Infant cereal is frequently the first solid food that a baby consumes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mixing these bland, iron-fortified foods with breast milk or formula and introducing them roughly halfway through the baby's first year. Renowned pediatrician William Sears notes that these products generally offer similar nutritional benefits; he advises parents to seek products containing at least one gram of protein and six to ten milligrams of iron in each serving. Consult your baby's pediatrician about different types of infant cereals and their relative benefits and risks.
Rice
Rice-based infant cereals are widely regarded as the most palatable and hypoallergenic option for young children. Rice has a naturally bland flavor, so babies will be able to taste the familiar undertones of formula or breast milk in the mixed meal. Cereals made with brown rice contain higher quantities of fiber, which is essential to a baby's digestive health, while white rice cereals generally provide little to no fiber.
Oatmeal
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oatmeal infant cereal as a good choice for young babies. Oatmeal is naturally rich in fiber and plant-based antioxidants, and most young children enjoy its mild and slightly nutty flavor. Many oatmeal infant cereals also contain added dry fruit, such as banana or raspberry. Introduce fruit-enhanced oatmeal after oatmeal itself; otherwise you may have difficulty discerning the cause of an allergic reaction if one occurs.
Wheat
Infant cereals made from wheat are popular but controversial. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, grain allergies are increasingly common and were once believed to result from premature exposure to the allergenic compounds found in wheat products. However, at least one pilot study failed to show a connection between early wheat exposure and the later development of a food allergy. In fact, babies given wheat cereal early in infancy tended to have lower rates of wheat allergy. Until more studies have evaluated wheat's effects on a baby's developing immune response, ask your pediatrician to recommend a specific time for introducing wheat cereal to your baby's diet.
Barley
Barley may be used as an ingredient in some infant cereals, but it is not commonly used in cereals for adults. Barley-based infant cereals may be less risky to children with a known or suspected allergy other grains. Additionally, its pleasant flavor blends well with the taste of milk and fruit. Like other cereal grains, barley is a good source of fiber and may be fortified to include extra iron.
Mixed Cereal
After your baby has eaten each type of cereal grain individually, you can introduce combination cereals. These may include two to five different types of grain. Mixed cereals can give much-needed nutritional variety to your baby's diet, and some babies prefer the flavor of these products. Some also contain added ingredients such as milk solids, dried fruit, algae oil or natural preservatives. Consult your baby's doctor if you have any questions regarding the appropriate age for introducing these individual foods to your child.
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