As your baby grows and develops, it is important to introduce them to solid foods, but it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind early weaning, which is also called penyapihan dini. Knowing why your baby needs to start eating other foods besides breast milk is essential, as it will help you make an informed decision about when to introduce them to solid foods. Below are some of the reasons for early weaning and the benefits of MPASI (Makanan Pendamping ASI):
1. High Nutritional Needs as the Baby Grows
One of the reasons for early weaning is that breast milk alone cannot meet 100% of the baby’s nutritional needs. As babies grow, their nutritional requirements increase, and breast milk can only provide about 70% of the necessary nutrients. Therefore, MPASI is crucial for babies aged 6-24 months to ensure they get sufficient nutrition to grow and develop optimally.
2. Avoiding Malnutrition in Babies
Early weaning also helps prevent malnutrition in babies. The type of food introduced during the weaning process is essential. Avoid giving instant or fast food, as they cannot provide enough nutrition to support optimal growth. The right type of complementary feeding (MPASI) provides enough nutrients to ensure babies develop optimally.
Mothers need to pay attention to ensuring their babies receive adequate nutrition, as malnutrition is still prevalent and can cause stunting, a condition where the child’s growth is impaired. Children affected by stunting may experience cognitive delays and perform below their peers in school.
3. Preventing Metabolic Diseases in Adulthood
Early weaning can also prevent the development of metabolic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer in adulthood. Malnutrition caused by inadequate complementary food is a significant contributor to the increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders in children and adults.
In conclusion, early weaning is essential, and MPASI is beneficial in ensuring your baby’s optimal growth and development. Parents need to learn about and understand the reasons for early weaning, and always provide nutritious complementary food to their babies.
