Can you mix baby food with rice cereal


Can I Mix Baby Food with Cereal? We Have the Answer.

New parents often wonder: Can I mix baby food with cereal? The answer is simple—and a game changer for infants!

If you’ve ever walked down the baby aisle at the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed those containers of cereal—they tend to stick out from the seemingly endless rows of baby food jars. New parents can sometimes feel a bit intimidated by the thought of adding yet another texture and taste to their baby’s palate. And it’s easy to wonder: Can I mix baby food with cereal? We answer this common question once and for all.

Here are the foods you should (and shouldn’t!) start your baby on.

Can I mix baby food with cereal?

It can be a little intimidating, but yes. It’s totally safe, healthy and appropriate for parents to mix baby food with cereal. At around 4 to 6 months old, babies are typically ready to try solid foods. Cereal is a popular first choice, and a great first step for introducing babies to solid food.

Since cereal is already rich in iron, combining it with baby food—like fruit and vegetable medleys—provide infants with plenty of nutrients. And, mixing baby food with cereal gives babies a chance to try different textures and tastes.

Can I mix baby food with oatmeal cereal?

Yes, parents can—and should—mix baby food with oatmeal cereal. This sweet combination can help mask the taste of a baby food flavor that your little one would normally oppose, while also providing valuable nutrients. Prepare the mixture by combining 1 teaspoon of cereal with 4 or 5 teaspoons of breast milk, formula or water. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of a pureed fruit or vegetable, or jarred baby food. Mix well, making sure to remove any strings or seeds to reduce the risk of choking.

These are the best iron-rich foods for babies.

Can I mix baby food with rice cereal?

Even though baby food can be successfully mixed with rice cereal, experts agree that exclusively feeding an infant rice cereal is not beneficial for his health or dietary needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infant rice cereal poses a risk for arsenic exposure—so it’s best to offer a variety of infant cereals instead, like oat, barley and multi-grain.

When do I stop mixing baby food with cereal?

It’s OK to stop mixing baby food with cereal once an infant begins refusing (or showing a severe lack of interest in eating) strained foods, pureed foods or jarred baby foods. This typically comes anywhere from 9 to 15 months, when a baby starts eating chopped, diced or mashed table foods—thanks to her further developed digestive symptom and newly sprouted teeth.

So, as your child approaches her first birthday, it’s usually common to stop mixing baby food with cereal (since Baby probably won’t eat it anyway!).

Pretty soon you’ll be making these tasty meals for toddlers.

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With a toddler in the house, I look for foods that are a snap to make. Loaded with beef, cheese and a flavorful rice mix, these enchiladas come together without a fuss. But they’re so good that guests think I spent hours in the kitchen. —Jennifer Smith, Colona, Illinois Go to Recipe

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

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I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. With a flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish and I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio

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These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois

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My kids and I love mac and cheese. We always get it in the bread bowls when we're at a restaurant, but with three cheeses, these white cheddar shells are filling on their own. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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This scalloped potatoes and ham dish is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it. I added the parsley and the thyme, and now my husband and five children request it. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington

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Garlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois

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Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

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Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio

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Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California

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I love pumpkin and my kids love pasta, so this pumpkin Alfredo recipe is a match made in heaven for us. Plus, it's an extra way to get some veggies into their diet. Use dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients if needed. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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My husband loves my mini meat loaves, but this family-favorite recipe wasn’t very healthy when I first received it. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen experts slashed the calories and fat while keeping the original’s tender and delicious qualities. —Jodie Mitchell, Denver, Pennsylvania

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My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah

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On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

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I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks, too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor

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Kids and dads alike will dive right into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm corn bread crust, this chili dog casserole recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri

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Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

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I adjusted three different recipes to come up with this one. Kids like the tangy taste and request the sandwiches for birthday parties.—Anna Adams, Chatsworth, California

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You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a fun way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. —Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota

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One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan

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Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin

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This is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It's wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah

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Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa

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Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York

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Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah

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Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

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When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas

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This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a dinner that both of my wonderful (but picky!) children will eat. I can easily make it ahead and then bake it right before serving. Sometimes I add 2 cups of cooked veggies, like peas or chopped broccoli, for a complete meal. —Rebekah Schultz, Mantua, New Jersey

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We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado

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I made up this cowboy stew in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey

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A few simple touches and a blast of heat enhance the natural sweetness of fresh veggies. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas

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Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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The whole family will love the fun, cheesy flavor of this ravioli casserole. It's like lasagna—without all the fuss! Timesaving ingredients such as prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to fix. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas

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My children really look forward to dinner when they know I'm serving this—and it's easy to make.

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I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas

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I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts

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Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina

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The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

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My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina

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This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan

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Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin

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Whether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts

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When our children were small and I was super busy, I would make this quick hot dog casserole. Kids love it.—JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina

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How to Mix Cereal with Fruits or Vegetables for Infants | Healthy Eating

By Becky Bell, MS, RD Updated November 19, 2018

The transition from breast milk or formula to solid food is a huge milestone for an infant. Most infants enjoy exploring new flavors and textures as new foods are offered. Cereal, fruits and vegetables are among the recommended foods to offer your little one first. Mixing these foods can give your infant an opportunity to experience a variety of flavors as well as obtain a wide range of nutrients.

Signs of Readiness

Before you introduce any solid foods, make sure that your infant is ready for solids. The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, gives several guidelines to determine whether your baby is ready for the transition. If your baby is ready for solids, he should be able to hold his head up, open his mouth when food comes near, and move food from a spoon to the back of his throat. In addition, most babies will have doubled their birth weight by the time they are ready for solids. This usually happens around four months, although the AAP recommends breast-feeding exclusively for the first six months.

Check for Allergies

Always give an individual food by itself before mixing it with another food. After introducing a new food, wait several days before introducing another to check for allergies. If your little one shows no signs of allergic reaction, then you can introduce another food or mix foods together.

Mixing Foods

To mix foods, start by preparing cereal as usual with breast milk, formula or water. Stir in a small amount of pureed fruit or vegetables or jarred baby food to the cereal. Add additional breast milk or formula to create the desired consistency for your infant.

Creative Combinations

Once your child has tried a wide variety of individual foods, the possible combinations are endless. You can choose multiple fruits or multiple vegetables to mix with the cereal, or you can mix a fruit and a vegetable into the cereal. Combine foods that are different colors to get a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in a single meal. For example, mix pears and green beans with rice cereal, or combine green beans, carrots and apples with oatmeal.

After your baby has been eating solids for a month or two, try experimenting with flavor and texture a little bit more. Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to pureed sweet potatoes with rice cereal, or try blending avocado and banana with oatmeal.

References
  • HealthyChildren.org: Switching to Solid Foods
  • KidsHealth: Feeding Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
  • WholesomeBabyFood.com: Creative Baby Food Combinations and Meal Ideas
Writer Bio

Becky Bell is a registered dietitian with experience in the areas of diabetes, chronic kidney disease and general nutrition. Bell holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Science in human nutrition from the University of Alabama.

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