By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Baby's First Cereal: Make it from Scratch

By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

 

Rice is easily digested and has low allergen aspects, so it is commonly recommended as the first food you introduce to your baby. Many of the recipes for making baby cereals are time consuming, but with the use of the freezer and a blender, homemade rice cereal is simple and convenient.

This recipe is perfect for infants, but by adding a few "extras" it will tempt the taste buds of kids and adults.

Baby Cereal Ingredients:

• 3 cups of brown rice, cooked according to package directions
  
  
• 12 ounces breast milk, water, or infant formula

Baby Cereal Directions:

1. Place the cooked brown rice in a blender with the breast milk/water/formula.
2. Puree until completely smooth – you cannot make this cereal too smooth.
3. Pour the cereal into ice trays, cover and freeze overnight.
4. Once frozen, pop the cubes out of the trays, place in a freezer bag or container, labeled with the date and return to the freezer. Lasts up to two months.

Baby Cereal Serving Instructions:

Defrost the cubes, and add breast milk or formula to develop a smooth consistency. For babies just starting solids, thin the cereal to a semi-liquid consistency. Warm the cereal, if desired. You can also change the flavor of the cereal by adding fruit or veggie baby food, once your baby has started to eat those foods.

 

'Baby' Cereal Extras for Older Children:

{Editor's Note: Keep in mind that with these extras, especially the nuts and honey, you wouldn't want to give this enhanced cereal to a baby.}

• Ground nuts and maple syrup
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins and honey
• Fruit preserves
• Cinnamon sugar and dried fruit

About the authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby, creators or products such as homemade baby food kits, baby food cookbooks, baby food and breast milk storage trays, breastfeeding reminders, and child development diaries (www.FreshBaby.com). Visit them online at www.FreshBaby.com and subscribe to their Fresh Ideas newsletter to get monthly ideas, tips and activities for developing your family's healthy eating habits!

Important disclaimer: The information on keepkidshealthy.com is for educational purposes only and should not be considered to be medical advice. It is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child. All medical advice and information should be considered to be incomplete without a physical exam, which is not possible without a visit to your doctor.