Baby Cereal Recipes

According to nutritionist Jen Allbritton, “Babies do not produce the needed enzymes to handle cereals, especially gluten-containing grains like wheat, before the age of one year. Even then, it is common traditional practice to soak grains in water and a little yogurt or buttermilk for up to 24 hours. This process jump-starts the enzymatic activity in the food and begins breaking down some of the harder-to-digest components.”

I am a big fan of Super Baby Food. This book has a lot of great information. Some of my favorite baby recipes come from a variation of the recipes in this book. I love the section on Baby Cereals.  Here are two of my favorites!

Rice Cereal using Rice Powder

Ingredients:

1/4 c. rice powder (brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
1 cup water

Directions:

Soak overnight with 1 Tbsp of kefir/whey for all the extra benefits, especially for oats

Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
Serve warm.

Barley Cereal

Ingredients:

1/4 cup ground barley (barley ground in blender or food processor)
1 cup water

Directions:

Soak overnight with 1 Tbsp of kefir/whey for all the extra benefits, especially for oats

Bring liquid to a boil. Add the barley and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly
Mix in formula or breast milk or juice and add fruits if desired
Serve warm