As your little one reaches 8 months of age, their nutritional needs become more complex. At this stage, babies generally begin to show the ability to chew and move food from one side of the mouth to the other. Some teeth may also start to appear, helping them learn to bite and recognize different food textures.

Their fine motor skills also develop, seen in their ability to pick up food using their index finger and thumb. This indicates that your little one is ready to explore more flavors and food shapes.

At this age, parents should start introducing new textures in complementary foods (MPASI). One suitable option is steamed chicken porridge, which has a thicker texture than early MPASI (around 6 months). Small pieces of fruit, vegetables, or tender meat that are part of finger foods—foods that are easy to hold, bite, and eat without utensils—can also be introduced.

Steamed chicken porridge can support the exploration of taste, motor coordination, and the development of healthy eating habits from an early age. A bowl of porridge contains complete nutrients: protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from vegetables to meet the nutritional needs of an 8-month-old baby.

Equally important, sharing mealtime with parents helps develop a child’s interaction and expression skills, as well as build healthy emotional bonds from an early age. To make it, check out the recipe below!

Anggi

Steamed Chicken Porridge Recipe (for MPASI, 8 months and up)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp rice, washed

  • 30 g chicken breast, finely chopped

  • 250 ml boiled water

  • Shallots and garlic to taste, thinly sliced

  • Frozen mixed vegetables to taste

  • Chicken broth powder to taste

  • 1 tsp olive oil or unsalted butter

How to make it:

  1. Cook the rice until it becomes porridge.

  2. While waiting for the porridge to cook, sauté the shallots and garlic. Once fragrant, add the chicken and cook until done, then add water.

  3. Bring to a boil, then add the chicken broth powder. Stir well.

  4. Add the frozen mixed vegetables. Cook on low heat until all ingredients are cooked and the liquid reduces.

  5. Use a blender, strainer, or mortar to adjust the texture according to the baby’s needs (typically slightly coarse for 8-month-olds).

  6. Add healthy fats such as olive oil or unsalted butter, and mix well.

  7. Serve warm.

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