Can i feed my baby corn flour

Can Babies Eat Corn? Safety, Right Age And Health Benefits

Explore the benefits and recipes of corn for a healthy snack option for your baby.

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Corn, also known as maize, is a sweet-tasting grain rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Besides, it contains protein and several micronutrients that can effectively contribute to a baby’s nutritional requirements. But is corn for babies safe? Since corn has high amounts of insoluble fiber, you might be wondering if babies can digest corn comfortably. So, keep reading to know about corn’s safety for babies, its possible health benefits, and some age-appropriate corn recipes for babies you can try at home.

Can Babies Eat Corn?

Corn is safe for your baby, but you cannot make it a part of his first solid food. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you give the baby conventional first foods such as cereals, fruit, and mashed vegetables before adding corn to his diet.

If your family has a history of corn allergies, you need to avoid it until the baby is grown enough to sustain. Also, babies with eczema should not be given corn, unless your doctor okays it.

Related: Food Allergies In Babies: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment

When And How To Include Corn In A Baby’s Diet?

According to the American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP), corn can be introduced after six months of age when the baby begins eating solid foods. However, if you are worried about the allergies, wait until he turns one year old. Also, corn is difficult to digest, so it is advisable to delay it until his digestive system improves. Here are various ways you can choose to feed corn for babies:

Eva De Angelis, an Argentina-based licensed dietitian nutritionist, says, “While corn is generally safe because it is high in fiber, it may upset your baby’s stomach, causing gas and bloating. In addition, feeding your baby too much corn may cause diarrhea. This is why sometimes dietitians recommend waiting until your baby is 12 months old to introduce corn to their diet. Yet, pureed corn is safe to introduce from six months old.”

For infants, feed corn by making a puree of it.

You can move on from puree to creamed corn when your child grows into a toddler around 18-24 months.

Once he is two years or more and learns to use his newly grown teeth to chew, you can give him kernels to eat but ensure that he is chewing them.

Do not substitute a more nutritious food with maize, as it is not considered to be high in nutritional values. If you have to choose between corn and a healthier food, go for the latter and wait to introduce corn as finger food in later months.

Nutritional Values In Corn

Corn is high in B vitamins: thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5), and folate. It contains dietary fiber, minerals, magnesium, and phosphorus at moderate levels. This table provides the nutritional values:

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	360 kJ (86 kcal)
Carbohydrates	18.7 g
Protein	3.27 g
Fat	1.35 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv	9 μg
lutein zeaxanthin	644 μg
Thiamine (B1)	0.155 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0. 055 mg
Niacin (B3)	1.77 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.717 mg
Vitamin B6	0.093 mg
Folate (B9)	42 μg
Vitamin C	6.8 mg
Minerals
Iron	0.52 mg
Magnesium	37 mg
Manganese	0.163 mg
Phosphorus	89 mg
Potassium	270 mg
Zinc	0.46 mg

Did you know?

Cornmeal or maize flour is often fortified with essential micronutrients and minerals to help prevent micronutrient deficiencies in several countries (5).

Related: Wheat For Babies: Right Age To Introduce And Precautions To Take

Benefits Of Corn For Babies

Corn offers certain benefits for your baby if you limit the intake to moderate levels. Here are a few reasons why corn can be beneficial:

1.

Helps in weight gain:

About 100g corn contains around 350 calories. If your baby is underweight, a corn diet could help him gain some pounds. Even a baby with normal weight can be given this vegetable to maintain his weight after you stop breastfeeding him completely.

2. Body growth and development:

Corn is rich in B complex. Thiamin supports nerves and brain development; niacin improves metabolism, especially of sugars, proteins, and fatty acids; and folate helps new cell development.

3. Muscle and nerve function:

Corn contains phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Phosphorus supports bone health; potassium and magnesium are necessary for muscle and nerve function. Iron improves brain development.

4. Protects blood cells:

The presence of antioxidants (through vitamin E) makes maize good for protecting cells from damage. It contains phenolic compound ferulic acid, which is an anti-carcinogenic agent. Antioxidants prevent tissue and DNA damage in the body.

5. Improves digestion:

The presence of fiber makes corn a good laxative. If your baby has frequent constipation issues, a few corn products like corn seeds and cornflour could resolve the problem.

Corn seeds are natural laxatives and can be used to relieve constipation. Cornflour is also good, but it needs to be whole cornflour and not refined.

“Boiled corn is better tolerated and can help your baby absorb all of the nutrients corn offers. Keep in mind that even if the corn kernels are fully cooked, they can pose a choking hazard to your baby. So, until they’re 12 months old, make sure to puree them as much as possible,” De Angelis suggests.

6. Good vision and skin:

Yellow maize is rich in vitamin A, a source of beta-carotene that gives better eyesight. Beta-carotene, which is not a part of vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant that is good for the baby’s skin.

Effects Of Corn On Babies

The natural sugars in corn can become starch quickly, and hence corn is not considered beneficial for a baby. Its ill-effects broadly manifest in two ways:

Allergies
Intolerance

1. Allergies

Allergies are caused due to the proteins present in the kernels. Lipid transfer protein (LTP) is a major cause of allergies as it stays on even after processing or heating the corn and post digestion. Other potential allergens are storage proteins and corn pollen present in the kernel.

Both corn and corn-based products could trigger allergies such as eczema and allergic rhinitis. However, corn does not figure in the top eight food allergens of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004.

Here is a list of some corn products but it is not exhaustive as corn is used as an ingredient in several foods:

cornstarch
baking powder
corn oil
cornflakes
corn tortillas
popcorn
vanilla extract
confectioners’ sugar
corn meal
mannitol
margarine
colour hominy
lactic acid
invert sugar
corn syrup
caramel
dextrin
dextrose
fructose
maltodextrin
sorbitol

Corn allergy symptoms in babies

If you observe any of these symptoms in your baby, stop giving him corn immediately (1):

Hives or a skin rash
Nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea
Stuffy or a runny nose
Sneezing
Headaches
Asthma and in a worse case anaphylaxis

How to deal with corn allergy?

The first obvious way to deal with the allergy is to avoid corn and corn-derived products.
Give your baby home-cooked food because ready-to-eats can contain corn in any form.
If the reaction is severe, take your baby to a doctor. He would administer epinephrine (adrenaline).

Be watchful

If your baby has a corn or maize allergy, read the labels of all products, including medications, foods, and cosmetics, since these may contain corn starch or syrup (6).

2. Intolerance

Intolerance is different from allergies as it reflects in the form of digestive problems. Your baby could have the below symptoms if he is intolerant to maize:

Bloating
Gas
Stomach pain
Diarrhea

Intolerance could be short-lived when compared to allergies.

13 Tips To Select And Store Corn

Once you make sure that your baby is not allergic or intolerant to corn, you may begin to add it to his diet. Here are a few tips to select the best corn available in the market:

Select fresh corn as it is the best way to consume the vegetable.
Purchase non-GMO corn, and if possible organic.
Buy corn with husks on them as they protect them from heat, damage and dirt.
Ensure that the husks are not dry, as dried husks indicate stale corn. Fresh corn has husks that are tight and green.
The kernels need to be plump and shiny.
The tassels (brown hair-like things at the top) need to be sticky and glowing.
Frozen corn may also be bought.
If you opt to give your baby canned corn, check the ingredients to make sure that there is no added sugar in them. Canned corn has fewer proteins.
Try to consume the corn within three days.
Store them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator.
Corn needs to be kept away from sunlight or heat because the sugars in corns convert to starch easily.
If the supermarket allows, peel the husks of fresh corn back to check the tip of the corn and the quality of the kernels.
If you are not allowed to peel the husk, press the corn with your hands to feel for its firmness. A firm corn is fresh and has healthy kernels.

Related: 18 Easy And Healthy Snacks For Toddlers To Love

Corn Recipes For Babies

Here are a few recipes for your baby to have corn in the tastiest way:

1. Corn Puree

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

One cob of sweet corn
A teaspoon of water, breast milk or formula

How To:

Get the kernels off the cob. The best way to do it is by running a knife across the kernels.
Put the kernels in boiling water and let them boil until they are soft.
Make a puree by blending the kernels with a little water or milk. Add more water if you want a more runny consistency.

2. Pumpkin And Cornmeal Porridge

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 cup puréed pumpkin
Yellow cornmeal (as needed)
Water as needed
One tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
A pinch of salt

How To:

Add water, milk, and pumpkin in a pan.
In another bowl, mix the cornmeal with some water. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add the cornmeal paste and sugar to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until the mixture thickens.
Add ginger and salt.
Let it cook for another three to five minutes.
Serve the warm corn porridge for baby.

Quick tip

Store cornmeal in dry, cool, and dark places in tightly sealed containers to extend shelf life (7).

3. Carrot, Potato, and Sweet Corn Purée

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

1 carrot
1 potato
1 tbsp peas
2 tbsp of sweet corn kernels
4 tbsp of water
1 tsp of olive oil

How To:

Sauté finely chopped carrot in an oiled pan until soft.
Add potato, peas, sweet corn, and water.
Let the mixture come to a boil and then simmer it for 15 minutes.
Make this corn puree for baby that suits his palate.

4. Maize, Apple, and Sweet Potato Puree

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

2 cups corn kernels
1 apple peeled
1 sweet potato

How To:

Cook the corn and steam the apple and sweet potato.
Puree the three.
Add some breast milk or formula to make it watery.

5. Corn and Cauliflower Puree

Image: iStock

You Will Need:

2 cups corn kernels
1 cup chopped cauliflower
1 cup yogurt
Pepper (optional)

How To:

Cook the corn and steam the cauliflower.
Puree both in a blender.
Mix yogurt and pepper for taste.

6. Sweet Corn Soup

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

Fresh sweet corn
A tablespoon each of finely chopped carrot, beans, broccoli, and spring onions
Salt to taste

How To:

Cook the corn cobs and remove the kernels after they cool down.
Puree the kernels (keep a few kernels away for later use).
Cook the other vegetables in a heavy bottom pan, with a thin layer of butter applied on it.
After cooking for around two minutes, add the corn puree, a bit of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Add water to bring the soup to the desired consistency.
Add the remaining corn kernels and simmer.

7. Corn Fritters

Image: Shutterstock

Age: Above 1 year

You Will Need:

A small cup of multipurpose flour
2-3 tbsp milk
2-3 tsp sauce
A cup of sweetcorn kernels
Vegetable oil to cook

How To:

Mix the flour and milk to make a smooth batter.
Add the sauce and corn kernels.
Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil on a frying pan, and spread small portions of the batter on it.
Press them slightly while cooking and toss them a few times.

8. Cornflour Cutlets

Image: Shutterstock

Age: Above 1 year

You Will Need:

2 tbsp cornflour
1 boiled potato
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Oil to fry

How To:

Mash the boiled potato.
Mix cornflour, lemon juice, and salt and add a bit of pepper to it.
Make the mix into small flat rounds, using your palms.
Fry the rounds in a frying pan, tossing now and then.

Tip: Cornmeal mixes well with mashed potatoes, carrots, apples, peas, brown rice or rice meal, which are easily digestible.

1. Can I give baby corn (Karo) syrup to my baby to cure constipation?

No, Karo corn syrup does not cure constipation. It was once a home remedy for constipation, but the one that is available in the market these days does not work. It does not contain the necessary chemical structure that allows liquids into the intestine and loosens the stool.

2. Is corn syrup present in formula good for babies?

Avoid using corn syrup for babies as they are high in fructose, as it is an artificial sweetener. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) does not do any good, but is used in the formula to sweeten the product.

In addition to making the babies overweight, HFCS could also set the tastes in the baby who would grow up to love over-sweetened foods.

Check for the ingredients before choosing a formula, and take the one that has low levels of corn syrup, among others.

3. Can my one-year-old baby eat cornflakes?

Babies one year and above can eat cornflakes for their breakfast. But choose the brand which has low levels of salt.

Also, if your baby likes rice flakes, wheat flakes, or oatmeal, consider giving these as they are better nutritional options than cornflakes.

4. Is cornstarch good for babies?

Starchy food, including cornstarch, is not advisable for babies who are yet to develop teeth. It is usually given to babies as it can be swallowed without being chewed. However, parents need to note that by swallowing it directly, the food is not being salivated. Also, babies’ digestive juices are yet to develop enough to digest cornstarch (2).

5. What is guinea corn? Can I give it to my baby?

Guinea corn is also known as sorghum or dura. It is rich in unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron. It contains more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates (3).

Babies can be given sorghum but if your baby already has other starchy foods, you need to balance it as guinea corn is also high in starch.

6. Are corn puffs an ideal finger food for my infant?

Corn puffs are tasty, and your child might like them. But snack options such as fruits or nuts are more nutritious than puffs.

7. Can we use cornstarch to treat diaper rash?

Avoid using cornstarch for diaper rash. It is traditionally used as a powder on the rash, and is also made into a paste by mixing petroleum jelly with it, and then applied on the area. But it is not good to use cornstarch for the purpose as it supports bacterial growth. Instead, use baby powder.

8. Is cornflour used for a baby rash?

Cornflour can be applied to non-fungal rashes. In a fungal rash, it helps the fungus grow. So, determine the kind of rash before using cornflour.

9. What are the various types of corn?

There are six types of corn: dent, flint, sweet, flour, popcorn.

Dent: Dent or field corn is white or yellow in color. It is used in processed foods, industrial products, and as livestock feed.

Flint: Grown in Central and South America, Flint or Indian corn has a hard outer shell. Its uses are similar to those of dent corn. Its color can vary from yellow to red.

Sweet: Sweet corn is named so as it has higher natural sugars than the other varieties. Field corn has 4% sugar and sweet corn has 10%. It is used for direct consumption than as flour. It is rarely used as livestock feed. It is advisable to eat sweet corn immediately after being picked as nearly 50% of the sugar turns to starch within 24 hours (4).

Flour: Flour corn is one of the oldest types and, as the name suggests, it is used in baked goods. The kernels are soft and filled with starch. It is usually white, but can come in varied colors like blue.

Popcorn: This variety has a soft starchy inside that pops up when heated. The moisture inside the corn acts as steam that causes the explosion. Other types of corn also pop but not to the extent popcorn does, as the starch and moisture content is high in it.

10. Can a baby eat corn everyday?

According to Katie Hlucny, a registered dietitian from Grand Forks, North Dakota, “Eating corn every day may not pose a problem for some babies; however, eating corn or any other food every day is not recommended. Babies should be exposed to a variety of foods daily. If a baby ate corn daily, they would miss out on other valuable nutrients from other foods and may get an upset stomach from the high-fiber content of corn. ”

Babies six months and above can consume corn in well-cooked puree form. Initially, feed your baby small amounts, such as half a teaspoon, and watch for signs of allergy and intolerance. Once the baby adjusts to corn’s taste and digestibility, increase the amount gradually. Consuming corn as a part of a well-balanced diet can offer babies sufficient energy and nutrients, such as proteins, B vitamins, and fiber. Older babies and toddlers can consume boiled corn kernels and corn-based foods, such as corn fritters and corn cutlets, as finger foods.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Corn Allergy Symptoms.
https://allergy-symptoms.org/corn-allergy-symptoms/
No Starch for Infants.
https://www.soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/02/0201hyglibcat/020126shelton.orthotrophy/020126.ch55.htm
Health Benefits of Guinea Corn – Sorghum.
https://www.gracengofoundation.org.ng/2015/10/health-benefits-of-guinea-corn-sorghum.html
Types of Corn.
https://www2.kenyon.edu/projects/farmschool/food/corntyp.htm
Who Guideline: Fortification Of Maize Flour And Corn Meal With Vitamins And Minerals.
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/251902/9789241549936-eng.pdf;jsessionid=91464E6D59376B5F98D47900336E02EF?sequence=1
Corn-Free Diet.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/nutrition/corn-free.aspx
Using And Storing Cornmeal.
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh2119

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Is Cornstarch Safe For Babies To Eat?

Last updated on December 30th, 2022 at 06:53 pm

Corn, AKA maize (in some parts of the world), is healthy food for adult people. It grows in yellow color and can be a source of many types of recipes and food items. But, people often ask, “is cornstarch safe for babies to eat?”.

Well, simply answered, cornstarch is indeed safe for babies to eat. But, there must be moderation in treating your baby with cornstarch. Not only that, before feeding your baby cornstarch, you must know all about this food item, so you don’t cause digestive problems to your baby.

Luckily for you, in this very discussion, we have arranged everything you need to know about cornstarch. In order to safely feed your baby many types of food items with cornstarch, you can just read through our article here and get quickly informed.

So, without any more wait, let’s just get to know all the necessary info regarding if it’s safe to feed your baby cornstarch. Let’s go right now!!

What Is Cornstarch?
Babies Eating Cornstarch: Is It Safe?
Possible Risks Of Giving Cornstarch To Your Baby
- 1. Inhaling Cornstarch:
- 2. Intolerance To Cornstarch:
- 3. Allergy To Cornstarch:
- 4. Possibility Of Malnutrition:
Possible Benefits Of Feeding Cornstarch To Your Baby:
- 1. Boost In Weight Gain:
- 2. Ensuring Ample Growth And Development:
- 3. Improved Muscle Generation:
- 4. Improve Fiber Digestion:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Verdict:

Is Cornstarch Safe For Babies To Ea...

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Is Cornstarch Safe For Babies To Eat?

What Is Cornstarch?

Corn is a purely carbohydrate-based food item that can be easily digested by anyone. And, it is not known to have any toxic constituents in it. Furthermore, it also comes in a powder form, which is known as cornstarch. But, you cannot just eat plain cornstarch. In order to eat cornstarch, you have to mix it with other food ingredients and then consume it.

Moreover, for most parts, people apply cornstarch in liquid food items to increase the thickness and the texture of the food. Other than carbohydrates, you mostly won’t find any other nutrition items in cornstarch. So, if you only eat cornstarch for an extended period, it is pretty sure that you won’t get any other nutrient items in your body other than carbohydrates.

is cornstarch bad for babies

Babies Eating Cornstarch: Is It Safe?

Yes, definitely. It is perfectly safe for a baby to eat cornstarch in his/her meal items. But, be careful. You shouldn’t make it the only solid food that the baby eats. Because corn starch is solely based on carbohydrates, it doesn’t have any other essential vitamins that a baby would need. So, if you’re constantly feeding your baby cornstarch-based food items, you run the risk of putting your baby in malnutrition.

In addition to that, you also need to be careful not to make the cornstarch the first food your baby eats. In the first days of your baby eating solid foods, you need to give him/her easily digestible food items such as mashed vegetables and fruits. Simply put, you need to ensure that your baby is getting foods that have essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and necessary food oils.

Furthermore, if your family members have a history of being allergic to cornstarch, it might be a better idea to not let your baby eat it (unless you’re absolutely sure that your baby doesn’t have an allergy to cornstarch). Also, if your baby has asthma problems, it’s vital that you keep your baby away from cornstarch (lest the baby accidentally inhales the powdery cornstarch).

Possible Risks Of Giving Cornstarch To Your Baby

Although cornstarch is a 100% safe food for a baby to consume, it comes with several risks as well. Just like any other food item, cornstarch should also be fed to the babies in strict moderation. Also, you need to be careful of the possible risks of feeding cornstarch that we have mentioned below:

1. Inhaling Cornstarch:

Cornstarch is a powder food item. So, it is very easy to inhale cornstarch when you are breathing. What’s more, this issue can have an even bigger impact if your baby inhales it.

So, whenever you’re preparing food items with cornstarch mixed in it, make sure to prepare it at a safe distance away from your baby. It’s because, if your baby inhales the cornstarch dispersed in the air, it will cause severe respiratory problems to your baby.

2. Intolerance To Cornstarch:

Although it’s very unlikely, intolerance to cornstarch can occur. For your information, intolerance is the tendency of a person’s digestive tract to constantly reject a definite type of food item. So, we recommend that you make sure if your baby is intolerant to cornstarch or not.

And, after feeding cornstarch-based food items to your baby for the first time, if you notice any uncommon traits such as diarrhea, gas, bloating in your baby, you should understand that your baby has intolerance towards cornstarch. In that case, it’s the best advice to avoid feeding your baby cornstarch-based food items.

The good news is, sometimes you can prevent intolerance towards cornstarch by mixing cornstarch with other food items such as vegetables, milk, and dairy food items. Once you are sure that your baby is intolerant to cornstarch, you can experimentally feed your baby food items that have a very small amount of cornstarch mixed in. Why do we suggest that? It’s because it is very likely that your baby won’t be as intolerant to those mixed food items (compared to raw cornstarch food items).

3. Allergy To Cornstarch:

If your family has a history of having a high amount of Lipid Transfer Protein(LPD) in the body, the likelihood of your baby having an allergy to cornstarch is pretty high. In that case, it is very risky to feed your baby cornstarch-based food items. In the worst-case scenario, if you feed your baby cornstarch, he/she can face severe eczema or allergic rhinitis. So, we recommend that you keep cornstarch away from your baby if your family is allergic to it.

4. Possibility Of Malnutrition:

Cornstarch is a processed food that is derived from corn. Also, it is converted to powder form by starch machines. Now, if you constantly feed your baby with cornstarch-based food items, your baby might get fully accustomed to digesting only processed and bland food items. As a result, you run the risk of putting your baby in severe malnutrition.

This is why I recommend that you impose moderation in feeding your baby cornstarch-based food items. But, you can surely mix cornstarch in other vegetable-based food items to ensure enough vitamin and carbohydrate content in the baby’s food intake.

Possible Benefits Of Feeding Cornstarch To Your Baby:

Although there are a few risk factors regarding feeding your child cornstarch-based food. However, mostly it has highly nutrition benefits. Let’s review them one by one:

1. Boost In Weight Gain:

If your baby is suffering from poor body weight, a carbohydrate-based food item such as cornstarch might just be the solution to it. Because cornstarch is purely based on carbohydrates, it can boost up the baby’s weight gain.

High calories

It’s also worth mentioning that 100g of cornstarch can provide about 350 calories to the body. That’s why cornstarch can also be a healthy source of calories for your baby. What’s more, if you mix cornstarch with other vegetable or dairy items, you can even make an ultimate food item that provides your baby with just the amount of vitamins and carbohydrates that your baby needs. As a result, your baby can have a healthy weight gain as well as a boost in nutrition.

2. Ensuring Ample Growth And Development:

It’s worth mentioning that cornstarch is rich in the vitamin B complex. That, in turn, can ensure that your baby has healthy body growth and development. Also, items such as Thiamin and Niacin (found in cornstarch) support the growth of nerve and brain cells. On top of that, these nutrition items also support improved metabolism and cell development. So, it’s fair to say adding a moderate amount of cornstarch to your baby’s diet can indeed be beneficial.

3. Improved Muscle Generation:

Corn is naturally enriched with potassium, magnesium, and iron as well. Luckily, these items support ample bone growth in children. Furthermore, these minerals can also boost up the nerve function of children.

4. Improve Fiber Digestion:

Another good thing about corn is that it’s rich in good fiber. So, if you feed cornstarch to your baby in moderate amounts, your baby will develop ample ability to digest healthy fibers. Furthermore, eating cornstarch will ensure that your baby doesn’t get hungry very often. In turn, you can stay relaxed and worry-free as a parent as well.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I know if my baby has an allergy to corn?

If your baby has an allergy to cornstarch or corn, you will immediately notice symptoms such as skin rash, runny nose, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, asthma, etc in your baby. And, these symptoms will arise just after feeding your baby cornstarch.

So, if you do notice that your baby is showing these symptoms after eating food items with corn in them, you must stop feeding your baby that particular food item.

2. Which cornstarch or corn is better for the baby?

Health experts worldwide recommend purchasing non-GMO corn. And, this also goes for food items that have cornstarch in them. Furthermore, whenever you buy cornstarch or corn, it is recommended that you consume it within 3 days of purchasing it.

3. What are some delicious corn items that I can make for my baby?

If you want to make food items with cornstarch, you have a lot of options. First off, you can make Corn Purée. It’s a super healthy food item for babies under 1 year of age. Also, it can simply be made by mixing breast milk and water with cornstarch.

Secondly, if your baby is older than 6 months, you can make Pumpkin And Corn Porridge. This food can be easily prepared by mixing cornstarch with water, milk, and pumpkin. Furthermore, you can also make Corn Purée by mixing carrot, potato with cornstarch as well.

Final Verdict:

The bottom line is, cornstarch can be a very useful food item for the baby to have. But, it must be fed in moderate amounts. Also, you can use cornstarch to increase the texture of other liquid food items as well.

However, if you see any adverse effects on your baby’s health after feeding your baby cornstarch, you should immediately seek the doctor’s care. Moreover, we even recommend that you contact your doctor before feeding your baby cornstarch. At last, we wish the best for you and your baby’s health. See you again!!

Corn porridge - Encyclopedia Baby food

The kid is already familiar with buckwheat and rice porridge, now it's the turn for corn porridge, it is almost always introduced as the third porridge in the child's diet.

Approximately closer to 8-9 months the baby gets acquainted with corn porridge. A small number of children have an allergic reaction to corn porridge in the form of redness of the cheeks, so it should be carefully introduced into the diet. How is it useful for the child's body?

The benefits of corn porridge

Contents:

Corn porridge is rich in fiber, which has a very positive effect on the children's intestines. After all, this cereal is able to fight constipation, rotting and fermentation in the intestines. It has a great effect on the child's immunity, strengthens the heart muscle, blood vessels, prevents the development of nervous diseases, acts as a mild sedative, strengthens teeth.

Also, do not forget that corn grits does not contain gluten, does not accumulate pathogenic substances, is considered an environmentally friendly crop, rich in minerals and vitamins, contains a small amount of carbohydrates. 100 grams of cereal contains only 328 calories, so feel free to eat porridge, it is low in calories. And corn porridge reduces the acidity of the stomach.

Usually, corn porridge is introduced into complementary foods immediately after buckwheat or rice porridge. The approximate age of a child when corn grits are introduced into the diet is about 8-9 months, however, if complementary foods are introduced earlier than 6 months (the WHO recommended age for introducing complementary foods), then the timing may approximately shift. We introduce corn porridge into baby food like any new product, i.e. be sure to observe the standby mode for 4-7 days, to identify an allergic reaction to the product, and also look at the condition of the baby, how his body reacts to a new product.

We remind you that for the first feeding with corn grits, it must be ground to a state of flour. And then cook porridge from cornmeal. You can use specialized baby food, just keep in mind that corn porridge should be one-component and dairy-free, after introducing it into baby food in this form, you can feed the baby with the addition of his favorite fruits. We also exclude any additives for porridge in the form of salt, sugar and various sweeteners, etc. The only thing that can be put in porridge is butter, but again, if it is introduced into the baby food diet.

complementary corn

How to choose and store

Usually, polished corn grits are chosen for home use. It differs in numbers and, accordingly, in the size of the grinding. This is how the smallest cereals No. 1 and 2 happen, the larger ones - No. 3,4,5. You should not buy corn grits with a margin, usually old grits are bitter. Before buying, it is worth checking the tightness of the packaging, the expiration date.

The corn grits should be homogeneous, without impurities, debris and mold, the grains should not stick together, the color of the corn grits should be yellow, but not very bright. It is necessary to store cereals in a dark, cool place, best of all in glass or ceramic dishes, tightness is required so that insects do not get inside the container where cereals are stored.

The best way to make baby corn porridge is to use cornmeal, which is ground from groats. It is better to grind groats than buy cornmeal in the store, since the latter contains a large amount of starch, it is more caloric, it lacks vitamin E and a small amount of B vitamins. and two or three times. Store cornmeal in an airtight container in a dark and dry place.

Freezing corn porridge

It is best to freeze corn porridge as part of another meal. May be rubbery or grainy when thawed. It is best to freeze not in the form of mashed potatoes, but porridge made from polished grain. It is necessary to defrost in the refrigerator, especially if corn porridge is cooked in milk.

Preparation of complementary foods: Corn porridge

When preparing baby food with cornmeal, mix 1/4 cup of flour with 1-2 cups of water. Pour cornmeal into boiling water, beat with a whisk, stir constantly to avoid the formation of lumps. Boil 10 minutes. Mother's milk can be added to baby corn porridge to achieve a uniform consistency.

Corn grits are usually poured overnight, before cooking it must be thoroughly washed and poured with boiled water. Pour cereal 1: 2, i.e. one glass of cereal and two glasses of water. After the water boils, the fire decreases and the corn porridge is cooked for about 10-15 minutes, and then the same amount of time is infused. After the fire is turned off, the porridge is salted, butter is added. It is this porridge that can be whipped after cooking with a blender and milk mixture / mother's milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Also, corn porridge works well when boiled in a multicooker, put all the ingredients in the multicooker bowl and set the porridge mode (depending on which multicooker, there may be a “milk porridge” or just “buckwheat” mode, etc.), after the signal we give brew for another 15 minutes.

We remind you that we put salt and butter in corn porridge if the child is familiar with these products.

How often to give corn porridge?

It is best to give corn porridge once or twice a week, because, despite all the usefulness of this porridge, if consumed excessively, it can harm the child's body, for example, it washes calcium and potassium out of the body.

Food that goes well with corn porridge:

with cheese, cottage cheese, pumpkin, vegetables, fruits, berries, millet, rice, dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, prunes), cranberries, milk, mushrooms.

Herbs and spices that perfectly complement the taste of corn porridge:

hot and sweet red pepper, herbs: oregano, thyme, basil, cilantro, nutmeg.

Examples of baby food:

Curular porridge
Curular porridge with pears
corn porridge with pumpkin
corn porridge with apple and carrots
Cuckunk porridge and carrots

9000
9000 - Borisov, Borisen. please, why is porridge introduced into the children's diet and is it possible to give corn porridge to children?

— Between four and six months, the baby begins to get acquainted with the first complementary foods. If the baby does not eat enough, gains weight poorly, suffers from functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, then porridge can be recommended as the first meal of complementary foods.

The child is one of the first to taste corn porridge. It contains many useful substances that contribute to the development of a small organism, including the nervous system.

Benefits of corn porridge for children

— What is the difference between children's corn porridge and "adult" porridge?

- Corn porridge is made from corn flour, which is obtained by crushing dried corn kernels. The grinding class and the purpose of the cereal depend on the degree of crushing. Corn porridge for young children contains grains of the finest grinding, while in the "adult" porridge, cereals are coarser. It has more fiber, but it will be difficult for the baby to digest it, so it can be introduced into the children's diet only after a year.

Baby corn porridge (including dairy) does not contain gluten protein, which allows it to be used as a first food. This is its difference from gluten-containing oatmeal, wheat porridge. The low allergenicity of corn grits makes it indispensable in the diet of an allergic person. Such porridge will be a source of slowly digestible carbohydrates and will create a feeling of satiety in a child for a long time.

Pediatricians recommend corn porridge for the first feeding. It belongs to low-allergenic gluten-free products, is easily digestible, contains a sufficient amount of essential vitamins and microelements, useful fiber. It does not contribute to rapid weight gain, satisfies hunger for a long time and gently regulates digestion.

— How does corn porridge affect a child's stool — can it lead to constipation, diarrhea?

- Like any other product, corn porridge can cause dyspeptic disorders in the form of a change in the nature of the stool, increased gas formation, and impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract. But the appearance of these symptoms is often associated with the individual characteristics of a particular child or with the wrong method of introducing complementary foods. In most cases, complementary foods with corn porridge are well tolerated and help normalize digestion.

If, after eating porridge, the baby is worried, screaming, he has a rash on the skin or pathological inclusions in the stool (streaks of blood, an abundance of mucus, a pungent odor), you should immediately consult a doctor to identify the cause.

- Corn porridge for children - at what age is it allowed and how to feed it correctly?

- Corn porridge is introduced to the baby no earlier than four months. You should try with one or two teaspoons, gradually bringing the volume to the age norm during the week:

at 4 months - from 70 to 100 g;
at 6 months - up to 150 g;
by 8 months - up to 180-200 years

Porridge, like any other type of complementary food, is offered to the baby before breastfeeding or formula. To optimize the diet, it is recommended to give corn porridge no more than two to three times a week.

— What to do if the child does not eat porridge?

- Babies are often naughty and refuse to try new things. Under no circumstances should you force-feed your child. You should postpone the introduction of the product for a couple of weeks, and then try again.

If the refusal of corn porridge is associated with changes in the baby's condition - such as abdominal pain, colic, changes in stool, rash, then a longer pause should be made: three to four weeks. Perhaps the children's enzyme system is not yet ready for the absorption of this product. In case of recurrence of symptoms, you should consult a doctor to identify the causes of digestive problems.

- Ekaterina Borisovna, there are several types of baby cereals made from cornmeal - when and what kind can be given to a child? From how many months can you offer corn porridge with goat milk to children?

— Dairy-free corn porridge is more commonly used in children with cow's milk protein allergies. Dairy corn porridge is produced on the basis of both cow and goat milk. In my practice, I recommend using goat milk porridge.

Corn porridge with goat's milk has a number of advantages:

goat's milk is easier to digest, forming a soft curd clot in the stomach;
goat's milk is less allergenic, its fatty component is similar in structure to breast milk fats, therefore the tolerance of porridge in goat's milk is much better;
goat's milk porridge can be recommended for children who already have relatives with intolerance to cow's milk protein in their families to minimize the risk of developing allergies.

As your baby grows, their appetite and interest in new foods grows. Corn porridge with vegetable or fruit additives is a great option to diversify the menu of any child. It will be especially useful for babies prone to constipation. Often a child refuses to eat vegetables or fruits in their pure form - then porridge with healthy additives is simply indispensable in his diet. Fruits and vegetables also provide dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestion. With their lack, the baby will suffer from constipation and an imbalance in the intestinal microflora.

- Is a ready-made or homemade meal more suitable as a first corn porridge?

Instant cereals for complementary foods

- In the production of cereals for feeding babies, corn grits of the finest grinding are used. It is almost impossible to cook such cereals at home. Industrial cereals are additionally enriched with vitamins and microelements, and in "home-made" cereals they are destroyed when cereals are cooked. This means that a baby who eats exclusively homemade cereals will not receive a number of essential nutrients necessary for full development.

Baby corn porridge recipe

- If the mother nevertheless decided to cook porridge at home, she will need to choose cereal from a trusted manufacturer, rinse it well, dry it, grind it in a blender to the consistency of flour. The process of preparing porridge at home is quite laborious, it takes about an hour every day to get a serving of one hundred to two hundred milliliters.

Crushed cereals are added to boiling water at the rate of 1 tsp. per 100 ml of water.
Approximate cooking time - 20-30 minutes, porridge must be constantly stirred.
Instead of water, you can use cow's or goat's milk when diluted with water, first in a ratio of 1:8, then 1:4. Closer to two years, a 1:2 dilution is acceptable. It is recommended to use milk specialized for baby food.

It is obvious that the use of ready-made cereals of industrial production is preferable. It is enough to choose the brand that suits your baby. When choosing, you should pay attention to the manufacturer, the quality of the packaging, how detailed the composition is, and also compare the shelf life of the product and the production date. Cereals for baby food should not contain salt, sugar, preservatives, dyes, flavors, flavor enhancers and other spices, extraneous additives.

- You have noted the benefits of corn porridge for the digestion of children under one year old. What attracts the attention of parents to our products?

— Corn porridge with prebiotics on goat milk MAMAKO ^® is an excellent source of energy for a growing organism. It is more nutritious than dairy-free cereals, easy to digest due to the unique properties of goat's milk, non-allergenic and suitable for feeding babies at risk of developing an allergy to cow's milk protein.

Other advantages of this porridge: