Complementary feeding (MPASI) is a crucial stage in infant development, beginning around 6 months of age. At this age, babies' nutritional needs increase, and breast milk alone is no longer sufficient. Therefore, providing appropriate complementary feeding is crucial to support optimal infant growth and development.
However, many parents remain confused about how to start healthy complementary foods, what foods to give, and how to ensure their babies receive adequate nutrition. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to healthy complementary foods so parents can provide nutritious complementary foods that meet their babies' needs.
When is a Baby Ready to Start Solid Foods?
Babies are generally ready to start solid foods at 6 months. However, age isn't the only indicator of readiness; several developmental signs are also worth noting, such as:
- Sitting up straight – Your baby is now able to sit up with little or no assistance, allowing him to swallow food better.
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex – Babies no longer reflexively push food out of their mouths.
- Shows interest in food – Babies show interest when watching others eat, open their mouths when offered food, or try to reach for food.
- Hand, eye and mouth coordination – Babies can pick up food and put it in their mouth on their own.
If the baby shows these signs of readiness, parents can start introducing complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed.
Principles of Healthy MPASI
To ensure that the MPASI provided is of high quality, there are several basic principles that need to be considered:
- On time – MPASI is given when the baby is 6 months old and shows signs of readiness to eat.
- Adequate – MPASI must contain sufficient energy, protein, and micronutrients to support the baby's growth.
- Safe and hygienic – Food provided must be properly processed and stored in a safe manner to avoid contamination.
- Responsively given – Parents should pay attention to their baby’s hunger and fullness signs and not force them to eat if they have had enough.
Recommended Types of Food for MPASI
At the beginning of solid food, babies need foods with a soft, easy-to-digest texture. Here are some recommended foods:
- Carbohydrate sources – Rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and corn can be the main choices as a source of energy for babies.
- Animal protein – Chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and liver are important sources of protein for a growing baby. Animal protein is also rich in iron, which helps prevent anemia.
- Vegetable protein – Nuts, tofu, and tempeh can also be given as a variety of protein sources.
- Vegetables and fruit – Vegetables like carrots, spinach, broccoli, and pumpkin are rich in vitamins and fiber, which are good for your baby's digestion. Fruits like bananas, avocados, and papaya can also help meet vitamin and mineral needs.
- Healthy fats – Coconut oil, olive oil, and butter can be added to baby food to help increase energy intake and support brain development.
Age-Appropriate MPASI Texture
Baby food textures need to be tailored to their chewing and swallowing abilities. Here's a guide to solid food textures based on a baby's age:
- Ages 6–8 months: Food is given in the form of a smooth porridge or puree. The texture should be soft so that the baby can swallow it easily.
- Ages 9–11 months: Food can be introduced in coarser forms, such as mashed or finely chopped food. Babies begin to bite and chew food better.
- Age 12 months and above: Babies can start eating family foods in small pieces to make them easier to chew.
How to Start MPASI Safely
- Introduce one type of food every few days
- Start with small portions
- Don't add excessive sugar and salt
- Pay attention to the baby's reaction
- Give complementary foods gradually. Foods to Avoid
Not all foods are safe for babies. Here are some foods that should be avoided in complementary foods:
- Honey – Risk of causing botulism in infants under 1 year.
- Pure cow's milk – Difficult to digest for babies before 1 year of age.
- Foods with hard textures – Such as whole nuts, whole grapes, and raw carrots can cause choking.
- Processed and instant foods – Such as sausages, nuggets, and canned foods that contain unhealthy additives.
Signs Your Baby is Having Problems with MPASI
If your baby experiences any of the following signs after consuming MPASI, parents need to consult a doctor:
- Rash, itching, or swelling on the face after eating (can be a sign of an allergy).
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea after eating certain foods.
- Refusing to eat for a long time so that his weight does not increase according to the growth curve.
- Constipation or difficulty defecating after starting solid food.
Complementary feeding (MPASI) is a crucial stage in infant development that must be implemented appropriately to ensure adequate nutrition for growth and development. Parents should introduce foods gradually, paying attention to age-appropriate textures, and ensuring the food is healthy and nutritious. By providing balanced and high-quality complementary feeding (MPASI), babies will grow optimally and be prepared for the next stage of development.
This article was written by Dr. Mira Kusuma Wardhani, Sp.A (Pediatrician at EMC Pulomas Hospital).