
Mixed into baby cereal is a simple, nourishing dish made by combining a base of rice or oat cereal with a liquid like breast milk, formula, or water. This creates a smooth, easily digestible porridge that serves as a foundational first food for infants. It is a universal staple in infant feeding practices worldwide.
This dish is primarily a source of easily digestible carbohydrates for energy, with minimal fat and protein unless enriched with milk. It is often fortified with key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins to support infant growth and development.
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 50 mcg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
Per 1 cup prepared cereal (approx. 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this dish represents a baby's first step into the world of solid foods, a milestone celebrated in many societies. Nutritionally, its unique value lies in its role as a safe, hypoallergenic vehicle for introducing iron, a critical nutrient that infants' natural stores begin to deplete around six months of age.