Introducing ikan bilis (anchovies) as a complementary food for babies starting from six months old can be a nutritious option. However, there are important factors to consider before including anchovies in your baby’s weaning diet.
According to Solid Starts, fresh anchovies can be introduced around the 6-month mark. These tiny fish are nutrient-dense, packed with protein, calcium, folate, magnesium, niacin, selenium, and vitamin A. More importantly, they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA—essential for brain and vision development.
Still, anchovies tend to have a naturally salty taste due to their sodium content. Canned versions, in particular, often contain even more salt, making them unsuitable for babies. To address this, you can opt for anchovy powder from Crystal of the Sea—a convenient, nutritious, and baby-safe alternative.
You can simply sprinkle the anchovy powder over your baby’s porridge or mix it into other weaning recipes. It delivers the same nutritional benefits as fresh anchovies, with added ease and safety.
Contents
Nutritional Value of Anchovies for 6-Month-Old Babies
Understanding the nutritional content of anchovies helps parents make better feeding choices. Below is a breakdown of the nutrients in fresh anchovies and Crystal of the Sea’s anchovy powder.
Fresh Anchovy Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
- Calories: 131
- Total Fat: 4.8g (6%)
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g (6%)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg (20%)
- Sodium: 104mg (4%)
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g (0%)
- Dietary Fibre: 0g (0%)
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20.4g (41%)
- Vitamin C: 0mg (0%)
- Iron: 3.3mg (18%)
- Calcium: 147mg (11%)
- Potassium: 383mg (8%)
- Phosphorus: 174mg (14%)
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Crystal of the Sea Anchovy Powder (per 4g / approx. 1 tsp)
- Omega-3: 202mg
- DHA: 148mg
- Calcium: 74mg
- Iodine: 5mcg
How to Safely Introduce Anchovies (Ikan Bilis) to Your Baby
Weaning should always be done cautiously and gradually. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely introduce ikan bilis to your baby’s meals:
1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Anchovies
Always select fresh ikan bilis that are bright in colour, smell clean, and have clear eyes. This ensures your baby receives the best nutritional value and avoids any risk from poor-quality fish.
2. Prepare Anchovies Properly Before Cooking
Clean the anchovies thoroughly—remove the head, guts, and bones. Cooking methods like steaming or boiling are ideal, as they help preserve nutrients without adding unnecessary oil or salt.
3. Mash or Chop Anchovies into Baby-Friendly Textures
After cooking, mash or finely chop the anchovies to a soft texture suitable for your baby. A smooth consistency is crucial to reduce choking risks and to help babies adjust to new flavours.
4. Start with Small Portions
Introduce ikan bilis in small servings. This gives your baby a chance to taste and digest the new food without overwhelming their digestive system.
5. Monitor for Allergic Reactions
Observe your baby after each new food introduction. Watch for rashes, itchiness, or changes in behaviour. If your baby tolerates anchovies well, you can gradually increase the portion size.
Read More : How to Store Anchovies (Ikan Bilis) to Keep Them Fresh
Anchovies as a Nutrient-Packed Complementary Food Option
At Crystal of the Sea, we understand how important it is to provide babies with high-quality, nutrient-rich food. That’s why we offer ready-to-use anchovy powder—a safe and delicious option for baby-led weaning.
Sprinkle it onto rice porridge, soups, or purees to boost both flavour and nutrition. Our product is made from premium-grade ikan bilis and is perfect for busy parents who want only the best for their little ones.
Don’t wait—give your baby the best start with Crystal of the Sea’s nutritious anchovy powder today!
Sources
- https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/174182/100g/1
- https://solidstarts.com/foods/anchovy/
