Fonio

Category: Grain
Recommended age: 6 months
Priority allergen: Not a priority allergen
Nutrition highlights: —

Overview

Fonio is a typical complementary grain around 6 months when your baby shows readiness for solids. It is not wheat. Offer well-cooked mashable fonio as a single new food.

Preparation

Cook fonio until very soft. Mash or finely grind the grains and mix with breast milk, formula, or water until smooth and easy to swallow. Do not put cereal in a bottle. Always supervise eating.

Three-step introduction

Step 1: First tiny taste

Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed fonio mixed until smooth. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.

Step 2: Larger offer

If tolerated, offer more of the same preparation at a later feed.

Step 3: Include regularly

Keep soft fonio in complementary meals as desired, alongside a variety of other grains.

FAQ

When are babies usually ready for solid foods?

Complementary foods are typically introduced around 6 months of age, when the baby shows developmental readiness (for example, sitting with support, good head control, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out). Introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended.

Do I need to introduce foods in a certain order?

For most children, there is no required order for first foods. Fruits, vegetables, meats and other proteins, and other food groups can all be part of complementary feeding around 6 months.

How should I prepare fonio for a baby?

Cook fonio until very soft. Mash or finely grind the grains and mix with breast milk, formula, or water until smooth and easy to swallow. Do not put cereal in a bottle. Always supervise eating.

Is fonio the same as wheat?

No. Fonio is not wheat and is not listed among Codex priority allergens or FDA major food allergens. Wheat and other gluten-containing cereals are listed separately.

Sources

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