Healthy Homemade Rice Cereal for Babies
Sadly, commercial rice cereal for babies is not a good food to offer your baby for many reasons. Here, I offer a healthy homemade rice cereal for babies that is a better alternative.
Equipment
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Full fat coconut milk (no added oils, sugars)
- 1/2 cup Quinoa flakes
- Sprinkle Chia seeds or Hemp seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp Nut butter (almond, peanut or cashew) (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a small saucepan on the stove at low-medium heat.
- Add coconut milk to saucepan and let it warm for about 3 minutes
- Add in the quinoa flakes and stir.
- Continuously stir for about 5 minutes before it turns into a thicker consistency.
- Keep on low-medium heat for another few minutes.
- Add in your chia seeds, hemp seeds or nut butter after it has cooled and serve.
Notes
- Nutrient-dense alternative: this version of rice cereal skips the traditional processed white rice and instead uses quinoa flakes, which are packed with protein, fibre and important minerals like iron and magnesium, which are all important for a growing baby.
- Dairy-free and gentle on little tummies: using full fat coconut cream adds a creamy texture while providing healthy fats that support baby's brain development and stabilise blood sugar levels. It is also a great option for babies sensitive to dairy or who are not old enough to drink cow's milk (omit until at least one year old).
- Texture tips: you can blend the quinoa flakes and coconut milk for younger babies just starting solids for a smoother texture. You can add a bit more water or coconut milk to thin out the texture too.
- Optional superfood boosters: Chia seeds - a great source of omega-3 and fibre. Soak before using if serving to younger babies. Hemp seeds - a great source of plant-based protein and essential fatty acids. Nut butter (almond, peanut or cashew butter) - stir in a small spoonful of nut butter for healthy fat, smoother texture and flavour. Do not introduce until 7 months old (when little tummies are more susceptible to tolerating nuts and tree nuts).
- Batch and freeze-friendly: make a larger batch and freeze in ice cube trays/silicone trays for easy single-serve portions throughout the week. Purchase great, affordable and optimal baby food sized silicone trays here.