Every parent would want to give the best for their child. Especially in terms of food, of course you will choose foods that are rich in nutrients to meet the baby's nutritional needs.
However, most parents don't really care about the processing and presentation of baby food. Even though this is very important, the article in the process could have contaminated food and eventually made the child sick.
Then, what should be prepared and done when processing baby food? How do you keep baby food healthy and clean?
Baby food can be a means of transmitting infectious diseases
Did you know there are many bacteria and germs that lurk your little one? Infectious diseases are very easily transmitted through baby food, especially if the food consumed by the child is not considered clean.
Yes, even though you have chosen the best food for your little one, it will be in vain if it has been contaminated with bacteria and germs. According to the World Health Organization, there are several types of bacteria and viruses that usually contaminate baby food, namely:
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Shigella
- E. coli
- Notovirus
If the bacteria and viruses are in baby food, then it is very possible that the child will have a gastrointestinal infection which results in diarrhea. Infectious diseases can be quite dangerous to your baby's health, so you should avoid various things that can cause infection.
What should be considered in processing baby food?
After choosing the type of food that is high in nutrition for your child, it is time to process and present it. In this process, you cannot be careless and careless, because the baby might have an infectious disease due to improper processing of baby food.
There are several things that you should pay attention to when processing your baby's food, namely:
- Always wash your hands with soap and running water before processing and preparing your baby's food.
- If you want to melt frozen food, such as raw meat, you should melt it in a closed container and allow the food to melt in the refrigerator below.
- Don't store food that your little one has eaten before. So, you should give a portion that matches your child's abilities.
- Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots.
- Cook all food ingredients until done. Do not give your child raw food, especially side dishes that are still raw or undercooked, such as eggs and meat. Usually, undercooked food still contains quite a lot of bacteria.
- Give your child pasteurized cow's milk, don't give cow milk that has not been sterilized.
- Familiarize your child to wash hands before and after eating.
Can I reheat baby food?
Many mothers are hesitant and afraid to reheat food that has not run out. However, it is a shame if you have to throw it away.
Actually it's okay if you want to save and warm it again next time. However, there are some tips that should be done so that baby food is safe and healthy, namely:
- Do not store food for too long, maximum food is stored 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Frozen food should be thawed before heating. Make sure if there is no more ice attached to the food to be warmed.
- Do not heat food more than once.
- Before giving food that has just been warmed to your child, you should first make sure that the temperature is cold enough. You can stir the food slowly to reduce the temperature.