The best cereals for the first feeding: rice, buckwheat, corn, oat

Instant baby cereals take up a lot of space on the shelves with products for the little ones. However, for many parents, this food is a big unknown. Not all pediatricians recommend them as one of the first elements of diet expansion. However, the reason is rather a lack of information about this product. In most cases, it is worth including them in the child's daily menu, because this is a valuable and satisfying element of the diet. Here is an objective rating of the best cereals for the first feeding of a baby on a dairy-free and dairy basis: buckwheat, rice, corn, oat. We choose good companies of cereals for complementary foods according to reviews.

The best dairy-free cereals for the first feeding

Expansion of the diet of a breastfed baby usually begins around 6 months of age. Depending on the decision of the parents, classic dairy-free cereals also appear in the child's daily menu. They are free of lactose and milk proteins, so they can also be added to the diet of children with food allergies. They are prepared on the basis of modified or mother's milk. You can also mix this porridge with water, but then it will have less nutritional value.

The TOP of the best includes such dairy-free cereals for feeding babies:

FrutoNanny rice

This complementary rice porridge is a special food for babies over 4 months old. The delicate, easily digestible texture is a great start to expanding your baby's diet, which can be based on human or modified milk. It is made from rice flour and does not contain gluten, a vegetable protein that is a strong allergen for some children. It is a source of complex carbohydrates containing vitamin B1, which is important for proper energy metabolism and the nervous system.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Russia
The foundation	without milk
Age, months	4+
Volume, gr	200

Testimonial: “Very good porridge, the main thing is non-dairy, so for a baby with a protein deficiency, you can cook it on the basis of a milk replacer. Very nutritious, without unnecessary additives such as sugar, etc. Easy to steam, does not come in lumps. "

Bebi buckwheat

Porridge is great and is often used in early feeding. There are no harmful additives in the product. It's easy to prepare. Can be given to babies who have lactose intolerance, since the composition does not contain milk. The product is based on buckwheat and a low sugar content, which contributes to good absorption by immature digestive organs. Buckwheat is the healthiest cereal. It is rich in B vitamins, which are good for the nervous system, and high in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium to boost immunity, as well as iron, zinc and iodine.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Slovenia
The foundation	without milk
Age, months	4+
Volume, gr	200

Review: “Good buckwheat porridge for the first feeding. The baby liked it noticeably. It is easy to prepare, does not gather in lumps. It is digested well, it has never caused constipation ”.

Fleur Alpine rice

Whole Grain Rice Porridge is an easy-to-prepare food that does not contain modified milk, is perfectly balanced in terms of nutrients and adapted to the age requirements of the child.During the manufacture, all natural nutritional components were preserved, which provides the baby's body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Porridge can be cooked in water or breast milk, as well as modified milk, if the child is not allergic to lactose. It has a delicate texture, delicate taste and is easy to digest, suitable for the first feeding.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Germany
The foundation	without milk
Age	4+
Volume, gr	175

Review: “I decided to buy the product on the advice of a pediatrician. Immediately my daughter liked it. So far, we use only once a day as a complementary food. I can safely recommend it to other mothers. Good taste, easy to brew. The price matches the value. "

Nestlé Rice Hypoallergenic

This tender, one-grain rice porridge is fortified with essential nutrients. Due to its neutral taste, it can be used as an additive to dairy dishes, vegetable dishes and soups. The product is adapted to the needs of infants from 4 months of age. Contains vitamin B1, which is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the proper development and functioning of the nervous system. Also includes a culture of Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria, which naturally colonize the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed infants.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Poland
The foundation	without milk
Age, months	6+
Volume, gr	165

Review: “Kashka at a very good price, presented in many stores. The packaging maintains the proper dryness of the product, so that moisture does not get into the cereal. It is nourishing, pleasant to the taste, gives energy to the baby and teaches him to a new consistency of food ”.

Fleur Alpine Corn with Prebiotics

One of the most delicious and at the same time the fastest meals for babies. This is a great idea for an afternoon meal for the little ones. The product is free from artificial colors and added sugar (naturally found in cereals). Gluten free and non-allergenic. Only organic ingredients that meet high standards have been used in its production. The composition contains prebiotics - fructo-oligosaccharides, they ensure the proper development of intestinal microflora, strengthening the immune system and healthy digestion.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Germany
The foundation	without milk
Age, months	5+
Volume, gr	200

Review: “I really liked the corn porridge, the complementary foods after breastfeeding went off with a bang! It is finely ground and does not clog the nipples like other common cereals. Pleasant consistency, easy to prepare, does not clump. I buy several packages at once, as they are not always available for sale. Recommend".

Rating of milk cereals for the first feeding of the baby

These cereals contain modified milk. These foods are a good choice for formula-fed babies who are not allergic to milk proteins. Such cereals are selected in accordance with the age of the baby, according to the markings on the package. For the little ones, there are gluten-free products that, after cooking, have a very light consistency and contain added fruit. They are introduced into the baby's diet at the beginning of the expansion, such as apples and bananas.

The rating of cereals for complementary feeding on milk includes the following:

Kabrita buckwheat with goat milk

Instant porridge made from goat milk mixture is intended for feeding babies from 4 months of age, as one of the elements of a balanced diet. It contains an optimal amount of fiber, making it ideal for children who often have trouble defecating. Each serving of porridge is adapted to the size of a small tummy and at the same time contains the right amount of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, as well as minerals, such as iron and zinc, necessary for the proper development of the baby.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Holland
The foundation	on goat milk
Age, months	4
Volume, gr	180

Testimonial: “Top quality baby food. Easy to digest, ideal for the first meal of the day. Promotes good digestion and regular bowel movements. I didn’t cause allergies in my child ”.

MAMAKO buckwheat with goat milk

This buckwheat porridge is made on the basis of a mixture of goat's milk, without added sugar, and is intended for babies after 4 months. It is used to expand the diet and replenish the lack of iron, which supports the formation of blood cells at all stages of development. It can also be used for calcium deficiency, which is essential for bones and teeth. Porridge strengthens the immune system, due to the content of many valuable vitamins, including A, C and D. It is easy to prepare, has a soft texture, and is easily absorbed by a young body. Can be used for the first feeding.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Serbia
The foundation	on goat milk
Age	4+
Volume, gr	200

Testimonial: “Excellent composition, very balanced, many vitamins. The porridge turns out to be fragrant, tasty and satisfying, my children like it. It is assimilated well, the stool is noticeably improved. I recommend it as a first feeding. ”

Winnie Buckwheat with Prebiotics

This buckwheat milk porridge is healthy and rich in vitamins, it helps to expand the diet of infants after the age of 4 months. Thanks to its light texture and unique taste, the product is enjoyed by little gourmets. Porridge is easy to digest, it contains prebiotics that help to establish digestion in the baby and help normalize the intestinal microflora, as well as a complex of important vitamins and minerals such as A, C, D, zinc, calcium and iron. It is a source of valuable fiber, which is important for a young body.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Russia
The foundation	on dry whole cow's milk
Age	4+
Volume, gr	220

Review: “The taste, smell and consistency are very pleasant. The child eats willingly, is easy to digest. Easy to cook, no lumps, My son is not allergic to lactose, I recommend paying attention to the fact that whole cow's milk is not suitable for allergy sufferers ”.

FrutoNanny oat

This delicious porridge is rich in vitamins and calcium. It adds a boost of energy to the baby. The product contains oat flour, sweet and nutritious apple and banana puree. Suitable for use after breastfeeding, can be used in almost any diet for babies from 6 months. Fruit puree is a valuable source of vitamin C and fiber, which regulates bowel function and protects against constipation.Oats contain highly digestible protein, valuable fats, carbohydrates, fiber and lutein, as well as many vitamins and elements, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and copper.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Russia
The foundation	on dry whole cow's milk
Age	6+
Volume, gr	200

Testimonial: “I think that the porridge plays its role very well, I feed it to the child from 6 months. Oatmeal works wonders when it comes to bowel problems in a young child. Recommend".

Baby (Nutricia) corn

This is a product that can be administered to children from 5 months of age without the risk of allergies. Because of this, it can be safely administered to babies after breastfeeding. Modified milk corn porridge provides the baby with nutrients for better development. Contains iron and vitamin C, which strengthen the immune system and help prevent anemia. It is very easy to prepare, just pour it with warm water. Nutritious and easily absorbed by the child's body, it contributes to the normal functioning of the intestines.

Characteristic	Meaning
Manufacturer country	Russia
The foundation	adapted milk mixture
Age	5+
Volume, gr	220

Review: “The porridge is very tasty and easy to prepare. My daughter loves her very much, and finally the variety between rice and buckwheat. Easy to cook, does not go into lumps if done correctly. Affordable price, I recommend. ”

Which porridge companies are better for the first feeding?

There are a large number of manufacturers of children's cereals on the market, the best of them are:

• The Polish company Nestle offers a variety of baby cereals. The assortment includes dairy and non-dairy compositions, there are many flavor variations, since 11 types of fruits are used in the production.
• Domestic brands FrutoNyanya and Vinnie. They are a more economical alternative to expensive European firms. Their range offers natural products that are healthy and free of harmful additives such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
• Kabrita and MAMAKO make goat milk based cereals for babies, their formula contains many valuable vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Nutricia manufactures products tailored to the unique needs of babies, they are carefully checked, meet strict standards, and do not contain components harmful to the child.
• The German manufacturer FLEUR ALPINE is certified by the European society. He creates formulations based on organic products, offers a wide range of baby cereals with and without milk. Contains vitamins and minerals, does not include harmful ingredients and sugar.

What porridge is better to start complementary foods with?

Often, young parents do not know which porridge is best for the first feeding. It is important to plan correctly which cereal to start with. Sometimes they refuse to take rice or corn gruel for the first time in favor of more valuable cereals (for example, millet, buckwheat, oats). However, a lot here depends on the baby's taste preferences. Given that babies have very small stomachs and can only eat small amounts of solid food, it is worth making sure that even a simple porridge is high in calories and nutrients.

It is best to start with porridge, which:

• has a neutral taste;
• smooth flowing texture when cooked;
• gluten-free, a small amount of gluten is introduced into the child's diet from 5-6 months.

How to choose the best cereals for the first feeding?

When choosing any products for children, parents should be guided by the principle: the fewer additives in the composition, the better.This is the same key you should use when looking for a suitable porridge for your baby.

You need to understand the features of each cereal:

• Semolina (contains gluten) is a tiny cereal made from ground wheat grains. Its main advantage is its easy digestibility. Semolina also contains high amounts of starch and iodine. It can be given to breastfed babies from 6 months and bottle-fed babies from 5 months.
• Couscous (contains gluten) - durum wheat. It is easily digested and contains a large amount of proteins and carbohydrates. Due to the finer grind, the grits are recommended for babies from 9 months.
• Barley groats (contains gluten) - it is obtained from barley grains. It is a cereal that has a positive effect on the digestive process. It contains large amounts of niacin (vitamin PP). Recommended for babies, depending on fragmentation, from 7-9 months.
• Wheat is primarily a source of carbohydrates. The inulin contained in it promotes better absorption of the minerals necessary for building bones.
• Oats are a popular toddler meal that has many health benefits. Compared to other grains, oats contain relatively more protein with a high nutritional value and fat, consisting mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. They support the correct development of the child's nervous system.
• Buckwheat. Buckwheat grains differ from other grains because they contain relatively more protein. It also contains many valuable minerals, such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper or phosphorus.
• Rice contains the ideal amount of nutrients, is easy to digest and is gluten free. Containing only rice, organic rice porridge is a great first meal for young children.

Choosing a cereal that is adapted to the age of the baby is extremely important for the proper development of the baby. When expanding the baby's diet, first of all, you should pay attention to ecological and organic grain products based on ingredients that do not contain any impurities and chemicals. The cereals listed above are ideal for the first feeding.