Best Store-Bought Infant Cereals
I know how overwhelming the cereal aisle can be with so many choices, and if you have a baby at your hip, you don’t have time to investigate. So here are the top picks from me and my fellow registered dietitians as well as consumers.
Amara Organics Ancient Grain Happy Baby Oatmeal Happy Baby Oats and Quinoa Baby Cereal Earth’s Best Whole Grain Multi-Grain Cereal Gerber Whole Wheat Baby Cereal Earth’s Best Whole Grain Rice Cereal Breakfast Variety Pack
When to Introduce
The World Health Organization, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, And The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing foods other than breast milk or infant formula at around 6 months of age. Keep in mind age is just a guide. It’s not as if a switch flips on when your baby turns a certain age and they’re ready to start solids. What’s most important is paying close attention to your baby’s signs of readiness. As with all milestones, watch your baby, not the calendar. Not sure if your baby is ready? Grab my FREE handout that will ensure you start at the most optimal time.
Benefits of Baby Cereal
Quick and easy to prepare. A convenient source of iron, vitamins, and minerals that your baby needs Most babies accept it pretty readily Easy to digest Can help ease the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods
While iron-fortified baby cereal is a good starter food, it shouldn’t be the only source, and does not need to be baby’s first food. The best thing you can do is offer the cereal along with a variety of other foods to ensure your baby gets all the important nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Best Iron Rich Foods for Babies
How to choose best baby cereals
The good news is there are so many nutritious and high-quality varieties available that are made with a variety of different ingredients. You can choose a single-grain cereal, such as oat, barley, quinoa, or rice, or a multi-grain cereal with two or more. Here’s what to look for:
1. Fortified with Iron
Babies are born with iron stores built up during their time in the womb. And this is why moms need to maintain a healthy iron status during pregnancy. But by 6 months of age, it becomes depleted. At the same time, their iron needs increase drastically to support their rapid growth and development. Thus, it’s very important to prioritize serving iron-rich foods at EVERY meal. Baby cereals can help meet their high needs. And some of them have vitamin C, which greatly enhances the absorption of iron.
2. Minimally processed
Before looking at anything else, check out the ingredient label first! Make sure there are no artificial flavors, colors, added sugars, salts, etc. I especially love Amara Baby Food because they use a patented technology that preserves whole foods in their original structure so that the ingredients retain their flavor, texture, color, and nutritional profile with 1/3 less natural sugar than other leading baby food brands. Be sure to use the code MIN5 for $5 discount!
3. Organic, if possible
Organic baby cereal contains less pesticide residue than non-organic. But they are similar in regards to nutrition. If you are on a budget, you should NOT feel bad or guilty for going with non-organic infant cereal. Fed is best, and I truly believe that.
4. Aim for variety
It’s easy to fall back on the same cereal that your baby seems to enjoy the most. But this stage is all about introducing a wide variety of foods, so expose your baby to a variety of different cereals. Best First Foods for Babies
How to serve cereal to babies
Regardless of which feeding method you choose, pureed foods or baby-led weaning, baby cereal can be a great first food. If you’ve heard that you can ONLY serve finger foods to your baby with baby led weaning, that is not true! Including iron-fortified infant cereal along with finger foods, such as broccoli, banana, avocado, etc., is a great way to help your baby meet their iron needs. Here are some creative ways to serve cereal to your baby. Tip: Don’t shy away from introducing a variety of colors, flavors, and textures from the beginning. It will help ensure your baby gets an assortment of essential nutrients, pique interest in eating, and may even minimize picky eating down the road. Tip: You can easily make Quinoa baby cereal at home! And as your baby grows older and is ready for dry cereal, try these healthy cereals for babies and toddlers!
