High levels of inorganic arsenic, which can cause health problems later in life, have been found in baby rice cereal. Safer first foods include iron-fortified cereals made from other grains, such as oats or barley, and pureed meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Is cereal healthy for baby?
There certainly are reasons why baby cereal is a logical choice for first food. It’s generally easy to digest and iron-fortified which most babies need. It is also considered to be a low-allergen food (particularly rice cereal). 4 However, these needs can also be met via naturally iron-rich foods.
Why is rice cereal not good for babies?
Because rice is grown in water, any arsenic in the water supply binds to the rice as it grows. A known carcinogen, arsenic can influence risk of cardiovascular, immune and other diseases, and research has shown that even low levels can have a negative impact on babies’ neurodevelopment.
Can I skip rice cereal for baby?
You can skip the white rice cereal.
Yes, it is fortified with iron, and that is a good thing, and yes, it is easy to digest. … Try whole grain baby cereals like oatmeal, barley, or brown rice cereal, which are also fortified with iron.
Should I start my baby on rice cereal or oatmeal?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oatmeal cereal for babies with acid reflux. Because of the possible arsenic exposure with rice cereal, experts believe oatmeal is the safer choice. It’s also wheat-free, so won’t irritate your baby’s stomach if she is sensitive or allergic to gluten.
Do infants need cereal everyday?
It’s normal for babies to have shifts in their preferences from day to day. If you are concerned about your baby’s intake, ask your pediatrician or a registered dietitian. Broadly, most babies eat: 4 to 6 months: 3 to 4 tablespoons of cereal once a day, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of a vegetable and fruit 1 or 2 times a day.
What month should a baby eat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months after birth. But by ages 4 months to 6 months, most babies are ready to begin eating solid foods as a complement to breast-feeding or formula-feeding.
What is wrong with Gerber baby food?
The congressional report, released earlier this month by a House Oversight Committee panel, found that four major baby food brands — Beech-Nut, Gerber, Earth’s Best Organic and HappyBABY — sold products that their own internal testing showed contained arsenic, lead and cadmium at levels far higher than what most health …
When should a baby start cereal?
Your child can begin eating solid foods at about 6 months old. By the time he or she is 7 or 8 months old, your child can eat a variety of foods from different food groups. These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and more.