Gerber infant rice cereal is an instant cereal that is often given as a first food. The cereal can be mixed with formula, breast milk, fruit juice or water and made as thick or as thin as needed. According to Baby Center, infants may begin eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age. Consult your pediatrician for recommendations regarding feeding schedules and advice, especially if there is a family history of food allergies.
Significance
The nutrition facts of Gerber rice cereal are printed on the side of every box. This nutritional information is especially important for parents whose babies have allergies. The nutritional facts also help to determine if the baby is receiving proper amounts of each vitamin and mineral. The nutritional value of Gerber rice cereal will vary depending on the liquid it is mixed with.
Serving Size
The serving size of Gerber infant rice cereal is ¼ cup, or 15 grams of cereal. Each box contains approximately 15 servings. Babies will often consume significantly less than this amount when solids are first introduced, so each package may contain many more servings.
Ingredients
Gerber's rice cereal is made primarily of rice flour. Also included are soy oil, tricalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate and tocopherols as a preservative. Iron, zinc sulfate, alpha tocopheryl acetate, niacinamide, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamin mononitrate, folic acid and cyanocobalamin.
Vitamins and Minerals
Gerber infant rice cereal provides several vitamins and minerals for added nutrition. For infants up to 1 year of age, Gerber rice cereal provides 5 percent of the daily value of protein. Calcium is included at 15 percent of the recommended daily value. The cereal is a good source of iron at 45 percent and 15 percent the recommended allowance of vitamin E. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin B-12 are all included at 25 percent of the daily value. Phosphorus is included at 10 percent of the daily value and zinc at 20 percent.
Other Nutritional Facts
Gerber rice cereal has 60 calories per serving. It contains ½ gram of fat and no trans fats. There is no sodium of fiber in the cereal although it does contain 20 mg of potassium and 12 grams of carbohydrates including 1 gram of sugar and 1 gram of protein.
Member Comments