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Cereal

Barley Cereal

1/4 c. ground barley (barley ground in blender or food processor)
1 cup water

1. Bring liquid to a boil. Add the barley and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly
2. Mix in formula or breast milk or juice and add fruits if desired
3. Serve warm

Rice Cereal

1/4 c. rice powder (brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
1 cup water

1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
3. Serve warm.


What type of Rice do I use for Homemade Baby Rice Cereals?

The type of brown rice that you would want to use for cereals would ideally be a short-grain brown rice.

Short-grain rice cooks up more soft than does long or medium grain rice. The only caveat is that it may become sticky and "pasty" when pureed so keep an watch over the rice when cooking and pureeing/blending it.

You may use a blend of any type of rice that you like; ensure that it is whole grain however. Brown jasmine rice and plain brown rice make a nice blend for cereals as do basmati and plain brown rice.

If you find that your baby does not like this blend, then consider switching to the plain brown rice type until the palate has become used to solid foods!

Do I Need to Cook the Powder Before I Serve it?

You need to cook the rice-oatmeal-barley powder prior to serving because when you make your own cereal(s) you are taking a whole grain and grinding it into a powder. This powder should be cooked because the grains were not cooked prior to your processing them into a powder. This powder would not be easily digested if left in it's "raw" state.

Why Doesn't Commercial Baby Cereal Need to be Cooked?

The reason that you don't "cook" commercial baby cereal is that commercial baby cereal is precooked and then dehydrated. Commercial baby cereal is most often made from grain that has been processed and then milled into a flour. You notice this difference when you dump out some "flakes" of commercial cereal(s) and also when you mix up some commercial cereal and find a thin pasty substance in the bowl.

Oatmeal Cereal

1/4 c. of ground oats (do NOT use instant or Quick Cook), ground in blender or food processor
3/4 c. water

1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
3. Serve warm.


Baked Apple Cereal

1. Peel, core and cut a small apple into small dices
2. Place in a pan with 1/4 c ground oats and 3/4 c water
3. Bring mixture to a slow boil. Simmer covered, checking frequently, until apples are soft and oatmeal is cooked.
4. Be sure to stir and mash while cooking
5. Mix in formula or breast milk or juice to thin if needed - puree if necessary
(sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the cereal if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)

Mixed Grain Cereals and More

30 Minute Cream of Grain Cereal

1/4 c. freshly ground brown rice or millet with honey or molasses
cinnamon (leave out honey for under 1yr and molasses is optional!)
pure vanilla extract
1 c. almond milk, sweetened - use plain water for infants!!
1/4 c. raisins (optional)

1. Put almond milk or water, ground grain and raisins in a pot.
2. Bring just to the boiling point, stirring constantly, until the grain flour has absorbed the liquid.
3. Turn off the heat and cover the pot.
4. Put the pot over a double boiler on a low simmer for 20-30 minutes. (or simply turn burner down to low and simmer)

Optional: Add sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, blueberries, peaches and/or nut milk (consult your pediatrician about the use of nut milk prior to using it!).

From: http://www.keats.com/news/w96meal.html

Oatie Banana Cereal

1/4 cup oatmeal (rolled or ground)
1/2 cup water or milk
1/3 ripe banana
1/4 cup milk (formula may be used here)

1. Combine oatmeal and 1/2 cup of water or milk. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid is mostly absorbed.
2. Remove from heat and cover; let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Mash banana, and add remaining milk or formula, mixing thoroughly. Stir the banana-milk mixture into the cooked cereal.

Rice Breakfast Pudding

1/2 cup (Brown/or Jasmine) Rice (grind to barley size - don't grind if serving to a Toddler )
2 cups water
1/4 cup apples sliced into small dices or slivers
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/8 cup brown sugar (optional)
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger

1. Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until rice is soft, fragrant and a bit soupy
3. Stir 1/8 cup milk into the rice, keep on heat for 10 more minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure that the consistency remains soupy but not pasty.
4. Stir frequently to stop sticking to the pot and add more milk or water if necessary.
5. Serve warm then transfer remaining portion to the fridge.


Pastina and Bananas (8months+)

1. 2 tablespoons Prince Pastina (little tiny star shaped pastas – **wheat based)
2. 1 whole fresh banana)
3. Prepare pastina as directed for hot cereal. Do not add milk. Stir in banana and serve.

Add formula or breastmilk as desired (1 serving)

**A few sources do say to not introduce wheat until after 1, 2 or even 3 years old. The majorities of sources however indicate and agree that wheat may be introduced around the age of 8-9 months old. It is best to wait to introduce wheat until you are certain that your infant has no reactions to rice, oats or barley. Consult your baby’s pediatrician.
How Do I store whole grains/powder for baby cereal?

Whole grains may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grains in the refrigerator. Milled whole grains, such as rice flour, whole
wheat flour, oat flour and the like, should be stored in an air tight
container and preferably in your refrigerator.

You can store them in a cool dry place however ensure that you check on the status of the grains if you use them infrequently!

Since these are whole grain flours, the natural oils that come from the grain may become rancid without refrigeration. When purchasing any type of milled whole grain, it's always best to buy smaller quantities to ensure that your whole grains are used prior to them going rancid.

The same "rules" apply for to rice powder or oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.

Age Appropriate Diet

Alternative Names:
Diet - age appropriate
Recommendations:

BIRTH TO 4 MONTHS OF AGE

During the first four to six months of life, infants need only breast milk or formula to meet all their nutritional needs. Breast milk is the recommended feeding method for the first six months of life although a fortified formula can adequately meet an infant's needs.

If breastfeeding, a newborn may need to nurse eight to 12 times per day (every 2 to 4 hours), or on demand. By four months, the baby is likely to cut back to four to six times per day, however, the quantity of breast milk consumed at each feeding will increase.

Formula-fed babies may need to eat about six to eight times per day, starting with 2-5 ounces of formula per feeding (for a total of 16-35 ounces per day). As with breastfeeding, the number of feedings will decrease as the baby gets older, but the amount of formula will increase to approximately 6-8 ounces per feeding.

Never give honey to an infant, as it may contain the spores that cause botulism. An infant's immune system is not fully developed to fight off this disease.

Although an infant may sleep through the night, waking to feed may be necessary if the infant is not eating enough during the day or if they are underweight. Routine check-ups with your physician to monitor your child's growth will ensure they are eating adequately during the day. Your doctor or dietitian will inform you if waking to feed is recommended.

4 TO 6 MONTHS OF AGE

At 4 to 6 months of age an infant should be consuming 28 to 45 ounces of formula, and is often ready to start the transition to solid foods. Starting solids too soon may cause the infant to choke if they are not physically ready.

There are several developmental milestones to indicate an infant is ready to eat solid foods: when birth weight has doubled; the baby has good control of head and neck; can sit up with some support; can show fullness by turning the head away or by not opening the mouth; and the baby begins showing interest in food when others are eating.

Start solid feedings with iron-fortified baby rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula to a thin consistency. The cereal may be mixed to a thicker consistency as the baby learns to control it in his mouth.

Initially, offer cereal two times per day in servings of 1 or 2 tablespoons (dry amount, before mixing with formula or breast milk). Gradually increase to 3 or 4 tablespoons of cereal. Cereal should not be given in a bottle unless a physician or dietitian specifically recommends it (for example, for reflux).

Once the baby is eating rice cereal routinely, you may introduce other iron-fortified instant cereals. Only introduce one new cereal per week so you can watch for an intolerance.

Never put a child to bed with a bottle as this can cause "bottle mouth," resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary. Discuss use of water with your physician. (In some cases, use of excess water can lead to seizures in children.)

6 TO 8 MONTHS

Continue to offer breast milk or formula three to five times per day. The consumption of formula or breast milk will begin to level off as solid foods become a source of nutrition. After a baby has tried a variety of different baby cereals, try fruit juices and strained fruits and vegetables.

For juices, use infant-pack juices or unsweetened vitamin C-rich juices such as apple, grape, orange. Do not give juices in a bottle at bedtime as this may lead to tooth decay. Delay orange juice until 9 months of age if your family has a history of allergy to orange juice.

For strained fruits and vegetables, introduce one at a time waiting two to three days in between to check for any allergic reaction. Start with plain vegetables such as green peas, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, beans, beets; and plain fruits such as bananas, applesauce, apricots, pears, peaches, and melon.

Some dietitians recommend introduction of a few vegetables before fruits as the fruit's sweetness may make a less-sweet food such as vegetables less appealing. Give fruits and vegetables in 2-3 tablespoon servings and offer about four servings per day.

Amounts of fruits and vegetables consumed per day will vary between 2 tablespoons and 2 cups depending on the size of your child and how well the child eats fruits and vegetables. The consistency of foods offered may be gradually increased as your child tolerates.

Finger foods may be offered in small amounts, but avoid foods such as apple chunks or slices, grapes, hot dogs, sausages, peanut butter, popcorn, nuts, seeds, round candies, and hard chunks of uncooked vegetables that may cause choking.

Soft cooked vegetables, washed and peeled fruits, graham crackers, melba toast, noodles are good finger foods, but salted and/or sugared foods are not recommended. Teething foods, such as toast strips, unsalted crackers, bagels, and teething biscuits may also be introduced at this time.

8 TO 12 MONTHS OF AGE

Breast milk or formula should be offered three to four times per day at this age. At 8 to 12 months of age, a baby will be ready to try strained or finely chopped meats. For breastfed infants, start meats at 8 months of age (breast milk is not a rich source of iron, but infants have adequate iron stores to last until 8 months of age when iron-rich foods such as meats can be given).

As with other foods, offer only one new meat per week in 3-4 tablespoon servings -- use strained and finely ground meats, frankfurters, or meat sticks. Serving sizes for fruits and vegetables increases to 3-4 tablespoons, four times per day. Eggs may be given three to four times per week, but only the yolk until the baby is 1 year old, as some babies are sensitive to egg whites.

By the age of 1, most children are off the bottle. If the child still uses a bottle, it should contain water only.

1 YEAR OF AGE

After a baby is 1-year old, whole milk ("vitamin D" or 4%) may replace breast milk or formula. Children under the age of 2 should not be given low-fat milk (2% or skim) as they need the additional calories from fat to ensure proper growth and development.

Children under the age of 1 should not be given whole milk as it has been shown to cause anemia. Cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt, however, may be given in small amounts.

While milk is not as nutrient-dense as breast milk or formula, the 1-year old child should be getting much of their nutrition from meats, fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, and the dairy group.

Providing a variety of foods will help to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Toddlers do not grow as rapidly as babies do, so their nutritional needs relative to their size decrease during the second year of life (although they continue to gain weight, they no longer "double their weight" as infants do).

Keep in mind, however, that toddlers are becoming more and more active as they learn to crawl and walk. Toddlers and small children will usually eat only small amounts at one time, but will eat frequently (four to six times) throughout the day, so snacking is strongly encouraged.

Feeding Tips:

* Feeding solids too early is not recommended and can result in overfeeding.
* Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days. Watch for allergic reactions (hives, vomiting, diarrhea).
* Do not feed solids in a bottle.
* If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

SAFETY FIRST

* Feed the baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents, otherwise use a dish to prevent contamination with food-borne illness.
* Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than two days.
* Use a small spoon to feed the baby.
* A baby put to bed with a bottle (milk, fruit juice, or sweetened beverage) can develop bottle mouth, resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary.
* Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke (popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn, berries, grapes, hot dogs, raw vegetables, raisins, dry flake cereals).

OTHER TIPS

* Water can be offered between feedings.
* Feeding sweets or sweetened beverages is not recommended because they will spoil the appetite and contribute to tooth decay.
* Salt, sugar, and strong spices are not recommended.
* Caffeine products are not recommended (soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate).
* A fussy baby may need attention, not always food.

OLDER CHILDREN

Throughout childhood and adolescence, it is important that the diet include a variety of foods for proper development. The principles of the Food Guide Pyramid apply to a child's diet as well as an adult's, although portions and number of servings per day are obviously less for children.

After the age of 2, it is recommended that the diet be moderately low in fat, as diets high in fat may contribute to heart disease, obesity, and other health problems later in life.

In areas where water is not fluoridated, however, fluoride supplementation is recommended (for communities with less than .25 ppm fluoride). A diet that contains a variety of foods from each of the food groups (breads and grains, meats, fruits and vegetables, and dairy) will prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Both the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend that healthy children should get all their nutrients from foods rather than vitamin supplements.

The nutrients that are most likely to be deficient in a child's diet are calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin B-6. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support routine supplementation for normal, healthy children. However, there is no significant risk if a parent wishes to give their child a standard pediatric multi-vitamin.

Children who consume little or no dairy products are at particular risk for calcium deficiency that can interfere with bone growth and development. Foods that are good sources of calcium include low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Other foods such as broccoli, cooked greens, and canned salmon (with bones) will also provide a source of calcium in the diet, however it is often difficult to get children to consume adequate quantities of these foods.

Iron requirements vary by age, rate of growth, iron stores, increasing blood volume, and rate of absorption from food sources. Adolescent girls will have increased iron needs due to menstrual losses. Food sources of iron include meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, spinach greens, and dried beans and peas.

Acetaminophen Dosage Chart

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the most common drugs kids take — and one of the hardest to give correctly. Because acetaminophen is sold in many forms, this chart can help you get the right dosage for your child. But before you head to the medicine cabinet, there are a few important points to remember:
• Never give a baby under the age of 3 months acetaminophen without talking to your doctor first.
• Although your baby's age is a rough guide, the amount of acetaminophen you give your child is based on his weight — not his age.
• Read the label. It's easy to get confused by the different forms and concentrations of acetaminophen available at your local drugstore (for details, see our articles on giving your baby or toddler medicine). You don't want to confuse teaspoons with tablespoons, or give a baby the same type of medicine you'd give a toddler.
• Always use the measuring device that came with the medicine — whether it's a dropper or a measuring cup.


The following acetaminophen dosage information is based on a chart from the American Academy of Pediatrics' book Caring for Your Baby and Young Child.

Age* Weight** Drops Elixir Chewable tablets
80 mg tabs
0 to 3 months 6 to 11 lbs.
(2.7 to 5 kg) 0.4 ml (1/2 dropper) -- --
4 to 11 months 12 to 17 lbs.
(5.5 to 7.7 kg) 0.8 ml (1 dropper) 1/2 tsp. --
12 to 23 months 18 to 23 lbs.
(8.2 - 10.5 kg) 1.2 ml (1 1/2 dropper) 3/4 tsp. (3.75 ml) --
2 to 3 years 24 to 35 lbs.
(10.9 to 15.9 kg) 1.6 ml (2 droppers) 1 tsp. (5 ml) 2 tablets


*Remember that your child's weight, not his age, determines how much medicine your child should get. If your baby weighs more than the weight range for his age group, check with your doctor before giving him the next highest dose.

**If you can't remember how much your child weighed at his last checkup, step on a scale while holding your baby, then weigh yourself alone. Subtract your weight from the combined weight and you'll know how much your baby weighs.

Milestone chart 0-3 mo

Child's Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
1 month	• Lifts head when lying on tummy • Responds to sound • Stares at faces	• Follows objects briefly with eyes • Vocalizes: oohs and aahs • Can see black-and-white patterns	• Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 months	• Vocalizes: gurgles and coos • Follows objects across field of vision • Notices his hands • Holds head up for short periods	• Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle • Makes smoother movements	• Holds head steady • Can bear weight on legs • Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)
3 months	• Recognizes your face and scent • Holds head steady • Visually tracks moving objects	• Squeals, gurgles, coos • Blows bubbles • Recognizes your voice • Does mini-pushup	• Rolls over, from tummy to back • Turns toward loud sounds • Can bring hands together, bats at toys
4 months	• Smiles, laughs • Can bear weight on legs • Coos when you talk to him	• Can grasp a toy • Rolls over, from tummy to back	• Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada" • Cuts first tooth • May be ready for solid foods
5 months	• Distinguishes between bold colors • Plays with his hands and feet	• Recognizes own name • Turns toward new sounds • Rolls over in both directions	• Sits momentarily without support • Mouths objects • Separation anxiety may begin
6 months	• Turns toward sounds and voices • Imitates sounds • Rolls over in both directions	• Is ready for solid foods • Sits without support • Mouths objects • Passes objects from hand to hand	• Lunges forward or starts crawling • Jabbers or combines syllables • Drags objects toward himself