Suji(Semolina) For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions

Is Suji Safe For Babies?

Suji is safe for babies and carries some nutrition too. Its fine texture makes it easy to cook and eat as well. There are times when your baby suddenly feels hungry and demands something instantly. Sooji is a quick must-have in the kitchen that comes in handy in such situations.

It is a rich source of iron and potassium — the two most essential minerals needed for your baby’s proper development and growth. Apart from this, it also contains high fiber content for better digestive system health.

When Can You Introduce Suji to Your Baby?

So, semolina is suitable for babies, and you can easily introduce it to your infant once they are ready for solids at 6 months of age and above. It is high in carbohydrates which will satisfy the hunger of growing babies growing through growth spurts and who seem to be hungry all the time. You can give suji based dishes for breakfast or as a snack/filler meal in between actual mealtimes.

Nutritional Value of Suji

Below is the nutritional value for suji per 56 grams of servings:

Amazing Top 5 Health Benefits of Semolina For Babies

Here are some of the benefits of Suji for babies.

1. Promotes Overall Health and Immunity

Semolina is rich in Vitamin E and B6, both of which are required for the proper development and growth of your baby. For instance, Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and prevents oxidative cellular damage. Similarly, Vitamin B6 is well-known for boosting immune health and ensuring your baby won’t fall sick too often. Of course, another major advantage of this nutrient is in your baby’s neurological development

2. Prevents Anemia

One of the major benefits of suji is protection against anemia. It is rich in dietary iron, which is the main supplement for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is this hemoglobin that helps in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.  Some babies are at higher risk of suffering from anemia and including suji in their diet can help you prevent this condition

3. Satiates Appetite

Semolina is full of protein and fiber, which keeps your baby’s stomach full for longer hours. Your baby won’t cry in hunger for at least four to five hours after the meal. This way, you can easily acquaint them with a proper routine of having four meals a day. Besides, you don’t have to give anything additional to satisfy their hunger.

4. Prevents Constipation

One of the prime concerns of parents is constipation in babies. As their digestive system doesn’t develop completely, constipation is quite common. Sometimes babies don’t pass stool for 3 or 4 days at a stretch. While this is common, including semolina in their diet helps prevent this problem and your baby stays more active through the day.

5. Excellent Source of Energy

Whether your infant is hyperactive or not, you must maintain a proper supply of carbs in their regular diet. This is why giving suji to them won’t be a bad idea. It is rich in carbohydrates and will offer the most energy your baby needs to stay active and grow.

Precautions to Take While Introducing Suji to Babies

Here are some important precautions you must take when giving suji to your baby.

• Rule out possibilities of wheat allergies, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease before giving suji to your munchkin,
• Talk to your pediatrician if there is a family history of allergies.
• Buy organic semolina if possible
• Look for expiry date and avoid buying or using old products that are past the date of expiry.
• Start will small quantity and use the three-day rule to check for allergies. If your baby is fine, you can slowly increase the quantity.

Are There Any Side Effects of Suji For Babies?

Suji is made of wheat, contains gluten and is unsafe for babies who are diagnosed with celiac disease. Here are some of the side effects of suji for babies who are sensitive to the ingredients.

If your baby has gluten sensitivity, suji can cause digestion-related issues such as stomach aches, diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation, or indigestion. Nausea and vomiting can also happen.

Wheat allergies can result in skin issues such as itching, hives, redness, rashes, and discomfort in addition to stomach issues such as pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, etc.

In babies who have celiac disease, gluten intake can lead to serious consequences, and you must totally avoid giving suji to such babies.

Top 3 Tasty and Healthy Suji Recipes For Babies

You can prepare suji dishes for your babies in many ways. For example:

1. Suji Porridge(6 Months+)

Add two spoons of sooji to a hot pan and roast the suji till fragrant. Slowly add 1/4 cup of water and stir continuously. Turn down the heat and cook for few more minutes. You can add some formula powder during the cooking process for added flavor and nutrition.  Once the porridge is soft and well-cooked, turn off the heat. Cool it down and give it to your baby. Do not add sugar of your baby is less than a year old. Do not add milk too. For toddlers older than a year, you can add both

2. Suji Kheer(1 Year+)

Add three tbsp of rave to a hot pan and roast the Suji well for about 3 minutes till fragrant. Do not burn it. Now add 2 cups of milk and sugar as per choice and continue stirring. After the mixture boils for a couple of minutes, turn down the heat and continue stirring for a few more minutes. Now you can turn off the heat, allow the kheer to cook down and serve it. Dry fruits can be added too.

Suji for babies is something you can include in their diet after you start solids. It is filling and provides energy to babies who are always active and especially during the growing phase. Do keep in mind the possibility of allergies and keep their intake at moderation for the best results.

FAQ’s

1. Does Suji Cause Constipation in Babies?

No, suji does not cause constipation in babies. Instead, its high fiber content will ease bowel movement through the large intestine and ensure proper defecation.

2. Does Semolina Cause Gas in Babies?

Semolina usually does not cause gas. But if your baby is allergic to milk, cook this food item with water to prevent gastric problems.

Read Also: Makhana For Babies – When to Introduce and Health Benefits