Stages of eating babies according to age and development

Breast milk is the main source of food for babies from the moment they are born until at least the first 2 years of life. As you grow and develop, you also need to start giving complementary foods to breast milk to ensure that the baby's nutritional needs are still met. However, food introductions need the right time and method. So, make sure you understand the stages of eating your baby according to their developmental stage.

The development of the baby's feeding stage

After breastfeeding, the next stage for feeding the baby is complementary food for breastfeeding (MPASI). This stage of feeding your baby will continue to develop until he is finally able to feed on his own.

The following are the stages of development of a baby's eating habits as he ages:

Baby feeding stages 1: Start solids at 6 months of age

Babies can be introduced to the first solid food at the age of six months, aka after exclusive breastfeeding. At this age, the reflex of a child to stick out his tongue to suck on a breast or a milk bottle teat will begin to disappear.

Babies around six months old are now able to lift and support their own heads because their necks are getting stronger.

Baby feeding stage 2: Switch from milk to textured foods

After the child becomes accustomed to breastmilk substitutes or formula milk, continue feeding to let the baby get used to solid foods.

After a few weeks, you can start feeding on more textured foods. Introduce new textures to children slowly. You can start by feeding the baby banana or mashed avocado.

You can feed your baby in stages ranging from soft porridge (first stage), to thick porridge (second stage), to lumpy porridge (third stage).

This textured food can still be crushed even though the baby's teeth are not fully developed.

Baby feeding stage 3: The child starts to sit on the dining chair

The next stage of eating is when the baby has started learning to sit on the dining chair (high chair). Indeed, the chances of a child falling or coming out are very small.

However, don't forget to pay attention to child safety rules by always wearing a seat belt every time your child is placed on a dining chair.

There is nothing wrong with preventing things that are not desirable because accidents may happen when parents are careless.

Baby feeding stage 4: The child starts grasping the food

Generally, babies around 9-11 months of age are able to use their hands to try to grab the food that their parents are holding.

This feeding stage implies that the baby is ready for grasping food (finger food).

It's just that, before being adept at eating finger-sized foods, babies will usually be given food that is finely chopped (minced) and roughly chopped (chopped), according to the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDAI).

At this age, the baby's main meal frequency is around 3-4 times a day with a snack or snack ranging from 1-2 times.

The food that is chosen for babies in this feeding phase, of course, must remain healthy, nutritious, and have a soft texture.

Take for example, pasta cut into cubes, small pieces of cooked vegetables such as carrots, long beans, green beans or chicken and soft meat according to the shape of your hand.

Baby feeding stage 5: When the child starts using the spoon

As soon as the baby is able to grasp the food, you can try giving him a spoon. Don't be surprised if they even play with it or even put a spoon in their mouth because this is normal.

Most babies are not able to use a spoon effectively until they are 12 months old. However, it doesn't hurt for mothers to practice the stages of baby eating while teaching them to use a spoon at this age.

When teaching children to eat on their own using a spoon, start with sticky foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soft cheese.

You can sprinkle a little cream cheese on the spoon and then place the O-shaped cereal slices on top. The cream cheese will keep the cereal stuck to the spoon so that the baby can eat the cereal from the spoon itself.

To avoid getting dirty from spilled baby food, use a waterproof baby apron and place a mat under the dining chair to make it easier to clean.

Baby feeding stage 6: Start trying foods that trigger allergies

Usually, it is recommended that you wait until your child is 12 months old before trying foods that can trigger allergies, such as eggs or fish.

But in fact, waiting for the baby to pass a certain age does not show a significant effect. This can be an exception if the parents have a history of food allergies or there is a suspicion that the baby has certain allergies.

There is no evidence to suggest that allergy-triggering foods given to children under 12 months of age make them more prone to developing allergies.

Introducing foods that can trigger allergies as a stage of eating in babies before the age of 12 months is actually okay.

However, many doctors agree that parents should be very careful about giving shellfish and nuts. The reason is, the allergic reactions caused by these foods can be very dangerous for children.

Baby feeding stage 7: Babies can drink on their own smoothly

During the first six months, babies do not need additional water intake because all the water they need is in breast milk or formula.

Giving water to babies under six months of age can actually interfere with the absorption of nutrients for their growth and development.

After the age of six months, it is certainly okay to give the baby water or breast milk in a bottle of pacifier while teaching him to drink on his own.

Once a baby is 9 months old, he can usually start drinking using a pacifier as well sippy cup or spill-proof glass.

Baby feeding stage 8: The child is able to eat on his own

Mastering the cutlery is one of the stages of feeding babies with a long process. Most babies are not able to use a spoon effectively until they are 12 months of age.

Encourage baby to keep exercising safely. Don't worry about getting messy to get the clothes dirty because this is normal.

When the baby is over 12 months of age, the World Health Organization or WHO explains that the frequency of eating babies can reach 3-4 times a day.

While the time to eat a snack or snack is generally about 1-2 times a day or according to the baby's appetite.

Enjoy watching your baby grow and develop happily and lovingly, yes!

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