Cerelac For Babies – When to Introduce,Stages, Benefits and Side Effects

What is Cerelac?

Cerelac is a popular baby food brand name introduced by Nestle. It contains various cereals with probiotics such as Bifidus BL that help boost immunity and build the proper digestive system for babies. They also aid the growth and development of babies.

Different kinds of ceralac are available for babies of different ages and nutrient requirements. Doctors usually recommend introducing cerelac only to babies over six months of age and those ready for solids. Babies can have a mix of cerelac and breastmilk or formula after they cross the 6 month mark.

When Can Babies Start Eating Cerelac?

WHO suggests exclusively breastfeeding the baby until 6 months of age. After this you can start giving your baby cerelac. In case you plan to start early, please do talk to your pediatrician and take their advice on the same. Babies younger than 6 months of age have an underdeveloped digestive system which may not be fully ready to digest semi-solids or solids.

During the initial days, you can start with one tablespoon of cerelac diluted with boiled and cooled water. Always prepare the food as per the instructions that come on the cerelac pack. Gradually, increase the quantity based on how the baby likes the food.

Further, the following guidelines are suggested by the pediatricians before introducing cerelac. You can start cerelac for your baby when

• The baby gets hungry often.
• They can sit with support and has reasonable head control.
• Your baby shows interest in food.

[Read : How to Know Your Baby is Hungry]

Is it Safe to Give Cerelac to Babies?

Cerelac is a safe food supplement that can be given to babies who are getting hungrier as they grow and breast milk doesn’t seem to be enough anymore, which is once the baby is 6 months or older. You can start giving cerelac as a supplement to breast milk or formula and is one of the common ways to transition a baby from milk to semi-solids.

But parents must also start other fruit and vegetable purees simultaneously along with grain, pulse and legume mashes.

Different Stages of Cerelac Baby Food For Babies

There are different types of Cerelac available in the market. You can choose the one that suits the age and the nutrient requirement of your little one. Each one specializes and alters the ingredients and flavor.

Stage 1(From 6 Months)

Suitable for babies older than 6 months – Cerelac Wheat, Maize, and Rice are gelatin-free and easy to digest. These cereals must be suitable while introducing solids to babies.

Stage 2(From 8 Months)

Suitable for babies from 8 Months. There are two variants – Banana and Honey in the second stage of Cerelac.

Stage 3(From 10 Months)

Suitable for babies from 10 months onwards. It is the time when infants have the ability to chew and this cerelac variety includes fruit pieces.

Stage 4(From 12 Months)

Suitable for toddlers between 12 to 18 months. By this age, babies would have been exposed to the family pot and would like to try different textures of food. The Stage 4 Cerelac comes with three variants – Multigrain and Fruits, Multigrain and Pulse, and Multigrain and Vegetables.

Stage 5(From 18 Months)

Suitable for toddlers between 18 to 24 months. Stage 5 contains textured fruits that can be chewed well by the children.

It is essential to note that all stages of Cerelac contain Skimmed Milk. A few of them also contain wheat as a main ingredient. If your baby is lactose intolerant or has a gluten allergy, consult the pediatrician before introducing cerelac.

Amazing Top Benefits of Cerelac For Babies

When you think of baby food, cerelac is probably the first name that pops up. The easy preparation methods and the nutrition it offers make it preferred by many parents. Now, let us look more about what are the benefits of Cerelac.

• You can prepare the cerelac in a few minutes. A scoop of ceralac with warm water needs to be stirred. And your meal is ready to eat.
• It is especially convenient when you are travelling long distances and need something quick and easy to prepare for your baby.
• It is free from preservatives, colors, and flavors.
• In addition, it also provides all the 18 essential necessary nutrients.
• Cerelac also provides the combined benefit of cereals, including Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, Protein, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin, Omega 3, and Omega 6.
• It is the best food partner while traveling.
• It is readily available in the market.

[Read : Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Babies]

Are There Any Side Effects of Cerelac For Babies?

Every coin has two sides, and there is a flip side to cerelac too

• The most crucial factor to be considered before introducing cerelac is if your baby is lactose or gluten intolerant. Cerelac contains both milk and wheat, and it could lead to allergies.
• If infants begin to like the taste of cerelac and prefer only that, there may be chances of developing aversions towards home food.
• Cerelac contains fruit concentrates. Fruit concentrates are prepared by boiling the fruit juice and reducing it to a concentrated form. During the process, the water-soluble vitamins and minerals might be lost. Going for fresh fruits can be better.

[Read : Lactose Intolerance In Babies]

How to Prepare Cerelac For Babies?

The following are some of the general guidelines for preparing cerelac for infants.

• Ensure that your hands are clean. Also, ensure that the utensils are washed and sterilized properly.
• Before preparing the cerelac, boil the water and allow it to come to average temperature before mixing the cerelac.
• Follow the instructions mentioned in the pack. Use the scoop given in the pack to measure the quantity of cerelac.
• Do not use more quantity than provided in the packet.
• Pour the water continuously and keep stirring the mixture. Ensure that lumps are not formed in the mixture,
• Once the food is prepared, feed your baby within 30 minutes. Otherwise, there could be some bacterial formation.

Is Store Bought Cerelac Good For Babies?

Yes. Store-bought cerelac is suitable for infants. It is manufactured under proper safety and hygiene standards. Since it is also fortified with essential nutrients according to age, it may be good for your little one.

Once your baby is comfortable with store-bought cerelac, you can also start experimenting with home-made cerelac powders. This way you know what ingredients are going into the powder. Preservatives can be avoided with this method.

The introduction of solids is an essential phase in a baby’s life. Most parents are confused about whether to introduce cerelac or not. Cerelac for babies is a bundle of nutrition and can help build your baby’s immunity and digestive system.

Happy Parenting!

FAQ’s

1. How to Feed Cerelac to Babies For the First Time?

While starting solids to babies, introduce them at a slower pace. Gradually increase the quantity. During the first time, use only one tablespoon of cerelac and gradually increase it to 2 to 3 tablespoons.

2. Can Cerelac Cause Gas in Babies?

Yes in some babies, cerelac may cause gas in babies.

3. Can Cerelac Cause Constipation in Babies?

Yes. Cerelac may cause constipation in babies when it is not mixed correctly.

4. Can Cerelac be Given to Babies at Night?

Yes. You can give cerelac to babies at night.

Read Also: Homemade Cereal For Babies