A variety of fish that are good for complementary foods that mothers can give to their children. Not only delicious, these various choices of fish also contain various nutrients that can support the growth and development of your baby. Fish is one of the good sources of animal protein to support the growth and development of children while increasing their weight. The content of good fats, namely omega-3 fatty acids, can maintain the health of the child’s brain and heart and increase their immune system so that they do not get sick easily.
A Series of Fish That Are Good for Complementary Foods for Breast Milk
Fish that are good for complementary foods for breast milk are fish that contain little or no mercury. Mothers need to avoid high-mercury fish because they can disrupt a child’s developing nervous system. So that mothers are not confused about what type of fish is safe for their child’s breast milk complementary foods, here are a variety of choices:
- Catfish
In 100 grams of catfish there are about 18 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat. This fish is high in polyunsaturated fats which are good for maintaining children’s health, namely omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, catfish also contains vitamin B, folate, and choline which are good for supporting children’s growth and supporting their intelligence. This protein and fat content can also prevent stunting.
- Patin fish
In every 100 grams of patin fish, there are about 17 grams of protein and 6.5 grams of fat. In addition, the content of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium in this fish is also quite a lot. These various minerals play an important role in maintaining muscle and nerve function and supporting bone strength and growth.
- Goldfish
Goldfish are a type of freshwater fish that are easy to find and affordable. In a 100 gram serving, goldfish contain 16 grams of protein and 2 grams of fat. This fish also contains vitamin A which is good for children’s eye health. However, be careful when giving this fish to your child, Mom. The reason is, goldfish have quite a lot of small bones.
- Sardines
Compared to catfish, sardines contain more protein, which is almost around 20 grams. However, the fat content in this fish is lower, which is 1.8 grams. Sardines are high in vitamin A, which is not only needed to maintain children’s eye health, but also their immune system.
- Mackerel
Mackerel actually contains higher omega-3 than salmon. Not only that, this fish is also relatively cheaper and easier to find in Indonesia. In 100 grams of mackerel, there are about 21 grams of protein and 3.4 grams of fat. This fish also contains a number of minerals needed by the child’s body, such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
- Mackarel tuna
Mackerel tuna is still related to mackerel and tuna. So, the nutritional content in this fish is not much different. In the same portion, mackerel tuna contains 13.5 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fat. This fish is also equipped with various minerals that are good for maintaining children’s dental health and strengthening their bones and teeth, such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Anchovies
Who would have thought that anchovies contain more calcium than cow’s milk. Not only calcium, the phosphorus and potassium content in this small fish is also abundant. These three nutrients are very important for strengthening and maintaining the health of children’s bones and hearts.
- Tilapia fish
Tilapia fish contains quite complete nutrition, such as protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A. Consuming this fish along with rice, vegetables, and other side dishes can help meet children’s daily nutritional needs. This fish is even one of the types of nutritious food that is good for preventing and overcoming stunting.
- Tuna
In 100 grams of tuna fish contains 24.5 grams of protein and 0.5 grams of fat. In addition, this fish also contains various other important nutrients, ranging from vitamin B complex, selenium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and choline. The various nutrients in tuna fish are useful for preventing anemia in children, preventing stunting, and keeping children’s immunity strong. Thanks to its various benefits, tuna fish is included as one of the types of fish that is good for Complementary Foods for Breast Milk. However, it is not recommended to give this fish too often or too much because it contains quite high mercury. Therefore, mothers need to limit giving tuna fish to children, just 2-3 servings per week.
- Salmon
Salmon is very well known as a good fish for complementary foods for breast milk. This is because salmon contains quite complete nutrition. Although nutritious, the price of salmon is relatively more expensive than other fish and is difficult to find in some areas in Indonesia. However, if you cannot provide salmon, various other fish choices also still have high nutritional value and are important to support the growth and health of children.
Those are various choices of fish that are good for complementary foods. Mothers can process these fish into porridge, soup, curry, yellow sauce, and meatballs. Before cooking it, make sure that you have washed the fish thoroughly and removed the bones so that the child does not choke. In addition, make sure that the texture of the complementary foods given to the child is appropriate for their age. Also complete the complementary food menu with various vegetables and fruits to make it healthier.
When giving fish to your child for the first time, you need to be careful because fish is one of the foods that can cause allergies. It is best to give fish in small amounts first, then see how your child reacts. If there are no signs of allergies, such as skin rashes, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, you can add fish to your child’s complementary foods. However, if signs of allergies appear or you are hesitant to give fish to your child, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
