When it comes time to prepare the bottle with cereals for the baby, many questions may arise. Questions regarding the amount of cereal, milk, water, temperature, etc. First of all, it is very important not to start complementary feeding without consulting before with the pediatrician, especially if the baby is less than 6 months.
The usual thing is that breastfeeding, or artificial in its absence, is the exclusive food of the baby until six months. However, there are specific circumstances in which the pediatrician may recommend starting earlier. When this happens, the first food introduced is usually cereals. Let's see how they are prepared and what you have to do to prepare a bottle with cereals for a 4-month-old baby.
The bottle with cereals, how to prepare it
The first food babies taste after milk is cereal. This is because they are the food that is best digested and with which the baby's digestive system prepares to assimilate other types of food. In the market you can find all kinds of cereals, brands for all tastes and pockets, flavors, ingredients, etc. Although the reality is that baby cereals are not strictly necessary.
The foods that are marketed for babies, such as cereals or specific cookies for it, even though they are presented as organic, without added sugars, etc., mostly contain hidden sweeteners. Substances that are not actually favorable and that the baby's body does not need. Thus, Whenever possible, it is advisable to prepare cereals naturally at home, which also represents significant financial savings for families.
In those packages of prepared cereals there should be nothing more than the cereal itself, although it is not. The point is that if you want your baby to feed in the most natural way possible, you just have to prepare all her food yourself. That includes cereal preparations, because you only need oatmeal, rice, corn and when you start with the gluten incorporate wheat, barley, rye or quinoa.
In a bottle or in porridge
On the other hand, although in the past cereals were prepared in a bottle without question, today it is recommended to introduce them to food in porridge, with a spoon and without having to go through the bottle. For what reason? Because that way the little one does not have to go through different processes every few months. Both for babies who are fed with breast milk, as well as those who are bottle fed.
For those who breastfeed, it is not necessary to get used to the ease of the bottle, because that could even interfere with breastfeeding. For bottle-feeders, starting to take other foods with a spoon is an important developmental milestone. The food is richer, it tastes better because the taste of the teat is eliminated and the baby enjoys it more.
How to prepare a bottle of cereal
When preparing the baby bottle or cereal porridge, you must take into account some very important tips. First you should make sure your hands are very clean, have kitchen utensils well disinfected and prevent food from coming into contact with various surfaces. Then you have to follow these steps to prepare the cereal bottle:
- Si you are going to use breast milk, extracts a sufficient amount to prepare a bottle of about 150 or 180 mm of milk, which does not need to be heated.
- In case the milk is refrigerated, you'll have to heat it up first.
- Add cereal to milk. The amount in this case will depend on the tastes of the baby, because unlike formula milk it is not necessary to add an exact amount. Try a couple of scoops at first, so that the baby gets used to the taste. Observe his reaction and if he likes it, you can add more when you want to give it to him in porridge with a spoon.
In closing, remember that if instead of using milk you are going to mix the cereals with water, you will have to boil it beforehand if you use tap water. In case the water is mineral, it will not be necessary and you can make the mixture directly.