition, fruit is more recommended to be the first food after breast milk than vegetables because they contain lots of water and are easily digested by the baby's body.
Myth 5: MPASI is only in the form of vegetables and fruit
It is undeniable, vegetables and fruit are two types of foods that are rich in vitamins for the baby's body. But apart from that, babies also need complementary foods besides vegetables and fruit. Various types of protein-rich foods such as meat and eggs are also important for the baby's growth.
Some parents may think that meat, eggs and fish are too hard for their baby's digestive system. As a result, they delay giving these foods until the baby is 1 year old. In fact, the fact is that a baby's body can digest protein foods from the age of 6 months. You just need to make sure the texture of meat, fish and eggs is soft and smooth enough to be easily digested.
Myth 6: Don't change the texture of baby food
Even though the baby's teeth haven't grown yet, that doesn't mean you have to always mash baby food until it resembles juice. When the baby is 8-9 months old, you can improve the texture of baby food. The goal is to stimulate the baby's teeth growth and familiarize the baby's digestion with foods that are a little harder.
Those are the myths about giving MPASI that are circulating a lot but are not proven to be true. In order to provide the best for the baby, let's be more critical in sorting out information. In addition, you can also consult with a doctor so that children's nutritional needs can be met appropriately. #LiveExcellently