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Rice

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

Overview

Rice is a typical complementary grain around 6 months when your baby shows readiness for solids. Whole grains such as infant cereals can be part of complementary feeding. Offer rice as a single new food If you use infant cereals, offer a variety of grains rather than only rice cereal.

Preparation

Cook rice 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 offer dry hard grains or sticky clumps that could cause choking. Do not put cereal in a bottle. Supervise every meal.

Three-step introduction

Step 1: First tiny taste

Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed rice 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 rice 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.

How should I prepare rice for a baby?

Cook rice 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.

Should rice cereal be the only cereal I offer?

No. If your child is eating infant cereals, offer a variety of fortified infant cereals such as oat, barley, and multigrain instead of only rice cereal. Only providing infant rice cereal can increase your child’s exposure related to arsenic in rice cereal.

Sources

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