4 Homemade Cereal Recipes For Your Toddler

Cereal plays an important role when the baby becomes a toddler and their first experience to solid food. As it is commonly said that feeding babies is a difficult mission but something that is even more challenging is providing them with a healthy and wholesome diet. This is the reason why it is very important to introduce toddlers to grains at the right time as they are loaded with vital nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are essential for the growth of the baby. Ready-made cereals are expensive and often contain chemicals and processed ingredients, therefore it is often recommended to prepare baby cereals at home. They are easy to make and contain wholesome ingredients that your baby will love. 

Tips To Make Homemade Baby Cereal 

 2. As all grains are very absorbent, cereals might become thick if left for a longer period. In order to thin out, the cereal breastmilk or water can be used. Add in a little at a time, along with proper stirring. 

3. Rinsing the grains properly before making cereal is always recommended (except rice, quinoa, barley, cut oats) as it helps get rid of excess starch present in it. This excess starch also causes the cereal to become sticky and thick.  

4. It is always recommended to go with the organic version of grains for cereals, as there is no such price difference, and it's for your baby. 

Here are four easy cereal recipes for your baby: 

1. Multigrain Cereal

Ingredients:

• 100 gm brown rice 
• 100 gm oats  
• 50 gm ragi seeds 
• 50 grams barley seeds 

Method: 

• Blend all the grains into a fine powder.   
• Place 2 tsp of the homemade baby cereal powder in a saucepan along with half cup of water. 
•  Cook the cereal until it becomes thick porridge.  
• Ensure to keep stirring continuously as you are making the porridge to avoid lumps.  
• Once the baby cereal is cooked, allow it to cool down and then add in some breast milk to adjust the consistency. 

And feed your baby. 

2. Rice Cereal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice (short grain) 
• 2 cups water 
• 1-2 cups liquid for blending (fresh breast milk, formula, water) 

Method:

• Rinse the rice properly under running water. 
• Transfer the rice to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of water.  
• Bring it to boil then cover with a lid and simmer for forty minutes or until the rice is tender. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let rest for ten minutes. 
•  Place the rice into a blender and add half cup of liquid of choice.  
• Blend for two minutes or until completely smooth and cream.  

 Serve to baby or freeze for later. 

3. Quinoa Cereal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water 
• 1/2 cup quinoa  
• Liquid for blending 

Method:

• In a small saucepan, bring the liquid to a boil.  
• Add quinoa and stir.  
• Cook for twelve minutes. 
•  Turn off the heat, and let sit for five minutes. 
• Transfer the quinoa to a blender and blend for two minutes. 
•  If the puree is too thick, add additional liquid.  

4. Oatmeal Cereal

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups water 
• 1 cups oats 
• 1 /2 tsp chia seeds 

Method:

• In a medium saucepan boil two cups of water.
• Add in one cup of oats along with the chia seeds.
• Cook the oats for five minutes or until the oats are soft, stirring occasionally.  
• Let it cool and blend for two minutes, adding a little water, until completely smooth. 

Serve to baby or freeze for later.

You can freeze these cereals for twenty-four hours.