Around 80 percent of new – moms are confused about when and how to start giving solid food to their kids. The WHO and American Academy of Paediatrics suggest exclusive breastfeeding until the first six months, after which solid food can be introduced to babies. Cerelac is hailed as one of the best supplements to breast milk for infants of 6 months old and above, as it contains all the nutrients which would enhance the growth and development of children. Yet, there has been a query posed by many parents for a long period of time -” What is better than cerelac?”. Let’s try to find out the names of other better supplements which can be relied on.
Apart from cerelac, Nan Pro, Lactogen, Enfamil, Nestum, Pedia sure and Similac are the other best commercial preparations which are readily available for feeding the kids. Our little ones need iron-rich food, in order to prevent the depletion of iron content in their body, for which parents can include homemade porridges with iron-fortified cereals such as rice, barley and oats in their baby’s diet.
Fruit and vegetable purees without artificial sweeteners are also good for a baby’s growth. Avocado puree can also be given to babies, as this green fruit is an essential source of protein and monounsaturated fat.
To know more about cerelac alternatives, their uses for kids , its various ingredients. Keep Reading!
Healthy alternatives to cerelac for babies
1. Porridges of different cereals
Cereals are a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins and an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats. They act as a significant energy resource to children.
Some of the porridges which can be made at home as a substitute for tinned baby foods are as follow:
Oats banana porridge
INGREDIENTS
- Ground oats – 1/4 cup
- Water – 1/3 cup
- Breast milk/ formula milk – 3 tablespoon
- Banana – 5 pieces
PREPARATION
- Cook oats by adding water for 10 – 15 minutes(in simmer)
- Add banana and mash it
- Now add milk to get alter the consistency
NUTRITION FACTS OF OATS
| Calories | 389. |
| Water | 8% |
| Protein | 16.9 grams |
| Carbs | 66.3 grams |
| Fibre | 10.6 grams |
| Sugar | 0 |
| Fat | 6.9 grams |
Rice porridge
INGREDIENTS
- RICE – 1/4 cup
- WATER – 1 cup
- BREAST MILK/FORMULA – 2 tablespoon
PREPARATION
- Cook the rice along with water in pressure cooker
- Mash it and add milk to adjust the consistency
NUTRITION FACT OF RICE
| Magnesium | 3% |
| Vitamin B | 65% |
| Iron | 1% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.4 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28 g |
| Potassium | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Saturated fat | 0.1g |
| Total Fat | 0.3g |
2. Purees of fruits
Purees of fresh fruits made at home will be a great treat for your little ones’ tummy and eyes. Here are the recipes of some of the healthy purees which can be prepared easily.
Banana puree
INGREDIENTS
- Banana – 1
PREPARATION
- Peel and cut banana into dices.
- Blend and mash it
- Cook for 30 seconds and make it soft
- Add breast milk or water to get a loose consistency
NUTRITION FACTS
| Calories | 89 |
| Water | 75% |
| Protein | 1.1 grams |
| Carbs | 22.8 grams |
| Sugar | 12.2 grams |
| Fibre | 2.6 grams |
| Fat | 0.3 grams |
Mango puree
INGREDIENTS
- Mango – 1
PREPARATION
- Peel and slice mango into small pieces
- Blend and mash it
- Add breast milk or water as needed to adjust the consistency
NUTRITION FACTS
| Fibre | 3.3 grams |
| Fats | 0.7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 27.9 grams |
| Protein | 1.0 grams |
| Calories | 122 |
Apple puree
INGREDIENTS
- Apple – 1
- Water – As needed
PREPARATION
- Peel and slice apple into small pieces
- Boil it by adding enough amount of water
- Now mash it and add water into it
NUTRITION FACTS
| Calories | 52 |
| Fat | 0.2 grams |
| Fibre | 2.4 grams |
| Sugar | 10.4 grams |
| Water | 86% |
| Carbs | 13.8 grams |
| Protein | 0.3 grams |
Reference: Healthline.com
, Apples 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
3. Purees of vegetables
Vegetables are the sources of dietary fibre, flote, vitamins, potassium and other nutrients. Hence, our kids should learn to love eating vegetables from a very early age itself.
Carrot puree
INGREDIENTS
- Carrot – 1
PREPARATION
- Peel and cut carrot into small pieces
- Cook it by adding water until becomes soft
- Now blend it by adding enough water
NUTRITION FACTS
| Calories | 41 |
| Fat | 0.2 grams |
| Fibre | 2.8 grams |
| Sugar | 4.7 grams |
| Carbs | 9.6 grams |
| Protein | 0.9 grams |
| Water | 88% |
Pumpkin Puree
INGREDIENTS
- Pumkin – 1
PREPARATION
- Peel and cut pumpkint into small pieces
- Cook it by adding water until becomes soft
- Now blend it by adding enough water
NUTRITION FACT
| Calories | 137 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Vitamin K | 37% |
| Vitamin A | 20.9% |
| Fibre | 7 grams |
| Carbs | 19 grams |
| Fat | 7 grams |
| Copper | 28% |
4. Homemade cerelac
For those parents who wish to prepare healthy food at home, the following recipe of homemade cerelac will be a great relief. Similar to tinned baby food, parents can easily carry this mix and prepare it without much effort. Aboveall, parents can directly ensure the quality of ingredients and obviously can avoid all sorts of artificial sweeteners as well as preservatives.
INGREDIENTS
- Green gram dal – 1/4 CUP
- Moong dal – 1/4 CUP
- Black urad dal – 1/4 CUP
- Red/white rice – 1/2 CUP
- Broken wheat – 1/4 CUP
- Barley – 2 TABLESPOON
- Sago – 2 TABLESPOON
- Horse Gram – 2 TABLESPOON
- Almonds – 1/4 CUP
- Cashew nuts – 1/4 CUP
- Cardamom – 4
- Dry Ginger Powder – 1/2 TABLESPOON
PREPARATION
- Wash and dry all the ingredients
- Roast them separately in low flame until it turns into brown colour
- Now grind each component and mix it together
- Now sieve the mixture and keep it in a clean air tight container.
- Add one tablespoon of homemade cerelac powder with 2 cups of water and cook it on low flame for 20 minutes. Yummy homemade cerelac is ready!(for children above the age of 1, cow’s milk can also be added along with sugar)
The homemade cerelac is a rich pack of all the necessary vitamins, minerals and other sources of nutrients that help to keep your baby healthy and smart.
5. Rice and Green gram soup
This is one of the easiest and healthiest baby foods. As mentioned above rice is the primary source of carbohydrates and green gram is known for its richness of protein, fibre and carbs. This combo will make your little one healthy and energetic.
INGREDIENTS
- Rice – 1/4 CUP
- Green Gram – 4 TABLESPOON
- Water – As Needed
PREPARATION
- Wash and cook rice and green gram by adding enough water in the pressure cooker.
- Blend the soup in a mixer and serve it to your babies.
Note: For babies above 1-year-old add salt.
NUTRITION FACTS OF GREEN GRAM
| Calories | 212 |
| Fat | 0.8 grams |
| Protein | 14.2 grams |
| Carbs | 38.7 grams |
| Fibre | 15.4 grams |
| Folate (B9) | 80% |
| Manganese | 30% |
| Magnesium | 24% |
What are the alternatives of Cerelac for adults ?
As far as adults are concerned, baby food is not their cup of tea. It is mainly because of the difference in the digestive as well as immune systems of babies and adults. Babies’ digestive system is sensitive and immature so the ingredients and composition of baby food will be chosen accordingly. Adults would hardly get the required calories and nutrition from baby food. Hence, for those mature persons who still have a craving to eat cerelac, there are some alternatives that can really help you. Here are the alternatives of cerelac for adults, which will supply an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients.
- Homemade health mix drink
- Ragi powder + milk
- Broken wheat powder +milk
- Commercial health drinks(as per doctor’s prescription)
- Protein drink( as per doctor’s prescription)
Is Cerelac good for babies?
Cerelac is one of the highly consumed baby foods which is composed of a plethora of key sources of nutrients. It is estimated that serving cerelac twice a day meets 75% of the daily iron – requirements of a baby. Now let’s look into the major components and nutritional benefits of cerelac and decide whether cerelac is good for babies or not.
The key ingredients of Nestle Cerelac are as follows:
Though not an organic product it contains iron, vitamins A, D and C, Omega 3 and Omega 6, Calcium, zinc, protein and other important 18 nutritious elements. Thus, it ensures the supply of the essential nutrients and minerals to the babies. Moreover, these elements improve immunity and enhance weight gain in children. Thus, cerelac has proved to be an apt choice for children.
Being a packed food item, it has certain additives which are of moderate concern. The only concerning factor is the excessiveness of sugar content in the product, as sugar is, indeed, not a healthy choice for babies.
When to give cerelac to babies?
Cerelac can be given to babies from 6 months onwards. Make sure that your baby knows to hold the neck straight and to voluntarily open their mouth to take in food. If not, wait until then to start weaning. In addition, there is a chance for some babies to develop an allergy to cerelac due to the presence of gluten and lactose elements in it. It is advisable to give a small quantity in the beginning and to wait for any allergic reactions.
Owing to its flavour and taste, babies would love Cerelac. Cerelac for children of different ages and of various flavours are now available in the market.
Types of Cerelac to be chosen at different ages:
| 6 months onwards | Cerelac of rice/maize/wheat |
| 8months onwards | Cerelac of honey/ banana |
| 10 months onwards | Cerelac with fruit pieces |
| 12 – 18 months | Cerelac of multi-grain vegetables and fruits |
| 19 – 24 months | Cerelac with chewable fruits with textured shape |
CONCLUSION
Getting the best for our children is the greatest motto of all parents. In Spite of a busy schedule, parents do search for the best sources of healthy food for their children. Nestle Cerelac has come for the help of millions of parents who are worried about their kids ‘ eating habits. Throughout the long journey, it continues to remain the most trusted commercial baby food which has attained global approval.