Cereals for babies

Babies at about 5-6 months are ready to take solids although this is a generalization as it may vary. At this point there will be a variety of foods that a baby is still unfamiliar and it’s possible that adverse reactions could occur. So the best way to start is by gradually trying new things and making sure you allow some time to observe any reactions.

By this time it is possible that if you have a young baby you may have been gradually increasing the amount of solids your baby eats as baby gets older. Start your baby off with small chunks of food. If you choose to start with healthy cereal, then oats in a more liquid form are suitable. This will make it make it easier to swallow for the baby.

Grains such as rice are also good for babies. Many mothers tend to select breakfast cereals like wheat biscuits and oat biscuits that can be dissolved into milk to create a mushy consistency. Crunchy and crispy cereals are not advised for young babies, even granola for example would be more suitable for a toddler and growing child.  Most cereals for breakfast targeted for young children are often high in sugar content and so it might be advisable to read through the nutritional information to be aware of the actual content. So if you are considering feeding your baby with children cereals, be vigilant and try and go for simpler options that are free of sugar but you cold add chopped fruits or pureed fruits as well to your baby’s breakfast.

Other breakfast foods that are ideal for babies are baby foods like Cerelac and husks that can be also blended with milk. For babies opt for organic milk if possible, this is a healthier choice for sure. 

Muesli breakfast bars are more suitable for toddlers as they are able to chew this better. Many brands now offer Granola bars for kids too and healthier options will include less sugar and more wholesome ingredients. Porridge is perhaps one of the healthiest grains you can feed you baby as well as a young child. As a slow energy release food it keeps them energised and oats are rich in vitamins too. Wheat and oats are some of the favorite grains that most mothers tend to use when weaning their babies into solids.