If you’ve ever walked down the baby aisle at the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed those containers of cereal—they tend to stick out from the seemingly endless rows of baby food jars. New parents can sometimes feel a bit intimidated by the thought of adding yet another texture and taste to their baby’s palate. And it’s easy to wonder: Can I mix baby food with cereal? We answer this common question once and for all.
Here are the foods you should (and shouldn’t!) start your baby on.
Can I mix baby food with cereal?
It can be a little intimidating, but yes. It’s totally safe, healthy and appropriate for parents to mix baby food with cereal. At around 4 to 6 months old, babies are typically ready to try solid foods. Cereal is a popular first choice, and a great first step for introducing babies to solid food.
Since cereal is already rich in iron, combining it with baby food—like fruit and vegetable medleys—provide infants with plenty of nutrients. And, mixing baby food with cereal gives babies a chance to try different textures and tastes.
Can I mix baby food with oatmeal cereal?
Yes, parents can—and should—mix baby food with oatmeal cereal. This sweet combination can help mask the taste of a baby food flavor that your little one would normally oppose, while also providing valuable nutrients. Prepare the mixture by combining 1 teaspoon of cereal with 4 or 5 teaspoons of breast milk, formula or water. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of a pureed fruit or vegetable, or jarred baby food. Mix well, making sure to remove any strings or seeds to reduce the risk of choking.
These are the best iron-rich foods for babies.
Can I mix baby food with rice cereal?
Even though baby food can be successfully mixed with rice cereal, experts agree that exclusively feeding an infant rice cereal is not beneficial for his health or dietary needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infant rice cereal poses a risk for arsenic exposure—so it’s best to offer a variety of infant cereals instead, like oat, barley and multi-grain.
When do I stop mixing baby food with cereal?
It’s OK to stop mixing baby food with cereal once an infant begins refusing (or showing a severe lack of interest in eating) strained foods, pureed foods or jarred baby foods. This typically comes anywhere from 9 to 15 months, when a baby starts eating chopped, diced or mashed table foods—thanks to her further developed digestive symptom and newly sprouted teeth.
So, as your child approaches her first birthday, it’s usually common to stop mixing baby food with cereal (since Baby probably won’t eat it anyway!).
Pretty soon you’ll be making these tasty meals for toddlers.
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Veggie Macaroni & Cheese
This creamy mac 'n' cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, "More, please!" —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
I first made this fresh, fruity salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Mom's Swedish Meatballs
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Herbed Grilled Corn on the Cob
I'd never grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summer menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
I love when an entire meal can be cooked outside on the grill and I don't need to heat up the kitchen. These grilled sweet potatoes meet that requirement and are healthy, too! —Natalie Knowlton, Kamas, Utah
Makeover Li'l Cheddar Meat Loaves
My husband goes wild for my mini meat loaves, but this family-favorite recipe wasn’t very healthy when I first received it. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen experts slashed the calories and fat while keeping the original’s tender and delicious qualities. —Jodie Mitchell, Denver, Pennsylvania
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
On-the-Go Breakfast Muffins
My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah
Pizza in a Bowl
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy meal for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
Broccoli Cheddar Squares
For many years, I’ve made these cheesy broccoli squares for tailgate parties, book club and other events. They’re excellent served warm or hot, but we enjoy them cold, too. —Veronica Downen, Crystal Beach, Florida
Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes
I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This one was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Sauteed Orange-Glazed Baby Carrots
Here's a wonderful accompaniment to just about any main dish, whether for a holiday or not. The carrots are sauteed in a sweet orange butter sauce with a unique blend of spices. —Angela Bartow, Cato, Wisconsin
Movie Theater Pretzel Rods
My kids and all of their friends clamor for the large, chewy pretzel rods. They are fantastic fresh from the oven. —Lisa Shaw, Burnettsville, Indiana
Chocolate-Hazelnut Fruit Pizza
You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a great way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. —Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Crispy Sage Chicken Tenders
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
PBJ on a Stick
I always try to come up with new ways to serve lunch to my kids. This recipe was a hit! —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Snappy Green Beans
This streamlined side dish is a great way to serve fresh beans from the garden. It's simple yet looks elegant. With its mild seasonings, it complements most any dish. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Special Strawberry Salad
This berry-filled salad may take some time to prepare, but one taste and you'll agree it's worth the extra effort. I treat family and friends to this dish on special occasions. —Linda Goulet, Hadley, Massachusetts
Cheddar Creamed Corn
I brought this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey
French Toast Fingers
Bite-size french toast "fingers" are great for a buffet—and kids love them. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Wagon Train Pasta
Our three kids just love the fun wagon wheel shapes in this easy recipe. The mildly seasoned sauce is something that even the pickiest eaters enjoy. For variety, try it with Italian sausage instead of ground beef. —Janine Freeman, Blaine, Washington
Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-and-bacon filled hot dogs, but they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution to a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Dill & Chive Peas
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Lunch Box Pizzas
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Roasted Carrot Fries
Turn carrot sticks into fun "fries" with a happier health profile by popping them in the oven and serving them fry-style. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheesy Quesadillas
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Roasted Winter Vegetables
A few simple touches and a blast of heat enhance the natural sweetness of fresh veggies. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas
Chicken Pesto with Pasta
Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chunky Mango Guacamole
When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Garlic-Cheese Flat Bread
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flat bread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Pigs in a Pool
My kids love sausage and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternativee. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Kid-Sized Classic Pizza
This down-sized pizza tastes just as good as its bigger counterpart. Frozen dinner rolls make a time-saving convenient crust that still provides delicious, from-scratch flavor. Your child can help roll out the dough, spread the sauce and sprinkle on the toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Ham Noodle Dinner
Whether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Watermelon Shark
Take a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food project. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Taylor Murphy