How to Make Baby Cereal

Four Methods:Whole Rice CerealPowder Rice CerealBarley CerealBaked Apple Cereal

As babies grow up, they need more nutrition for strength and health. Baby cereal is a wholesome, healthy food for babies 6 months and up. Don't buy the pasty boxed stuff- make your own at home with these two simple recipes!

Method 1
Whole Rice Cereal

  1. 1
    Gather your ingredients for this whole rice baby cereal! You'll need:
    • 1/2 a cup of rice (brown, jasmine or basmati)
    • 1 cup of water
  2. 2
    Cook the rice of your choice by bringing the water to a steady boil on the stovetop. Stir occasionally.
  3. 3
    Let the rice simmer for about twenty minutes (or whatever your package of rice instructs you) and stir halfway through cooking time.
  4. 4
    Let it cool for a bit when done.
  5. 5
    Add in half a cup of whatever liquid you would like. Breastmilk, formula, water, etc. all work.
  6. 6
    Puree it if needed. Make sure, however, that the rice does not become paste!
    • Serve your DIY baby cereal warm with fruits, veggies, or liquid of your choice!

Method 2
Powder Rice Cereal

  1. 1
    Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
    • 1/4 cup of rice powder (grind up brown rice in a food processor or blender)
    • One cup of water
  2. 2
    Boil your water, and stir constantly while simultaneously pouring in your rice powder.
  3. 3
    Let the concoction simmer for around 10 minutes, while whisking constantly. If you want, you can add in veggies, fruits, formula, or breastmilk.
  4. 4
    Serve it warm, and let your baby enjoy!

Method 3
Barley Cereal

  1. 1
    Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
    • 1/4 cup of ground barley (grind it up in a food processor or blender, you know the drill)
    • 1 cup of water
  2. 2
    Cook your ground barley by adding the mixture to boiling water, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. 3
    Whisk constantly! It'll give the cereal a silky smooth texture and less clumping.
  4. 4
    Mix in fruits or breast milk (optional) and serve warm.

Method 4
Baked Apple Cereal

  1. 1
    Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
    • 1 apple
    • 1/4 cup of ground oats
    • 3/4 cup of water
  2. 2
    Peel and core your apple. Then, dice it into small pieces.
  3. 3
    Place the diced apples in a pan with the oats and water, and bring the mixture to a slow boil.
  4. 4
    Let the water simmer with the lid covered, and check it frequently to make sure nothing is burning. Keep doing this until the apples are nice and soft and the oatmeal is cooked. (Be sure to mash and stir while cooking.)
  5. 5
    Add some formula or breastmilk- or even juice!- to thin it down, only if necessary. You can also puree. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on the top. (Only do this if your baby is ready for cinnamon.)

Tips

  • You can freeze the whole rice cereal, but it may turn out rubbery if you do. Both are best served warm.
  • Ideally, use a short grain brown rice for the rice cereals, but jasmine and basmati are both fine as well. Short rice cooks faster and softer, making it easier for your baby to eat.

Warnings

  • If your baby is less than 4 months old, do not serve.
  • The fancier baked apple cereal is only for babies 6 to 8 months+.
  • The rice and barley cereals are for babies 4 months and up.

Article Info

Categories: Baby Feeding and Nutrition | Breakfast Cereal