4 Pilihan Ikan yang Bagus untuk MPASI, Bunda Wajib Tahu!

By the age of 6 months, babies are usually introduced to MPASI or complementary foods for breast milk. This is because the little one's nutritional needs increase and are not met by relying solely on breast milk. Among the many MPASI menu options, don't forget to include fish as a base ingredient. Fish is very important for a baby's growth because it is a source of high-quality animal protein. In addition, fish is also rich in omega-3 which is good for the brain, contains vitamins and minerals, and is easily digested. So, what fish is good for MPASI? Check out the following information!

Types of Fish That Are Good for MPASI

Basically, all fish contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, for more optimal baby growth and development, you should provide the following types of fish.

1. Salmon

Salmon is excellent for a child's MPASI (complementary food) because it contains essential nutrients such as omega-3, high-quality protein, and vitamin D.

Omega-3 helps with a child's brain development and vision, while the protein supports overall growth and body development. Vitamin D from salmon is also important for bone health and the immune system.

2. Tuna

Tuna is also a good choice for MPASI due to its high nutrient content, including protein, omega-3, and several essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and selenium. However, it would be better if you choose types of tuna that are low in mercury such as skipjack and tongkol.

3. Catfish (Lele)

Although it is not a type of saltwater fish, catfish also provides good nutritional benefits for a child's growth. This is because catfish contains high-quality protein which is important for a child's growth and development.

Although not as much as in saltwater fish, catfish also contains omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for brain and nervous system development. In addition, this fish also contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium, which support bone health, the immune system, and metabolism.

Catfish generally also has lower mercury levels, making it safer for children to consume. Its tender flesh also makes it easy for children to digest.

However, as with all fish, it is important to choose fresh catfish from a trusted source and cook it properly to maintain safety and nutritional quality.

4. Snakehead Fish (Gabus)

Besides catfish, another freshwater fish choice that is very good for MPASI is snakehead fish. Snakehead fish contains high-quality protein which is important for the growth and development of a child's muscles and body tissues. This type of fish is also low in mercury and tends to contain low saturated fat, making it suitable for inclusion in a child's healthy diet.

Also read: First 6-Month MPASI: Successful Tips, Schedules & Easy Recipes

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Fish for MPASI

Source: freepik

Choosing and preparing fish for a child's MPASI (complementary food) needs to be done carefully to ensure safety and nutritional quality. Here are some tips that can help.

1. Choose the Right Type of Fish

Choose types of fish that are low in mercury such as catfish, snakehead fish, tuna (skipjack/tongkol), or salmon. Avoid large fish that tend to have higher mercury content.

2. Pay Attention to Fish Quality

Pay attention to the freshness of the fish and choose fish from a trusted source. Ensure the fish does not smell fishy or rancid.

3. Clean Well

Wash the fish with clean water before cooking to remove any dirt and bacteria that may be present. Thoroughly remove any impurities in the fish's belly to maintain cleanliness.

4. Choose the Right Cooking Method

Processing fish by steaming or boiling is the best choice. This is because these methods can well preserve the nutrients in the fish. You can also grill the fish as another preparation option. If you want to fry it, try to use only a little oil.

5. Cook Thoroughly

Make sure the fish is cooked perfectly until the center is no longer raw, especially for children who are susceptible to bacteria.

6. Remove Bones before Serving

Before giving it to the child, make sure the fish has been properly deboned to avoid the risk of choking.

Also read: Food Options for First MPASI, Also Pay Attention to the Prohibitions

MPASI Recipes with Fish

Source: freepik

Various MPASI recipes with fish as the main ingredient are excellent for children to consume as early as possible. You can be creative in making complementary breastfeeding dishes, starting from the softest texture and gradually becoming solid according to the child's age. Here are some healthy MPASI recipes for children that you can try.

1. Salmon and Sweet Potato Puree

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of salmon fillet, skin and bones removed
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
• Water as needed for boiling

How to make:

• Boil the sweet potato pieces in boiling water until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Boil the salmon fillet in boiling water until cooked, about 8-10 minutes or until the salmon meat turns pink and crumbles easily. Drain and let cool.
• After both ingredients (sweet potato and salmon) have cooled, blend using a blender or food processor until the texture is smooth and consistent. Add a little of the leftover water from the boiling process if necessary, to achieve the desired puree consistency.
• Serve the salmon and sweet potato puree to your child at room temperature or slightly warm. If not served immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

2. Tuna and Broccoli Porridge

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of tuna fillet, skin and bones removed, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons of rice, washed clean
• Water as needed for boiling

How to Make:

• Boil the rice in enough water until soft and cooked. If using raw rice, make sure there is plenty of water.
• Boil the broccoli pieces in boiling water until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Boil the tuna pieces in boiling water until cooked, about 5-7 minutes or until the tuna meat turns brownish-white. Drain and let cool.
• After the rice, broccoli, and tuna have cooled, blend or crush using a blender or food processor until it becomes a smooth and consistent porridge. Add a little of the leftover water from the boiling process if necessary, to achieve the desired porridge consistency.

3. Catfish and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of catfish fillet, skin and bones removed, cut into small cubes
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 small potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup spinach, thinly sliced
• 1 liter of water
• A little olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing
• Salt to taste (optional, it is recommended for children under 1 year to avoid salt)
• Celery or green onion for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

• Heat a little olive oil or vegetable oil in a pot. Sauté the carrot and potato briefly until slightly wilted.
• Pour water into the pot. Add the catfish and prepared vegetables (carrot, potato, broccoli). Let it boil.
• After the vegetables and fish are almost cooked, add the spinach. Cook briefly until the spinach wilts.

4. Snakehead Fish and Spinach Steamed Rice (Tim)

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of snakehead fish fillet, skin and bones removed, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup rice, washed clean
• 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
• 2 cups of water
• A little olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing (optional)
• Salt to taste (optional, adjusted to the child's age)

Instructions:

• Boil water in a pot.
• Add the rice and pieces of snakehead fish.
• Cook over medium heat until the rice and snakehead fish are cooked, and the water starts to be absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
• Ensure the snakehead fish is cooked through and the rice is soft.
• Once the rice and snakehead fish are almost cooked, add the spinach to the pot. Cook together for 3-5 minutes or until the spinach has wilted and is cooked.

5. Steamed Fish Finger Food

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of fish fillet (can use fish such as salmon, tuna, or catfish)
• A little salt (optional, adjusted to the child's age)
• A little olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing (optional)
• Lemon slices or lemon juice to add flavor

Instructions:

• Cut the fish fillet into pieces sized to fit the child's fingers.
• Prepare a steamer pot with boiling water.
• Place the fish pieces on a steaming tray or container.
• Cover the pot and steam the fish for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and can be easily cut or mashed with a fork.
• Once the steamed fish is cooked, let it cool to room temperature or lukewarm before serving to the child.
• Add a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor (optional).

Read also: Here Are 6 Reasons Why Babies Struggle to Eat Complementary Foods and Their Solutions

Things to Consider When Giving Fish to Children

Although fish is excellent to include in a child's complementary food menu, there are several things that mothers need to pay attention to. This is important for the child's health and their growth and development later on. Here are some important things you must understand.

1. Check for Possible Allergies

A child may show allergic symptoms when consuming certain types of fish. Observe any allergic reactions in the child after eating fish. If there are signs of allergies such as rashes or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.

2. Introduce Fish Gradually

Do not give a large portion the first time you introduce fish to the child. Start with a small portion and continue while observing for any possible allergic reactions. If it is deemed safe, you can give other types of fish for variety.

3. Cook Fish Until Perfectly Done

Ensure you cook the fish until it is completely done through to the inside. This is important to avoid the risk of food poisoning in the child.

Read also: These Are 10 Complementary Food Tools You Should Ideally Prepare

That is the important information about fish that is good for a child's complementary food. You can choose salmon, skipjack, tuna, catfish, and snakehead as the best fish options. However, don't forget to pay attention to important factors such as potential allergies, proper cooking methods, and variety in the menu given so that the child likes to eat fish.

As previously explained, any leftover purees, porridges, or steamed rice that are not eaten or not given immediately to the child can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

In this regard, Hegen offers the excellent Hegen Breastmilk Storage product, which is not just a container for storing expressed breast milk, but also for children's homemade food. Hegen Breastmilk Storage is the right choice for mothers who want to optimize the delivery of healthy and nutritious complementary foods. Here are the advantages of Hegen Breastmilk Storage that you should consider.

• Uses amber-colored PPSU material that is free of artificial pigments and BPA-free, ensuring baby food will not be contaminated with harmful substances.
• PPSU material is resistant to temperatures from -20°C to 180°C, making it durable and long-lasting.
• The product is easy to clean because of its wide opening. This makes the storage container for food more hygienic.
• The lid is very secure and allows for easy opening/closing thanks to the innovative PCTOTM (Press-to-Close Twist-to-Open) mechanism.
• Besides being used for breast milk, purees, strained porridge, and steamed rice, Hegen Breastmilk Storage can also be used to store snacks, fruit pieces, oatmeal, spices, and more.
• Available in 3 sizes: 60 ml, 150 ml, and 240 ml.

Get the product on the official store page of Hegen Indonesia by clicking here. You can also find various other superior and high-quality products such as feeding bottles, drinking bottles, straw cups, breast pumps, teats, bottle and teat cleaners, and other supporting accessories according to your needs. The experience of breastfeeding and providing food becomes safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable with Hegen Indonesia.

References:

1. Renae D'Andrea. The Best Fish for Babies. https://newwaysnutrition.com/babies/best-fish-for-babies/
2. Ellen Landes, MS, RDN, CPT. Everything You Need to Know About Introducing Your Baby to Fish. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fish-for-babies

Featured image - freepik