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There certainly are reasons why baby cereal is a logical choice for first food. It's generally easy to digest and iron-fortified which most babies need. It is also considered to be a low-allergen food (particularly rice cereal). 4? However, these needs can also be met via naturally iron-rich foods.
Consequently, is it OK not to give baby cereal?
Don't feed your baby rice cereal—or any other solid food—prior to six months of age. Babies should be exclusively breastfed or given formula (or a combination of breast milk and formula) for the first six months of life.
Additionally, how many times a day should I feed my baby rice cereal?
Broadly, most babies eat:
- 4 to 6 months: 3 to 4 tablespoons of cereal once a day, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of a vegetable and fruit 1 or 2 times a day.
- 7 months: 3 to 4 tablespoons of cereal once a day, 2 to 3 tablespoons of a vegetable and fruit twice a day, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of a meat and protein food once a day.
For years rice cereal was the go-to first food for infants. It's bland, well-tolerated and easy to prepare. This is especially important for breastfed babies because they haven't been exposed to iron-fortified formula. Oatmeal cereal is also bland like rice but has a slightly nutty taste.