When to Give Milk as Additional Nutrition

Breast milk is the main source of nutrition for babies up to 6 months of age, and can be given until your little one is 3 years old. After he reaches the age of 3 years, you can give him growth milk as additional nutrition. This not only helps meet your little one's nutritional needs, but also supports optimal growth and development. However, don't just give milk, first know the right time as in the following discussion.

Breast milk as the main source of nutrition for your little one

Breast milk is your little one's main and best source of nutrition from the moment he is born. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life.
If your condition allows, breastfeeding can be continued until your little one is three years old. However, from the age of 6 months, your little one needs to be given complementary foods for breast milk (MPASI). For your little one who is ready for MPASI, there are several menu options that you can try. Come on, learn the recipe here: 6 Month MPASI Menu Guide and Food Texture.

The benefits of breast milk for your little one's growth and development are very significant. Breast milk contains complete nutrients needed for brain and physical development. The antibody content in breast milk is also very important because it functions as a natural protector that helps your little one avoid various diseases and infections. In addition, breast milk contains essential fatty acids that support vision and nerve development.
Not only that, breastfeeding also strengthens the emotional bond between Mother and Little One, namely providing a sense of comfort and security that children need during their growth period. Therefore, breast milk not only provides short-term benefits, but also has a long-term positive impact on physical, brain and emotional health.

When is the Right Time to Give Growth Milk to Your Little One?

Mothers already know that breast milk is the best nutrition for your little one until he is 2-3 years old. However, if you feel that your little one is not growing as fast as other children, you need to consult a pediatrician.
If you want to give growth milk to your little one as a companion to breast milk, you must also consult with your doctor first so that the doctor can help you choose milk that contains the right nutrients for your little one.

When giving growth milk for the first time, choose a time when your little one is calm and not too hungry. This experience helps your little one feel comfortable with the new way of drinking milk. Giving your little one growth milk when they are full, not hungry, will make their first experience with their glass of milk more enjoyable.
If possible, let someone else give your little one growth milk for the first time. This helps him differentiate between breastfeeding with Mom and drinking from his own glass of milk.

Important Nutrients in Growing Up Milk for Your Little One

The content of growth milk cannot be compared to breast milk because nothing can match the nutritional composition of breast milk. However, you should choose a product that has the most complete additional composition. This will certainly support your little one's growth and development process so that it runs optimally.
Here are some important nutrients that should be present in your little one's growing milk:

Calcium and Vitamin D

One of the essential nutrients that must be present in growth milk is calcium. This nutrition is very important for the growth and development of your little one's strong bones and teeth. Without adequate calcium, your little one can experience growth disorders and brittle bones.
Vitamin D is also no less important because it helps calcium absorption and is very important for bone health. Mothers can find vitamin D in fortified growth milk, fatty fish and through adequate sun exposure. Apart from that, choline is a nutrient that helps your little one's memory formation and brain development, which can be found in egg yolks, soybeans and meat.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids such as DHA and AA are also very important. DHA supports brain and vision development, while AA plays an important role in brain and body formation. Both are found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. Proteins such as alpha lactabumin, which is the main protein in breast milk, are also important because they help ensure the intake of essential amino acids for the growth of your little one's brain and body.
Omega-3 and Omega-6, as other essential fatty acids, are essential for brain development and cognitive function. Omega-3 can be found in fatty fish, flax seeds and walnuts, while Omega-6 is mostly found in vegetable oils.

Proteins

Protein is one of the crucial components in milk which supports the growth and recovery of your little one's body tissue. Protein is not only important for physical growth, but is also essential in the formation of enzymes, hormones and other immune components that help protect the body from disease.