Fruit Puree as a Companion to Breast Milk for Babies in the First 6 Months

Complementary Foods for Breast Milk

When the baby reaches 6 months of age, the mother of course needs to give the baby complementary breast milk food to meet the baby’s increasing nutritional needs. As an introduction, mothers can give babies just one type of pureed, simple food. Make sure the food you give is highly nutritious. It is important to know the recipes for complementary foods for breast milk for the first 6 months so that the baby’s nutrition is met from the start. As the baby’s body grows bigger and stronger, the baby’s nutritional needs also increase when he reaches 6 months of age.

It cannot be denied that many mothers are waiting for their babies to soon be able to consume simple foods other than breast milk or what are usually called complementary foods. The reason is, when babies start to receive complementary foods for breast milk, they become more familiar with many flavors and receive nutrients that can be more diverse than just breast milk alone. However, choosing food for complementary foods for breast milk cannot be done haphazardly. Mothers have to think about many factors, starting from allergies the child may have, and the nutritional content of the food.

Complementary foods for breast milk must be made from foods that are rich in important nutrients and vitamins that are useful for helping the baby’s brain development and overall physical growth. For babies who are just starting to eat solid foods, it is best to give them one type of simple food that is well mashed. Mothers can start giving half a cup of food 2‒3 times a day. Also avoid adding salt, sugar and honey to complementary foods for breast milk.

Several Complementary Food Recipes for Breast Milk for Babies in the First 6 Months

The following are some of the best complementary food recipes for breast milk for the first 6 months that mothers can try:

Banana Puree
Bananas are one of the best fruits that can be used as food for 6 month old babies, because their texture is smooth and soft. This can make it easier for the baby to swallow and digest it. Apart from that, the nutritional content of bananas is also very rich, namely folate, fiber, vitamins A, B6, B12 and potassium.

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana
How to make:
1. Mash the banana in a bowl then strain it with a fruit puree strainer to achieve the right softness for babies.
2. Then, mix with breast milk, formula or water to get the desired consistency.
Avocado Puree
Avocado is a very healthy fruit. This green fruit is rich in nutrients, vitamins and good fats which can help brain development and baby growth. Apart from that, its soft texture also makes avocado easy for babies to consume. Its delicious taste and soft texture make avocado one of the fruits that can be given to babies aged 6 months.

Ingredients: 1 medium sized ripe avocado.
How to make:
1. Mash a ripe avocado with a fork then strain using a fruit puree strainer.
2. Then mix it with breast milk or formula milk or water until it reaches the desired consistency, try not to make it too thick, so that the baby doesn’t have difficulty swallowing.
Apple Puree
Apples contain many important nutrients that babies need, including vitamins C and K, fiber, potassium and various minerals. Mothers can make apples as food for 6 month old babies by mashing and straining them, or mixing them with other food ingredients to enhance taste. Make sure to choose apples that are sweet and not sour.
Pear Puree
Pears can be given to babies when they reach six months. Pears are high in potassium, fiber and vitamin C. This fruit also does not contain sodium, cholesterol or saturated fat so it is good to use as a complementary food for breast milk.
Papaya Puree
Papaya is one of the fruits that is famous for being used as a complementary food for breast milk when babies reach the age of six months. Apart from being easy to obtain and cheap, papaya has a sweet taste and texture that is easy for children to digest. The vitamin C content in it can help the absorption of vitamins E, A, iron and folic acid from food. This fruit can also improve the digestive organs.
Sweet Potato Puree
Sweet potatoes are a healthy food as a high source of beta carotene which can help the body produce vitamin A. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin C which has antioxidants to help improve the body’s defense system, as well as fiber to help prevent constipation. You can process it into milk porridge by steaming it and then mashing it with breast milk or formula milk.

Ingredients: 1 medium sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into pieces.
How to make:
1. Boil the sweet potatoes for 10–15 minutes until soft.
2. Mash the sweet potato with a fork then strain through a fruit puree strainer.
3. Mix with breast milk, formula, or water to reach the desired consistency.

At the age of 6 months, babies are generally able and ready to be given food. However, because the ability to swallow and digestive function is not yet perfect, the food given must have a soft texture, such as filtered porridge or puree.

Those are some fruit puree recipes as complementary foods for breast milk for the first 6 months that mothers can give to babies. If your baby doesn’t want to eat or experiences an allergic reaction due to consuming certain complementary foods, don’t panic. Just consult with the midwife or doctor the mother trusts.