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When Can You Feed Cerelac to Your Baby?

Team AckoDec 2, 2024

Are you looking for an answer to when you should start feeding Cerelac to your baby? Have questions like, ‘’Can I feed Cerelac to my 4-months-old baby?’’ crossed your mind? Here is a complete guide that helps you know everything about starting Cerelac for your baby.

Contents

What is the Ideal Age to Start Feeding Cerelac to Your Baby?
- Feeding Cerelac to Your 4-Months-Old Baby
Is Cerelac Good fr Babies?
- Nutritional Value of Cerelac
Homemade Cerelac Recipe for Your Little One
- Steps to make Rice Cerelac for your baby
Things to Remember While Feeding Cerelac to Baby
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Are you juggling the question of feeding solids to your baby? Well, you are not alone! 80% of first-time parents start looking for answers to these questions once their little one turns four months old.

What is the Ideal Age to Start Feeding Cerelac to Your Baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting solids between 4 and 6 months of age, but it also advocates exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. These contradictory statements make the recommendation confusing for many parents. Breastmilk and formula milk are the best sources of all nutrients your baby requires. Also, the baby’s digestive system in the first 6 months is not strong enough to digest any food other than milk.

However, studies suggest that baby food can be started at 4 months. Well, this should only be done after a paediatrician's consultation.

Your guide to starting your baby on solids and homemade recipes

Feeding Cerelac to Your 4-Months-Old Baby

Here are pediatricians' insights on the question: "When should I start Cerelac?"

When your baby’s hunger cues are too frequent. It is when your child’s tummy is not full despite the milk you just fed them and they are still hungry.
Your baby has good head control and can sit with support. This physical growth and developmental progress indicate that your baby's appetite is growing, too. So keep a tab on this.
He shows interest in your plate and puts a finger in his mouth. Your little one’s cues that your plate of food is of more interest to him than his bottle of milk is a good indication that his taste buds are now craving some semi-solid foods.
His appetite grows as he eagerly opens his mouth whenever a spoon is brought to him. He shows more enthusiasm at mealtime, clearly anticipating each bite.
If your child shows these traits, you can start familiarising him with solids at 4 months of age. However, ensure that breastmilk remains the major source of nutrition until they turn 6 months of age. Solids should be offered in very small portions to make him accustomed to the food, but start full-fledged solids only after 6 months.
You can begin to feed him single-grain Cerelac with a spoon. Start with 1 tablespoon of Cerelac and then increase gradually to 2-3 tablespoons. Prefer to introduce single-grain homemade Cerelac to your baby.

Is Cerelac Good fr Babies?

Cerelac is a famous brand of instant cereal made by Nestlé designed for infants transitioning to solid foods. Parents often choose it as a supplementary food due to its nutritional value and ease of preparation. However, whether Cerelac is the best choice for every baby depends on various factors, including age, dietary needs, and any specific health considerations.

Nutritional Value of Cerelac

Cerelac is fortified with essential nutrients that support a baby's growth and development, including.

Iron: Crucial for brain development and helps prevent anaemia.
Vitamins: Contains necessary vitamins such as A, C, and D to support immune health, vision, and bone development.
Minerals: Calcium, zinc, and other minerals promote strong bones and immune support.
Carbohydrates: Provide energy for active, growing babies.
Protein: Helps build muscles and supports overall growth.

These nutrients help fill potential gaps in a baby's diet, especially when the baby transitions from breast milk or formula to solid foods.

Homemade Cerelac Recipe for Your Little One

Rice is one of the safest foods to introduce to babies. Whenever you start Cerelac for your baby, start with rice.

Ingredients: 100 gms rice, milk

Steps to make Rice Cerelac for your baby

Wash the rice well. Soak them in enough water overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. Let them dry in the sunlight.
Dry roast all the rice in a kadhai, stirring constantly. The rice will splutter. Set aside and let them cool.
Grind all the rice into a finely coarse powder. Store the rice powder in an airtight container.
If required, boil 1 teaspoon of rice powder in breast milk or formula milk. Stir well to avoid lumps, ensuring the mixture forms a smooth paste. Serve it to your baby once it's ready.

Note: You can replace rice with other cereals.
Check out: Multi-grain homemade cerelac recipe for your baby

Things to Remember While Feeding Cerelac to Baby

While you may now know when to start Cerelac for your baby, here are a few important tips to keep in mind when feeding to your little one:

Do not add any sugar to the Cerelac. Sugar must be avoided until the age of 1.
Wait to add solid nuts or fine powder until 6 months of the baby's age. Start using nut powder after 6 months of age.
Make sure you increase the amount of liquid while feeding Cerelac to your little one.
Check for any illness, allergy, or intolerance to solids in your baby. If there is any, stop giving him Cerelac.
Make sure your child sits properly while feeding Cerelac. If your child is fed in the wrong posture, they may not swallow safely. Check for it.

Do not replace breast milk or formula with Cerelac. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as long as possible to ensure your baby receives essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Cerelac can be introduced to your baby around 4-6 months of age once they show signs of readiness, such as good head control and an increased appetite. Always consult with your paediatrician before starting solids to ensure your baby’s health and development. Begin with small, smooth portions and gradually increase as your baby becomes accustomed to new textures. Remember, breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until your baby is six months old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs aboutWhen Can You Feed Cerelac To Your Baby

How much Cerelac should I feed my baby at first?

Start with 1-2 teaspoons of Cerelac mixed with breast milk, formula, or water. Gradually increase the amount as your baby becomes comfortable with eating solids.

What consistency should Cerelac be for a baby?

Initially, the Cerelac should be smooth and runny, almost like a thin soup. As your baby gets used to it, you can thicken it slightly to introduce more texture.

Can I give Cerelac to my baby every day?

You can include Cerelac in your baby’s diet daily as part of a balanced, solid food introduction. However, variety is essential, so consider gradually adding other baby-safe foods.

Are there any side effects of introducing Cerelac?

Side effects are rare but may include constipation or mild digestive issues as your baby adjusts to solids. Introduce Cerelac slowly and monitor for any signs of allergies, such as rash or digestive discomfort.

What should I do if my baby refuses to eat Cerelac?

It’s common for babies to need time to adjust to new tastes and textures. If your baby refuses Cerelac, don’t force it. Wait a few days and try again, or experiment with mixing it with breast milk or formula for familiarity.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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