While doctors recommend foods rich in protein and vitamins for starters, most American mothers use single-grain cereals rich in carbohydrates and enrich them with breast milk or formula. Rice cereal is suitable for babies four months and beyond.
One advantage of introducing rice cereal to your baby is that it’s friendly to babies and can hardly cause a food allergy.
Brown (whole grain) rice – (not white) cereal is highly recommended for infants; it’s easy to make and hence the baby enjoys fresh food.
Another rarely thought of advantage is the fact that cereals, especially oatmeal, fruit oat cereal and brown rice cereal are rich in fiber. Fiber promotes digestion and makes it easier for your baby to pass stools. This protects your baby from constipation.
HOW TO MAKE INFANT’S RICE CEREAL
Ingredients:
¼ cup of plain brown rice ground in a food processor or blender
1 cup water
½ cup milk (breast milk or formula)
Steps to follow:
- Boil water in a pan
- Add rice powder and stir constantly
- Boil for 10 minutes while whisking persistently
- Add milk if desired (breast milk preferred)
- Serve warm; feed the baby with a teaspoon
NOTE: Reduce intake in case it causes constipation. As your baby transitions to solid food, intake may just be a few spoons. Do not force; introduce baby gradually.