Rice cereal is often a baby's first food and is used to help him become accustomed to eating solids. Even if it is offered at the right time, rice cereal can cause your baby to have gas. Talk to your pediatrician about ways to relieve that gas.
Rice Cereal
Iron-fortified rice cereal is often used as a first food because it is easy to digest, according to "Consumer Reports" magazine. It is mixed with breast milk or formula to form a soupy consistency that can help your baby get used to eating food from a spoon. It may be a messy process at first, but as your baby adjusts you can increase the thickness of the cereal.
Cereal Readiness
When your baby is 4 to 6 months old, his doctor may tell you to begin offering rice cereal. At this age, his digestive system will be developed enough to handle something other than breast milk or formula. Your baby may be ready if he holds his head up, sits with support and shows an interest in the foods you are eating.
Gas
Rice cereal is low in fiber, according to the Babycenter website. This can cause constipation and gas. If you notice that your baby is frequently gassy and bloated after eating rice cereal, she may be allergic to it. Talk to your baby's doctor if you notice those symptoms, as well as fussiness, diarrhea or a rash.
Gas Remedies
To relieve your baby's gas, try massaging his stomach in a gentle circular motion. Encourage him to move and crawl around to help loosen the gas. If he is not crawling yet, help him move by bicycling his legs in the air while he is lying on his back. If none of these remedies work, talk to your paediatrician about other remedies.
Considerations
If rice cereal gives your baby gas, you can try switching her to barley or oat cereal. If she does not experience gas and has no other signs of an allergic reaction after eating rice cereal, you can gradually increase its thickness and give it to her more frequently.
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