What is complementary feeding? Benefits and How to Implement

Did you know that the energy and nutritional needs of children up to 6 months of age can be met by breastfeeding alone? Babies can be given complementary foods (MPASI) after 6 months of age or when showing signs that the baby is ready for MPASI.

In Indonesia alone, there are still many parents who do not realize the dangers of giving solids prematurely. It is not uncommon for parents to give bananas to babies under the age of 6 months just because the baby cries a lot. Which is considered a sign of a hungry baby, even though a crying baby can be caused by other things.

Well, instead of being confused about the preparation of baby's first meal, MAKUKU will discuss more fully what is complementary food, the complementary food equipment that must be prepared, and proper complementary food guidelines.

What are solids?

Complementary feeding stands for Breast Milk Complementary Food, which is food given to babies after 6 months of age as additional nutrients to meet their growing nutritional needs.
Complementary feeding is needed because breast milk alone is no longer enough to meet the nutritional needs of infants, which increases with age. The Ministry of Health states that although breast milk is the best food for babies, babies aged > 6 months need more vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates. These high nutritional needs cannot only be obtained from breast milk but also require additional complementary foods.

Benefits of complementary food

There are also benefits of complementary food that parents must know is that it can make babies have a more complete source of nutrition. From this phase, moms and dads can introduce various foods with complementary textures according to their age. But, complementary food does not mean you stop giving breast milk. Because during the first year, solids are only a means to complement breast milk.

In addition, solids can also make the baby not dependent on consuming large amounts of breast milk. It aims to train and familiarize the baby to consume foods that contain nutrients for their growth. And can help develop the baby in chewing and swallowing food.

Signs your baby is ready for solids

The characteristics of a baby ready for complementary foods can be seen in his physical and psychological readiness.  The following are signs that the baby is ready for solids:
The extrusion reflex or sticking out the tongue decreases or disappears.

1. Able to hold head upright.
2. Able to sit up without or with little assistance and maintain body balance when hands reach for objects.
3. Shows desire or interest in food by opening mouth.
4. They show hunger by moving their bodies towards food.

Proper Feeding Guide

Giving solids may be a thrilling moment for first-time moms. Confused about preparing MPASI equipment, what food should be first given to the little one makes the contents of moms' heads full. According to IDAI,  the best first solid food is made from rice because rice is the most hypoallergenic foodstuff so the possibility of an adverse reaction is minimal.

Wheat and other cereal blends should be delayed until eight months of age to avoid allergic reactions and digestive problems. The correct way to cook complementary food is made by yourself (homemade) by paying attention to the type and variety of food ingredients used so that it contains the nutrients needed by the baby (energy, protein, and micronutrients).

Mom and dads can see the following table for other complementary food information.