Giving Your Baby Grains
Last week, I wrote a post about
Teething Feeder Bags and how instrumental they can be when transitioning your child to solid foods. In addition, they are a wonderful way to introduce various flavors, whether it is fruits, vegetables or proteins. This week's post shifts the focus to some other foods that are vital for your baby's health and development: GRAINS. One of the first and most basic recommended foods for infants and young babies are simple grains. There are many on the market today. Below is an inventory of the basic grains that exist that are both safe and recommended for little ones. The list is vast and leaves much room for experimentation in the kitchen!
Rice
Oatmeal
Barley
Buckwheat
Flax
Millet
Pasta
Quinoa
Wheat Germ
Kamut
So now that you know WHAT grains to feed your baby, WHEN should you introduce these foods?
The recommended time is between 4 to 6 months depending on how your baby is developing. For example, is your baby able to sit up with support? Can they hold their head up? Does your baby show interest in your food and show a desire to eat by opening their mouth? The following link on the BabyCenter website provides an "Age-by-Age Guide to Feeding Your Baby" and is an excellent resource for any new mom, or even an experienced mom looking for new ideas.
And, finally HOW should you prepare these foods? Here is a simple and yummy recipe you can prepare for your little one or recommend during your homecare feeding session:
My daughter loves Beechnut's Homestyle Gentle Texture Single Grain Rice Baby Cereal. When prepared with a little baby water, breast-milk or formula, it creates a creamy and smooth baby cereal. I simply follow the directions on the side of the box "for easy mixing" and then in a separate bowl I have handy either one of my homemade baby foods or a store-bought organic one to add some extra flavor and texture for my little one. She loves the rice cereal mixed with apple sauce, pureed peaches and pears or mashed bananas. This winning combo makes for a delicious breakfast for my soon-to-be-7-month-old!
Good Luck and Happy Healthy Cooking!
Join me next week for additional baby grain recipes!