The main cause of stunting is low nutritional intake as well as infectious diseases. When nutritional intake is fulfilled — as well as clean sanitation and adequate water availability — it is common for a child to be free from stunting. There are some tips to meet nutritional intake so that stunting can be avoided.
For pregnant mothers, it is recommended to eat 1 1/2-2 times more than usual because at the time of pregnancy it is necessary to add additional energy and other nutrients for maternal health benefit and to make the baby grow accordingly. While for infants, the proper nutritional intake is to give the breast milk (ASI) exclusive without any additional from the age of 0-6 months, providing an additional food (MP-ASI) sufficient quantity and quality of nutrients when the baby is 6 months old, and continue the feeding of the milk until the age of 2 years or older.
Also, supervising the health of mothers and children on a regular basis to Posyandu or puskesmas can help mothers to fulfill and supervise nutritional intake. Nutrition planning should be initiated as early as possible.
