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Cerelac baby food chart


Stages, When To Start, And How To Feed

Yes, cerelac comes in stages to cater to your baby's age-appropriate needs.

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Cerelac baby food is a popular instant cereal produced by Nestle. It is developed for various age groups depending on the nutritional needs of that particular age group. However, the manufacturer advises that Cerelac must be used for babies above six months of age when the mother’s milk alone is not enough to provide the necessary nutrition for the growth and development of the child. When introduced initially, Cerelac must be used by mixing it in breastmilk or formula milk. Read this post to know more about the different types, advantages, drawbacks of Cerelac, and recipes to make Cerelac at home for babies.

Types of Cerelac

Cerelac comes in a wide range of instant cereals for babies. These are formulated based on the age of the baby:

  • Stage 1 (six months onwards): Formulated for babies who are six months old, it is available in three basic variants – Cerelac Wheat, Rice, and Maize. Any of these variants can be given to the baby as a first food. These cereals are gelatin-free and are easy to digest.
  • Stage 2 (eight months onwards): It is available in two variants – Banana and Honey.
  • Stage 3 (ten months onwards): This version contains real fruit pieces of different textures and tastes for babies who have developed the ability to chew.
  • Stage 4 (12 to 18 months): The babies are now ready to try the food the family is eating and hence can be presented with a wide array of choices. A few of the options available in this range are multigrain and fruits, multigrain and pulse, and multigrain and vegetables.
  • Stage 5 (18 to 24 months): At this stage, the product contains fruits in textured shapes as the babies can now chew the food given to them.

Note: Almost all varities of cerelac contain skimmed milk as an ingredient. If the child is lactose-intolerant, consult your pediatrician regarding this. Several variants of Cerelac contain wheat flour as their main ingredient. If your baby is allergic to wheat or has gluten allergy, then talk to their doctor before feeding wheat variants.

When Can Babies Start Eating Cerelac?

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The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the introduction of solid foods during 4 to 6 months of age (1).

The gag reflex, which prevents choking in babies, begins to decline by five months (2). However, if you wish to start solids, under the guidance advice of a pediatrician, you may start feeding solids before the age of six months provided the following markers of development are met (3):

  1. The baby can hold the neck straight without support and has reasonable neck control.
  1. The baby can sit with little or no support.
  1. The baby opens the mouth voluntarily and leans forward to take food.

If your baby shows signs of readiness, do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician and start complementary foods like Cerelac earlier than six months but not before four months.

Even after you introduce solid foods, you should continue breastfeeding beyond one year and more.

Why You Should Not Feed Cerelac Too Early

You can decide the right time to start solids under pediatric guidance. But it is best to avoid starting solids before four months of age due to the following reasons (4):

  1. There is a risk of choking since gag reflex is still underdeveloped.
  1. Introducing complementary food early reduces the frequency of breastfeeding. This may lead to low iron stores in infants since the highly bio-available iron in breastmilk is replaced by added iron of complementary feed (5).
  1. Digestive issues might crop up as the baby’s digestive system is still developing.
  1. Disturbance of gut microbiota may cause some health issues.
  1. It might result in overfeeding, that could lead to excessive weight gain.
  1. There is a risk of allergies since the immune system is still under-developed.

The changes in the infant gut microbiota at an early age may have its implications throughout childhood and adulthood too. So, the age of the baby should always be considered while planning to start solids.

If Cerelac is introduced at the right time, it could have some advantages.

Advantages Of Cerelac

Cerelac is an instant or ready-to-eat baby food developed to support the growing nutritional needs of a baby. Parents and caregivers buy it for the following reasons:

  • Easy availability
  • Instant preparation
  • Travel-friendly
  • Free from preservatives, added colors, and flavors
  • But most importantly, its semi-solid texture, just like porridge, is easy for a baby to swallow. Also, its basic ingredients like rice are easy on the baby’s digestive system, which is still immature.
  • Nutritionally, it has been made to be as wholesome as possible. It has 18 essential nutrients and the probiotic Bifidus BL, which supports the baby’s natural defenses by boosting immunity. It also has protein, Omega-3 (EPA & DHA) and omega-6, vitamins A and E, folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, among others

With these prime benefits, Cerelac has made its place in the baby’s meal platter for years. But is Cerelac so perfect that we may depend on it right away? Well, everything has its pros and cons, and so does Cerelac.

Drawbacks Of Cerelac

Cerelac has a rich nutritional profile, but still comes with a few drawbacks.

  1. It has fruit juice concentrate that may not be a healthy addition to infant food. Fruit juice concentrates are made by minimizing the quantity of water in fruit juice, thus concentrating the juice. This process may lead to the loss of water-soluble vitamins and minerals. Hence, adding fresh fruits is a better option (6).
  2. Kids who are offered only cerelac and not homemade food, might develop aversions for home food. 
  3. Gluten and lactose in Cerelac can be missed and may lead to allergic reactions.

The variants available for babies of eight months and above contain glucose syrup and maltodextrin, which are a form of sugar. This addition has no significant value since the baby already gets adequate sugar from other ingredients in Cerelac. The inclusion of glucose syrup and maltodextrin could lead to an increased sugar intake. The high sugar intake by infants may lead to health issues such as childhood obesity, and tooth decay (7) (8).

How To Feed Cerelac For The First Time?

Feeding your baby something other than breastmilk (or formula) for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time parents. These tips and tricks could be handy (9).

  • Never start feeding at a time when your baby is tired or cranky.
  • Be calm and relaxed. Your baby should be comfortable when you feed.
  • Make the feeding environment warm, friendly, and flexible because setting any feeding rules so early is of no use.
  • Ensure that the infant is sitting comfortably in an upright position with little or no support.
  • Make sure your baby is not too hungry when you start feeding.
  • Be patient. Your baby may take only a spoonful at first, but this will increase with time and practice.
  • Be prepared for a mess; all babies will do it until they learn the art of eating.

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Stay alert while you feed your baby to avoid accidents such as choking.
  • Introduce one new food at a time. Keep a 3-5 day gap before you start any new food.
  • Feed foods with a small spoon. You may buy an infant-sized spoon for the purpose.
  • Place the spoon near your baby’s lips.
  • If your baby refuses the first time, try again the next day.

How To Prepare Cerelac For Babies?

Image: Shutterstock

Carefully read the instructions given on the packet. The quantity of Cerelac could change depending on the variant.

Here are the general instructions for preparing Cerelac:

  1. Wash your hands before preparing the baby food. Ensure that the utensils are thoroughly cleaned and preferably sanitized.
  1. Boil clean drinking water for five minutes and then let it come to room temperature before you start preparing the feed.
  1. Measure the amount of water and Cerelac as directed on the pack. Always use the scoop provided in the box. Level the scoop to ensure the amount is as exact as mentioned on the box.
  1. Do not use more powder than directed.
  1. Add water while stirring continuously. Mix well and ensure no lumps are formed.
  1. Feed immediately or within 30 minutes; otherwise, there could be bacterial deterioration. Discard the unused feed.

If you do not want to use any packaged infant food, then you may try making it at home.

Is Homemade Cereal Food Better Than Cerelac?

Homemade cereal food is a combination of cereals/grains with pulses. Its nutritional profile makes it suitable for babies and adults as well. Below are some of the pros and cons the homemade powder vis-à-vis Cerelac.

  • The combination of ingredients is customizable. This is important, especially if there are any complaints of food allergy or food intolerance in the baby. You can have fewer grains when it is being made for a four-month-old than when made for an eight-month-old baby.
  • You can have a wide assortment of grains and pulses so that the baby gets all the essential macro and micronutrients.
  • You may add sprouted grains and pulses to increase the overall nutritional profile of the feed. Sprouting boosts the bioavailability of nutrients to the baby (10) (11).
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables may be added as per the recipe. It can be a healthier alternative to the fruit and vegetable juice concentrate found in Cerelac.
  • However, preparing the powder is time consuming, especially if you are in a rush.
  • It needs to be prepared and stored in a clean, preferably sanitized, environment in the kitchen. If not, it could pose a risk of germs and infection to your baby.
  • You may not know the values of each nutrient that you are feeding the baby.

To minimize the risk of allergies or intolerances, introduce only 1-2 teaspoons of homemade ‘Cerelac’ to the baby. Wait and check for any allergic reactions. If you see any allergic reactions, then stop feeding it.

Keep reading to learn how you can prepare homemade cereal powder for your little one.

How To Make Cereal Powder at Home?

We provide two versions of the recipe, one for babies who are four months old but prepared for solids. Another recipe is for babies who are six months old and can be fed solids. These are the traditional recipes used in various Asian cultures.

1. Homemade ‘Cerelac’ (4-6 months)

Image: Shutterstock

You may begin with a single-grain version. Rice is an ideal first food since it is hypoallergenic and easy to digest. The grain is widely recommended by pediatricians (12).

You will need:

1 cup organic rice

How to prepare:
  1. Take a cup of rice and wash it thoroughly.
  1. Drain the water and spread the rice on a clean cotton or muslin cloth. Let it dry for an hour or so.
  1. Once the rice gets dried well, start with roasting.
  1. For roasting, put a small pan on medium heat. Once the pan is heated, dry-roast the rice in it on a medium flame for 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring the rice.
  1. The rice gives out an aroma, starts fluttering and turns into light brown. As this happens, turn off the heat and let the rice cool.
  1. Once the rice cools down, transfer it to a clean grinder. Grind the rice for two minutes or for the desired time to turn it into a fine powder.
  1. Sift the powder to remove any coarse rice granules.
  1. Store the sifted powder in an air-tight container and place in the refrigerator to store.
  1. To feed the baby, take one tablespoon of rice powder, and mix it with half a cup of water. Stir continuously to prevent the formation of lumps.
  1. Transfer this mix to a pan. Keep the pan on the flame at medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously till it starts simmering. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  1. Let the mix cool down a bit to become lukewarm. Transfer it to a serving dish and feed it to your baby.

NOTE: Mix it with some milk or formula for added taste. Adjust the consistency by adding water or milk. Once your baby is comfortable with this, you can start adding fruit and vegetable purees to this recipe.

It is only when the baby is comfortable with single-grain recipes, introduce multi-ingredient recipes. One such multi-ingredient recipe is shared below.

2. Homemade ‘Cerelac’ recipe (6 months and above)

Image: Shutterstock

This recipe is nutritionally-balanced and has all the basic ingredients that could be found in your kitchen shelf.

You will need:

Cereals

  • 1.5 cup white/brown rice
  • 1 cup broken wheat
  • 1/2 cup sago
  • 1/2 cup corn

Grains

  • 1 cup finger millet flour (ragi)

Pulses/ legumes

  • 1 cup roasted whole green gram
  • 1 cup roasted gram
  • 1 cup split red gram
  • 1 cup split yellow dal
  • 1/2 cup horse gram

Nuts and condiments

  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup cashew
  • 10 pods cardamom
How to prepare:
  1. Once the ingredients are all sorted, soak them separately in water for about 10 minutes.
  1. Rinse and dry the ingredients on plain cotton or muslin cloth.
  1. Once they completely dry, dry-roast all the ingredients until they turn light brown and start giving a distinct aroma. Points to remember while roasting:
    • Roast rice until it gets little puffed and slightly golden.
    • Pulses until they get golden in color and crisp in texture.
    • Corn should start fluttering.
    • Sago should get dry and crisp.
    • Broken wheat until it turns light golden.
    • Ragi until it gives a distinct aroma.
    • Almond and cashews until they are golden brown and cardamon until it gives aroma.
  1. Let all the roasted ingredients cool down. Then, put them in a blender and make a fine powder. Make sure that there are no granules or fine pieces of grains/ pulses left.
  1. Sift the powder in case you feel that granules or fine grain pieces could be there in the powder.
  1. Store the powder in an air-tight container. It can be kept for 4-6 months in a refrigerator.
  1. Now, whenever you have to make the porridge, follow these steps:
    • Take 2 tablespoons of the homemade Cerelac powder in a clean, sanitized bowl. Make sure that the bowl is dry.
    • Add one cup of boiled and cooled water to the powder.
    • Mix the powder and water well so that no lumps are formed.
    • Transfer this mixture to a pan and keep the pan on a flame of medium heat.
    • The mixture will take approximately ten minutes to turn into a thick texture.
    • Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool.
    • Once the mixture comes to room temperature, feed it to your baby with added fruit or vegetable puree.
    • You can add more water to the mix if it becomes too thick. Add more powder if the preparation becomes runny. However, do it while you are still cooking the mixture.

Note: It is always advisable to use the powder as early as possible.

1. How many times a day can Cerelac be given?

The number of times Cerelac may be given to babies depends on their age. Starting at six months, you may give Cerelac twice a day and then gradually increase it.

2. Can I give Cerelac to babies at night?

Yes, Cerelac may be given to babies at night for a wholesome meal that will keep them satisfied for a couple of hours. However, avoid overfeeding them at night to ensure they sleep comfortably.

Most parents have used Cerelac baby food around the world for a long time. The variety and ease of use make this instant food a popular choice among foods for babies. In addition, it is available in stages designed as per a baby’s age ranging from six to twenty-four months. Although Cerelac is packed with several vital nutrients and probiotics for infants, it comes with certain disadvantages and risks of allergies. Therefore, it is best to consult your baby’s pediatrician before introducing Cerelac to your baby.

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.

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Complementary Feeding; American Academy of Pediatrics
    https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/106/supplement_4/1274.1
  2. Developmental Stages In Infant And Toddler Feeding; Infant toddler forum.
    https://infantandtoddlerforum.org/media/upload/pdf-downloads/3.5_Developmental_Stages_in_Infant_and_Toddler_Feeding_NEW.pdf
  3. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods; U. S. Food and Drug Administration
    https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html
  4. Weaning of infants; BMJ
    https://adc.bmj.com/content/88/6/488
  5.  A.A. Kuo et al., Introduction of Solid Food to Young Infants; National Center for Biotechnology Information
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195680/
  6. Where We Stand: Fruit Juice; American Academy of Pediatrics
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Where-We-Stand-Fruit-Juice.aspx
  7. Policy on Dietary Recommendations for Infants, Children, and Adolescents; AAPD
    https://www.aapd.org/media/policies_guidelines/p_recdietary.pdf
  8. How to Reduce Added Sugar in Your Child’s Diet: AAP Tips; American Academy of Pediatrics
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/How-to-Reduce-Added-Sugar-in-Your-Childs-Diet. aspx
  9. Eating tips for babies; State Government of Victoria, Australia
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/eating-tips-for-babies
  10. Chavan JK and Kadam SS, Nutritional improvement of cereals by sprouting; National Center for Biotechnology Information
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2692609
  11. R.S. Gibson et al., Improving the bioavailability of nutrients in plant foods at the household level, Cambridge University
    https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/improving-the-bioavailability-of-nutrients-in-plant-foods-at-the-household-level/D1CC8CA0E2F3990871A5C7912619B8D7
  12. Starting Solid Foods; American Academy of Pediatrics
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx

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  • Reviewer
  • Author

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with over eight years of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children. Then she worked as a nutrition faculty and clinical nutrition coach in different... more

Dr. Charu Kalra has over 12 years of experience as a pediatrician, having worked in both government and private establishments in Delhi. Her areas of interest include new-born critical care, sick patient management, allergy, and asthma. She also offers services as a pediatric nutritionist and a lactation consultant. Holding a certification in lactation, Dr. Kalra provides counselling to new parents... more

When Can You Feed Cerelac to Your Baby?

Are you looking for an answer to when to start feeding Cerelac to your baby? Have questions like, ‘’Can I feed Cerelac to my 4-months-old baby?’’ ever crossed your mind? Here is a complete guide that helps you know everything about starting Cerelac for your baby.

Are you juggling with the question of feeding solids to your baby? Well, you are not alone! 80% of first-time parents start looking for the answers to these questions once their little one turns 4 months of age.

The million-dollar question is:

What is the ideal age to start feeding Cerelac to your baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting solids between 4 and 6 months of age, but it also advocates exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. These contradictory statements make the recommendation a bit confusing for many parents. Breastmilk and formula milk are the best sources of all nutrients that are required for your baby. Also, the baby’s digestive system in the first 6 months is not strong enough to digest any food other than milk.

However, studies suggest that baby food can be started at the age of 4 months. Well, this should be done after a pediatrician's consultation only.

Your guide to starting your baby on solids and homemade recipes

Feeding Cerelac to your 4-months-old baby

Some pediatricians answered the “When to start Cerelac?” question.

When your baby’s hunger cues are too frequent

It is when your child’s tummy is not full despite the milk you just fed him with and he is still becoming hungry frequently. Then, it’s a sign that your baby requires solid food. They recommend familiarizing your child with solids from 4 months onwards. The doctor will ask you to keep an eye on your child for a few cues while your baby is four months of age.

Your baby has good head control and can sit with support

This physical growth and developmental progress indicate that your baby's appetite is growing too. So keep a tab on this.

He shows interest in your plate and takes a finger in his mouth

Your little one’s cues that your plate of food is of more interest to him than his bottle of milk is a good indication that his taste buds are now craving for some semi-solid foods.

His appetite is increasing

And he readily opens his mouth when you bring a spoon to his mouth.

If your child shows these traits, you can start familiarizing him with solids at 4 months of age. But, make sure that the breastmilk should remain the major source of nutrition till he turns 6 months of age. Solids should be offered in very small portions just to make him accustomed to the food but start full-fledged solids only after 6 months.

You can begin to feed him single-grain Cerelac through spoon. Start with 1 tablespoon of Cerelac and then increase gradually to 2 -3 spoons. Prefer to introduce single grain homemade Cerelac to your baby.

Home-made Cerelac recipe for your little one

Rice is one of the safest food to be introduced to babies. Whenever you start Cerelac for your baby, start with Rice Cerelac. Make a rice cerelac at your home for your little one.

Ingredients: 100 gms rice, milk.

Steps to make Rice Cerelac for your baby:

1. Wash the rice well. Soak them in enough water overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. Let them dry in sunlight.

2. Dry roast all the rice in a kadhai. Keep stirring the same. The rice will splutter. Keep them aside and let it cool.

3. Grind all the rice into a finely coarse powder. Store the rice powder in an airtight container.

Whenever required, take 1 tsp of rice powder and boil it in breastmilk or formula milk. Stir the mixture to avoid any lump. It should be in paste form. Serve it to your baby.

Note: You can replace rice with other cereals.

Check out: Multi-grain homemade cerelac recipe for your baby

Things to remember while feeding Cerelac to baby:

Till now you must have got the answer of when to start Cerelac for babies, but, here are a few tips to be remembered while feeding Cerelac to your baby.

1. Do not add any sugar to the Cerelac. Sugar must be avoided until the age of 1 year.

2. Do not add any solid nuts or fine powder until 6 months of baby's age. Start using nuts powder after 6 months of age.

3. Make sure you increase the amount of liquid while feeding Cerelac to your little one.

4. Check for any illness, allergy or intolerance of solid in your baby. If there is any, stop giving Cerelac to him.

5. Make your child sits properly while feeding Cerelac. There is a risk of unsafe swallowing by your child if he is fed being in the wrong posture. Do check for it.

And lastly, do not compromise on breastmilk or formula milk, and continue it as long as you can.

For more updates on your child's daily nutrition, join the Parentlane Community today!

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Eating habits

The formation of eating behavior begins from the first days of a baby's life. With the introduction of complementary foods, the child begins to adapt to food other than breast milk, gets used to the products and acquires eating habits that will be fixed and will be implemented throughout his subsequent life. It is in the second half of life that the baby begins to eat on his own, his gradual socialization and transition to a common family table take place.

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At what age should complementary foods be introduced

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies in their first months of life. The next most important period in a child's life is the introduction of complementary foods as a stage of gradual preparation for a completely independent diet. Many parents wonder if there are any possible health consequences with an earlier or, conversely, late introduction of certain foods into the diet, and at what months it would be best to start complementary foods.

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Can children drink mineral water

How to choose water for a child? This question interests many parents. Children's drinking water is fundamentally different from adult water. The level of total mineralization is one of the most important characteristics of children's drinking water.

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Pedagogical complementary foods: scheme, how to introduce, where to start

Today, there are two main schemes for the introduction of complementary foods - pediatric and pedagogical. The idea of ​​pedagogical feeding is based on the development of independent eating behavior. The essential difference of this scheme is not the provision of additional intake of nutrients, but the voluntary acquaintance of the child with traditional food products within the family.

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How to introduce complementary foods with dairy-free porridge, which one is better to start with

Porridge is the preferred first food. Complex carbohydrates, the main components of cereals, have a very high energy potential, dietary fiber stimulates the maturation and functioning of the intestines, and sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals is important for the normal development of the baby.

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First feeding with milk porridge

Your baby is growing and developing rapidly, and others say that he is changing right before our eyes. By the 4-5th month of a baby's life, every mother begins to wonder if breast milk alone is enough for him, and whether it is time to start introducing other foods.

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How much to give baby food for the first time

The introduction of complementary foods is a responsible and necessary period in the life of both parents and the child. In essence, this is a transitional stage of nutrition, when the baby's body gradually moves from easily digestible, maximally adapted breast milk to a varied adult diet.

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First complementary foods: what time to start

Numerous scientific studies have shown that early childhood nutrition has a very strong impact on future health. Insufficient diet of the mother during pregnancy and lactation, as well as improper nutrition of the baby, increase the risk of developing many diseases.

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What can a child at 10 months old - an approximate menu for every day

The first year of a baby's life is unique. The processes of growth and development are so intense that each new month is not like the previous one. In this regard, the child's diet undergoes changes every month to meet the growing needs of the body for nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances. Let's discuss what changes are taking place in the baby's diet, and what can be included in the diet at 10 months.

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Baby menu at 9 months

Your baby is 9 months old and it's time to adjust his diet again. The activity of digestive enzymes is already high, teeth erupt in the crumbs, and the volume of the stomach becomes larger, which determines the possibility of increasing the amount of food per feeding and further expanding the diet. What can a child eat at 9months?" - this question very often worries the parents of a grown baby.

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What can a baby eat at 7 months?

What kind of porridge, vegetables and fruits can a baby eat at 7 months? Is it possible to give a child potatoes, apricots, etc.? Find out more in the BEBI.RU

blog

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What can a 5 month old baby eat?

What kind of porridge, vegetables and fruits can a baby eat at 7 months? Is it possible to give a child potatoes, apricots, etc.? Find out more in the BEBI.RU

blog

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Child's diet - what can you eat in a year?

What can a child eat at the age of one? What vegetables and fruits can you already feed? We will tell you in detail in the BEBI.RU blog.

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Meat in baby food

Find out at how many months you can introduce meat into your baby's complementary foods, what meat to start with and how to introduce. More about complementary foods in the blog BEBI. RU

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How to introduce vegetables into complementary foods?

Find out how to introduce vegetables into your baby's food, what vegetables to start with, and when to give your baby raw vegetables. More on the BEBI.RU blog

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Comparison of dairy and non-dairy cereals

Various cereals intended for baby food may be dairy or dairy-free. The first ones already contain specially prepared milk, suitable for young children. It is enough to dilute this product with water before use. To prepare dairy-free cereals, you need to use breast milk or an adapted mixture, and after 6 months - subsequent mixtures, vegetable broth, juices, water. Many mothers who solve the problems of complementary foods are faced with the question of which porridge is better - dairy or dairy-free.

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Which milk is better for a child - cow or goat?

The best and most correct nutrition for a newborn is breast milk. Its composition during lactation changes in accordance with the functional characteristics of the child's digestive system, which determines the adequate absorption of nutrients in the conditions of the formation of his gastrointestinal tract. For one reason or another, breastfeeding may be unavailable or insufficient.

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How much iron is your baby getting?

Attentive mothers must have noticed that almost all baby cereals and mixtures are enriched with iron. This is done for a reason. The need for iron in children is about five times higher than that of an adult. This trace element makes up the majority of erythrocytes - red blood cells responsible for oxygen saturation of every cell of the body. An iron deficiency in a child can lead to delayed development. And all due to the fact that his body will not receive the necessary amount of oxygen. Knowing the reasons that can provoke a lack of iron in a child, you can avoid many problems in his development.

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Why does the child's body need trace elements?

Man is a part of nature, so it is not surprising that almost all known chemical elements that exist in the environment are present in our body. Four of them are basic - carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, all tissues of living organisms are built from them.

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How to prepare the first porridge?

The timing of the introduction of complementary foods for each child is individual. It is determined by the pediatrician. In general, the baby is ready to try new food when he holds and turns his head confidently, his body weight has doubled since birth, and after breastfeeding or formula he is not saturated. It is important that the child recognizes the spoon and opens his mouth when it is brought, and also knows how to move mashed food in his mouth. Pediatricians often advise cooking porridge as the first complementary food.

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The benefits of cereal porridge for a child

One of the most important places in the structure of nutrition of infants belongs to grain products - cereals, as they are commonly called in Russia. Abroad, they are better known as cereals. The benefits of cereals for children lies in their high nutritional value and the content of almost all nutrients: vegetable proteins, carbohydrates, fats, a number of vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber. These features distinguish cereals from many other food products.

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Allergy to baby food

Allergies to baby food are common in newborn babies. This is due to the fact that in the first year of life the child is actively acquainted with new products. The mechanism of allergy development is simple. In response to the entry of an allergen into the blood, antibodies begin to be produced, which, upon subsequent encounter with the same product, trigger protective mechanisms. Usually, the product that causes allergies is not difficult to determine, since the reaction occurs after a few minutes, less often hours.

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Baby food during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a kind of test for the body, so a woman should make sure that he has the strength not only to bear the child, but also to ensure normal lactation. Of great importance in this is a balanced diet that supplies vitamins, elements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for the mother and the developing fetus.

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Gluten in baby food

Kashi occupy one of the most important places in the structure of baby food. They are favorably distinguished by high nutritional value, the content of almost all nutrients - dietary fiber, carbohydrates, fats, vegetable proteins, a number of vitamins and minerals. It is no coincidence that it is cereals that are included in the diet of babies as the first complementary foods. However, this should be done with extreme caution, because in addition to all the listed nutrients, cereals contain gluten.

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Vitamins in baby food

Vita - translated from Latin means "life" - the name itself determines the mandatory intake of these substances in the body. Indeed, who among modern people does not know about the benefits of vitamins for maintaining health? This is an extensive group of compounds that do not have nutritional value, but are necessary for the coordinated work of all organs and systems. Vitamins can be compared to an orchestra - each of them plays a role in the body.

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The best food for thought

Genetics determines a lot in our lives, but everyone knows that a child is not born a genius or a fool. Human intelligence depends on hereditary predisposition, but external factors play the most important role in the realization of what is laid down by nature. A child's environment and personal experiences at an early age have a strong influence on intelligence.

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Learning to live with taste

When we raise a baby, we are often guided by the recommendations of our mothers and grandmothers - in a word, those principles that are considered traditional. The same applies to nutrition - we often exclude from the menu of our crumbs everything that has one or another pronounced taste, leaving only a limited set of neutral products. However, in some other countries, the nutrition of babies is treated differently - seasonings and flavors are added to their diet from an early age, in our opinion, only acceptable for adults. Why?

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How to feed a capricious?

For a loving mother, such a situation as a baby who “constantly does not eat enough” is comparable, perhaps, with the global financial crisis or tsunami. Thousands of articles and megabytes of texts on the Internet are devoted to the problem of whims at the table. Is there a solution to this, such a global issue that worries many generations of parents?

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Defeat allergies from the first spoon

Allergy is an unpleasant disease that more and more often overtakes us and our kids. But this is not a reason to get upset and limit your baby in everything - today we are offered a wide range of delicious products that allow us to provide a versatile low-allergenic diet.

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Buckwheat porridge for first feeding

Buckwheat porridge for the first feeding: useful tips from Bebi. How to cook (breed or boil) buckwheat porridge for a child. On the Bebi website you will learn how to cook and introduce buckwheat porridge into complementary foods.

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First meal with rice porridge

First feeding with rice porridge: how to prepare rice porridge for feeding a baby. Tips for compiling a menu for babies, nutritional features for the first feeding. Learn how to cook rice porridge for babies.

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Formula-fed complementary foods

The introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial feeding: when to introduce the first complementary foods, tables and nutrition patterns for babies by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of complementary foods, norms and features of the menu for newborn babies. When and how to start complementary foods with artificial feeding, the order of administration with a schedule.

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Complementary foods with cereals: what to start with and how to introduce

Porridges for the first feeding of a child: which one is better to start with and how to properly introduce the second porridge into complementary foods. On the Bebi website you can read how to start feeding a baby with dairy-free and milk porridges, which ones can be given after 6 months, in what sequence new porridges should be introduced into the baby's diet.

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Complementary foods by months

First feeding by month: a complete description of the introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial and breastfeeding from Bebi. The recommended order of introducing complementary foods in the table.

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Complementary foods while breastfeeding

Complementary foods during breastfeeding: a table of complementary foods for a child by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of the first complementary foods for children: how and when to start introducing for a breastfed baby, a daily schedule, the correct complementary foods menu.

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How much does a newborn eat per feeding?

How much does a newborn eat per feeding? What volume of milk in ml should a baby suck? Learn more about newborn nutrition on the BEBI website.

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How to introduce artificial feeding: how to switch from breastfeeding to artificial feeding

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Is it necessary to give water to newborns during breastfeeding and artificial feeding

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Feeding regimen for artificial feeding of a child: basic rules for feeding and the regimen of a newborn

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Cereals and vegetables in baby foods

Porridges and vegetables in baby food: are the foods compatible in the baby's diet? We study the rules of compatibility of products in baby food. Find out more information on the BEBI.RU blog.

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When to give cookies to a child?

When can cow's milk be given to an infant? What should I do if my baby is allergic to protein? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in the BEBI.RU blog.

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When can a baby have cow's milk?

When can cow's milk be given to an infant? What should I do if my baby is allergic to protein? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in the BEBI. RU blog.

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Corn porridge: the first food for babies

The first feeding with corn porridge: how to cook deliciously and which dish is healthier - with milk or water? Read how to cook and introduce corn gruel to babies to avoid allergies. Read on BEBI.RU.

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Oatmeal for baby: introduction to complementary foods

Oatmeal for the first complementary foods: from how many months can you introduce oatmeal to a child. How to cook porridge for babies: recipes for water and milk for children of all ages. Read on BEBI.RU.

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Vegetables or porridge: what to choose for the first feeding?

Porridge or vegetables: where to start the first complementary foods? Experts recommend what to introduce first - porridge or vegetables. Find out more on the BEBI.RU blog.

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Why is porridge called milk and not with milk?

Why is porridge called "milk" and not "with milk"? The material in our article will help to dot the "and" in this matter. Find out more on the BEBI.RU blog.

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Why does a child refuse complementary foods and what to do about it?

The child refuses complementary foods: the reasons for the sharp refusal of the baby from food. Why and how to behave to the mother so that the baby begins to eat complementary foods? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in BEBI.RU.

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The child does not eat porridge: what to do?

Reasons why a child refuses porridge. Expert advice on what to do if the baby does not want to eat porridge. Read on BEBI.RU.

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The child does not want to eat meat and fish

The introduction of meat into complementary foods does not always go smoothly. Reasons why a child does not want to eat meat and fish. Expert advice on what to do if the baby refuses meat.

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Infant allergy to complementary foods

Can an allergy occur when introducing complementary foods to a baby? How allergic reactions manifest in children with complementary foods, what to do and how to continue introducing complementary foods - read on BEBI. RU.

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What to do when teething and the child does not eat well

Expert advice on what to do when your child is teething and refuses to eat or eats poorly.

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Newborn weight gain rate by months

Specialists regularly evaluate whether the development of the child corresponds to the age norm, how significant deviations from the standards are and what they are connected with. Weight gain in newborns by months in the first year of life has its own dynamics, which must be monitored. We will tell you in detail in the BEBI.RU blog.

Articles in the section "Nutrition for children under one year"

Articles in the section "Nutrition for children under one year" - useful information from Bebi.ru experts

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What can a baby eat at 7 months?

What kind of porridge, vegetables and fruits can a baby eat at 7 months? Is it possible to give a child potatoes, apricots, etc. ? Find out more in the BEBI.RU blog

DETAILS

What can a 5 month old baby eat?

What kind of porridge, vegetables and fruits can a baby eat at 7 months? Is it possible to give a child potatoes, apricots, etc.? Find out more in the BEBI.RU

blog

DETAILS

How to introduce vegetables into complementary foods?

Find out how to properly introduce vegetables into your baby's food, what vegetables to start with and when you can give your baby raw vegetables. More in BEBI.RU blog

DETAILS

Comparison of dairy and non-dairy cereals

Various cereals intended for baby food may be dairy or dairy-free. The first ones already contain specially prepared milk, suitable for young children. It is enough to dilute this product with water before use. To prepare dairy-free cereals, you need to use breast milk or an adapted mixture, and after 6 months - subsequent mixtures, vegetable broth, juices, water. Many mothers who solve the problems of complementary foods are faced with the question of which porridge is better - dairy or dairy-free.

DETAILS

The benefits of cereal porridge for a child

One of the most important places in the structure of nutrition of infants belongs to grain products - cereals, as they are commonly called in Russia. Abroad, they are better known as cereals. The benefits of cereals for children lies in their high nutritional value and the content of almost all nutrients: vegetable proteins, carbohydrates, fats, a number of vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber. These features distinguish cereals from many other food products.

DETAILS

Baby food during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a kind of test for the body, so a woman should make sure that he has the strength not only to bear the child, but also to ensure normal lactation. Of great importance in this is a balanced diet that supplies vitamins, elements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for the mother and the developing fetus.

DETAILS

Gluten in baby food

Kashi occupy one of the most important places in the structure of baby food. They are favorably distinguished by high nutritional value, the content of almost all nutrients - dietary fiber, carbohydrates, fats, vegetable proteins, a number of vitamins and minerals. It is no coincidence that it is cereals that are included in the diet of babies as the first complementary foods. However, this should be done with extreme caution, because in addition to all the listed nutrients, cereals contain gluten.

DETAILS

The best food for thought

Genetics determines a lot in our lives, but everyone knows that a child is not born a genius or a fool. Human intelligence depends on hereditary predisposition, but external factors play the most important role in the realization of what is laid down by nature. A child's environment and personal experiences at an early age have a strong influence on intelligence.

DETAILS

Learning to live with taste

When we raise a baby, we are often guided by the recommendations of our mothers and grandmothers - in a word, those principles that are considered traditional. The same applies to nutrition - we often exclude from the menu of our crumbs everything that has one or another pronounced taste, leaving only a limited set of neutral products. However, in some other countries, the nutrition of babies is treated differently - seasonings and flavors are added to their diet from an early age, in our opinion, only acceptable for adults. Why?

DETAILS

Buckwheat porridge for first feeding

Buckwheat porridge for the first feeding: useful tips from Bebi. How to cook (breed or boil) buckwheat porridge for a child. On the Bebi website you will learn how to cook and introduce buckwheat porridge into complementary foods.

DETAILS

First meal with rice porridge

First feeding with rice porridge: how to prepare rice porridge for feeding a baby. Tips for compiling a menu for babies, nutritional features for the first feeding. Learn how to cook rice porridge for babies.

DETAILS

Formula-fed complementary foods

The introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial feeding: when to introduce the first complementary foods, tables and nutrition patterns for babies by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of complementary foods, norms and features of the menu for newborn babies. When and how to start complementary foods with artificial feeding, the order of administration with a schedule.

DETAILS

Complementary foods by months

First feeding by month: a complete description of the introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial and breastfeeding from Bebi. The recommended order of introducing complementary foods in the table.

DETAILS

Complementary foods while breastfeeding

Complementary foods during breastfeeding: a table of complementary foods for a child by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of the first complementary foods for children: how and when to start introducing for a breastfed baby, a daily schedule, the correct complementary foods menu.

DETAILS

How much does a newborn eat per feeding?

How much does a newborn eat per feeding? What volume of milk in ml should a baby suck? Learn more about newborn nutrition on the BEBI website.

DETAILS

How to introduce artificial feeding: how to switch from breastfeeding to artificial feeding

DETAILS

Is it necessary to give water to newborns during breastfeeding and artificial feeding

DETAILS

Feeding regimen for artificial feeding of a child: basic rules for feeding and the regimen of a newborn

DETAILS

Cereals and vegetables in baby foods

Porridges and vegetables in baby food: are the foods compatible in the baby's diet? We study the rules of compatibility of products in baby food. Find out more information on the BEBI.RU blog.

DETAILS

Corn porridge: the first food for babies

The first feeding with corn porridge: how to cook deliciously and which dish is healthier - with milk or water? Read how to cook and introduce corn gruel to babies to avoid allergies. Read on BEBI.RU.

DETAILS

Oatmeal for baby: an introduction to complementary foods

Oatmeal for the first complementary foods: from how many months can you introduce oatmeal to a child. How to cook porridge for babies: recipes for water and milk for children of all ages. Read on BEBI.RU.

DETAILS

Vegetables or porridge: what to choose for the first feeding?

Porridge or vegetables: where to start the first complementary foods? Experts recommend what to introduce first - porridge or vegetables. Find out more on the BEBI.RU blog.

The best food for a baby in the first year of life is breast milk.

Learn more