Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but it can also leave parents with plenty of questions: What should I feed my baby first? Can I make baby cereal at home? Is homemade Cerelac better than packaged cereal? And which ingredients are suitable for a 6-month-old baby?

The good news is that homemade Cerelac recipes for babies can be simple, affordable and versatile when prepared with age-appropriate ingredients and safe cooking methods. Rice, ragi, oats, millets, moong dal and vegetables can all be used to create different homemade baby cereal options.

However, it is important to remember that “homemade Cerelac” is a popular term for homemade cereal or porridge. It is not the same thing as commercially manufactured and fortified infant cereal. Homemade baby cereal should also be only one part of a varied complementary-feeding diet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends introducing complementary foods at around 6 months, alongside continued breastfeeding, and gradually increasing the variety and consistency of foods as the baby grows.

In this guide, you’ll find 10 homemade Cerelac recipes for babies, including rice Cerelac, ragi Cerelac, oats Cerelac, multigrain Cerelac and grain-and-dal combinations, plus guidance on preparation, storage, age-appropriate textures and baby food safety.

What Is Homemade Cerelac?

Homemade Cerelac generally refers to a homemade baby cereal or cereal-based porridge made from grains, millets, pulses and other age-appropriate foods.

The term “Cerelac” is commonly used by parents when searching for homemade alternatives to packaged baby cereal, but homemade cereal isn’t the same as a commercially formulated infant cereal. Commercial infant cereals may be manufactured under controlled conditions and can be fortified with specific vitamins and minerals, while the nutritional composition of homemade baby cereal depends on the ingredients and quantities you use.

A homemade cereal can nevertheless be a convenient way to introduce foods such as:

• Rice
• Ragi or finger millet
• Oats
• Jowar
• Bajra
• Other millets
• Moong dal
• Masoor dal
• Vegetables
• Age-appropriate fruits
• Safely prepared nuts and seeds

The goal should not be to make every meal a complicated recipe. Instead, use homemade baby cereal as one option within a varied complementary-feeding diet.

When Can Babies Have Homemade Cerelac?

Most babies can begin complementary foods at around 6 months of age, provided they are developmentally ready. WHO recommends complementary feeding from 6 months while continuing breastfeeding, with foods becoming progressively more varied and textured as the child grows.

For parents searching for homemade Cerelac recipes for a 6-month-old baby, age alone isn’t the only consideration. Look for signs that your baby is ready for complementary foods.

Signs Your Baby May Be Ready for Solids

Your baby may be ready when they can:

• Sit upright with support and control their head and neck.
• Open their mouth when food is offered.
• Swallow food rather than repeatedly pushing it out.
• Bring objects toward their mouth.
• Show interest in food.
• Coordinate their mouth and tongue movements to move food backward for swallowing.

These developmental signs are also highlighted by the CDC’s current guidance on introducing solid foods.

If your baby was born prematurely or has feeding, growth, swallowing or medical concerns, discuss complementary feeding with your pediatrician.

Homemade Cerelac for a 6-Month-Old Baby

At around 6 months, start with small amounts of smooth, thick or well-mashed foods rather than very thin liquids. Simple options such as well-cooked rice cereal, ragi porridge or a single-ingredient vegetable puree can be useful starting points.

WHO recommends starting with small amounts and gradually increasing food quantity, consistency and variety according to the child’s abilities.

Homemade Cerelac for a 7-Month-Old Baby

At 7 months, many babies can gradually handle thicker textures. You can begin combining familiar ingredients, such as rice with moong dal, once each ingredient has been introduced safely.

Homemade Cerelac for an 8-Month-Old Baby

By 8 months, many babies can begin handling more textured foods and finger foods when developmentally ready. WHO notes that most infants can eat finger foods by around 8 months.

Homemade Cerelac for 9–12-Month-Old Babies

As babies approach their first birthday, move progressively toward thicker, mashed, finely chopped and soft family foods rather than keeping everything completely smooth.

The texture should always match your baby’s developmental skills.

Is Homemade Cerelac Good for Babies?

Yes, homemade baby cereal can be part of a healthy complementary-feeding diet, provided it is prepared safely and isn’t used as a substitute for dietary variety.

Homemade cereal gives parents control over ingredients and allows them to introduce different grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables. It can also help babies experience different tastes and textures.

However, one important point often gets overlooked: cereal alone is not a complete diet for a growing baby.

WHO recommends a diverse diet for children 6–23 months. Depending on the family’s dietary pattern and the child’s needs, complementary foods should include a variety of food groups, including fruits and vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds in safe forms, and animal-source foods such as eggs, fish or meat where appropriate.

So instead of giving your baby homemade cereal at every meal, rotate it with other nutritious complementary foods.

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Ingredients You Can Use to Make Homemade Cerelac

There are many ingredients you can use when preparing homemade cereal for babies.

Cereals and Grains

Good options to explore include:

• Rice
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Ragi or finger millet
• Jowar or sorghum
• Bajra or pearl millet
• Foxtail millet
• Little millet

Whole grains can be useful additions to a varied complementary diet. WHO recommends prioritizing whole cereal grains when cereals are used.

Pulses

You can also use:

• Moong dal
• Masoor dal
• Toor dal

Combining grains and pulses can provide more variety than relying on a single cereal.

Nuts and Seeds

Age-appropriate options may include finely ground or smoothly prepared:

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Sesame
• Other suitable nuts and seeds

Never offer whole nuts or large pieces of nuts and seeds to babies because they can be choking hazards. WHO specifically recommends that pulses, nuts and seeds be served in forms that do not pose a choking risk.

Fruits and Vegetables

Once individually introduced and tolerated, you can combine cereal with foods such as:

• Banana
• Apple
• Pear
• Pumpkin
• Carrot
• Sweet potato

These should be treated as nutritious foods rather than replacements for sugar or jaggery.

10 Homemade Cerelac Recipes for Babies

The following homemade Cerelac recipes are designed as flexible ideas rather than rigid feeding prescriptions. Introduce ingredients individually first, particularly when your baby is beginning solids, so you can more easily identify a food that causes a reaction.

The CDC recommends introducing single-ingredient foods initially and waiting several days between new foods to make it easier to identify potential problems such as allergic reactions.

1. Homemade Rice Cerelac

Best for: Babies starting complementary foods, when developmentally ready

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rice
• Water as needed

How to Make Rice Cerelac

1. Wash the rice thoroughly.
2. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Dry-roast the rice lightly in a clean pan if desired.
4. Let it cool.
5. Grind it into a fine powder.
6. Add a small amount of the powder to water.
7. Cook thoroughly until the mixture becomes soft and smooth.
8. Adjust the consistency according to your baby’s developmental stage.

This simple rice Cerelac recipe for babies can be useful when you’re looking for a basic homemade cereal.

For parents searching for a rice Cerelac recipe for 6 month baby, begin with a smooth, thick consistency and small amounts.

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2. Homemade Ragi Cerelac

Best for: Babies who have already started complementary foods and are ready for ragi

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ragi flour or appropriately prepared ragi
• Water as needed

How to Make Ragi Cerelac

1. Choose clean ragi.
2. If preparing from whole grain, wash and dry it thoroughly.
3. Roast lightly if desired.
4. Grind into a fine powder.
5. Add water gradually.
6. Cook thoroughly while stirring continuously.
7. Continue cooking until the cereal reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
8. Cool before serving.

This ragi Cerelac recipe for babies is one of the most popular Indian-style homemade baby cereal options.

Ragi is a whole grain, but avoid presenting it as a miracle food or claiming that it alone prevents anemia, guarantees height gain or meets all of a baby’s nutritional needs.

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3. Rice and Moong Dal Cerelac

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon rice
• 1 tablespoon moong dal
• Water as needed

How to Make Rice Dal Cerelac

1. Wash the rice and moong dal.
2. Dry them thoroughly.
3. Roast lightly if desired.
4. Grind into a fine powder.
5. Cook the powder with sufficient water.
6. Continue cooking until both ingredients are completely soft.
7. Mash or blend according to your baby’s developmental stage.

This rice dal Cerelac recipe adds a pulse to a cereal-based meal and can provide greater food variety.

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4. Oats Cerelac for Babies

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons plain oats
• Water as needed
• Optional age-appropriate fruit after oats have been introduced safely

How to Make Oats Cerelac

1. Use plain oats without added sugar or flavoring.
2. Grind the oats into a finer powder if needed for your baby’s stage.
3. Add water.
4. Cook thoroughly until soft.
5. Stir well and allow it to cool.
6. Adjust the texture before serving.

This easy oats Cerelac recipe for babies is useful for parents looking for an alternative to rice-based cereal.

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5. Homemade Multigrain Cerelac

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Ragi
• Oats
• Jowar
• Bajra

Use small quantities of each ingredient rather than preparing a very large batch.

How to Make Multigrain Cerelac

1. Clean each grain separately.
2. Dry them thoroughly.
3. Roast individual ingredients where appropriate.
4. Cool completely.
5. Grind them into a fine powder.
6. Mix the powders.
7. Store in a clean, dry, airtight container.
8. Cook a small quantity with water when serving.

A multigrain Cerelac recipe can sound attractive, but there is no requirement to introduce five grains at once. If your baby is new to solids, simpler recipes may make it easier to identify food reactions.

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6. Rice and Ragi Cerelac

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon rice
• 1 tablespoon ragi
• Water as needed

Preparation

Clean and dry the ingredients. Roast them separately if desired, then grind them into a fine powder. Cook the mixture thoroughly with water until soft and smooth.

This rice ragi Cerelac recipe combines two commonly used grains in Indian baby food.

Related searches: rice ragi cereal for baby, homemade rice ragi baby food, rice ragi Cerelac recipe.

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7. Millet Cerelac

Millets can be introduced as individual grains rather than combining several varieties immediately.

Suitable options can include:

• Foxtail millet
• Little millet
• Jowar
• Bajra

How to Make Millet Cerelac

1. Select one millet.
2. Clean it thoroughly.
3. Dry completely.
4. Roast if appropriate.
5. Grind finely.
6. Cook thoroughly with water.
7. Serve in a texture appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage.

This millet Cerelac recipe can add variety to your baby’s grain rotation.

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8. Oats and Banana Baby Cereal

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oats
• Water
• A small amount of ripe banana

Preparation

Cook the oats thoroughly with water until soft. Once the cereal has cooled enough for serving, mash in a small amount of ripe banana.

Do not add sugar or jaggery to make the recipe sweeter. The banana provides natural sweetness.

This oats banana baby food can be a simple breakfast or snack option once both ingredients have been introduced safely.

Related searches: oats banana cereal for baby, banana oats baby food, oats banana porridge for baby.

9. Rice and Vegetable Cerelac

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Pumpkin, carrot or sweet potato
• Water

Preparation

1. Wash and cook the rice thoroughly.
2. Cook the selected vegetable until very soft.
3. Combine the cooked ingredients.
4. Mash or blend according to your baby’s developmental stage.
5. Add water if necessary to achieve an appropriate consistency.

This vegetable Cerelac recipe introduces vegetables alongside a familiar grain.

You can rotate pumpkin, sweet potato and carrot rather than using the same vegetable every day.

Related searches: rice vegetable baby food, homemade vegetable cereal for baby, baby food with rice and vegetables.

10. Nutritious Homemade Cerelac Mix

For older babies who have already been introduced to individual ingredients, you can create a simple homemade cereal mix using:

• Rice
• Ragi
• Oats
• Moong dal

Nuts or seeds may also be included when appropriate, but they must be prepared in a form that is safe for the child’s developmental stage.

Preparation

Clean each ingredient carefully, dry completely, roast where appropriate, cool and grind. Combine the powders and store them in a dry airtight container.

When preparing a serving, cook the required amount thoroughly with water.

The objective of a nutritious homemade Cerelac is variety—not adding as many ingredients as possible.

How to Make Homemade Cerelac Powder

If you’re wondering how to make homemade Cerelac for babies, the basic process is quite straightforward.

Step 1: Select Your Ingredients

Choose age-appropriate grains, millets or pulses that your baby has either already been introduced to or that you plan to introduce individually.

Step 2: Clean the Ingredients

Remove stones, dirt or damaged grains and wash ingredients that require washing.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Moisture can affect storage quality. Make sure ingredients are completely dry before grinding.

Step 4: Roast Where Appropriate

Light roasting can make some grains easier to grind and may improve flavor. Avoid burning the ingredients.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Never grind or store ingredients while they are still hot or damp.

Step 6: Grind

Grind the ingredients into a fine powder.

Step 7: Sieve if Necessary

For younger babies who need smoother textures, you can sieve the powder to remove coarse particles.

Step 8: Store Correctly

Transfer the completely cooled powder to a clean, dry, airtight container.

Step 9: Cook Before Serving

Do not simply mix raw homemade cereal powder with water and serve. Cook it thoroughly according to the ingredients used.

WHO emphasizes hygienic preparation, clean hands and utensils and safe handling of complementary foods.

How to Store Homemade Cerelac Powder

Proper storage is an important part of making homemade baby cereal safely.

Follow these practical habits:

• Use a clean, dry, airtight container.
• Keep moisture away from the powder.
• Always use a clean, dry spoon.
• Label the container with the preparation date.
• Store it according to the ingredients and your food-safety practices.
• Prepare smaller batches rather than making more powder than you can reasonably use.
• Discard powder if you notice moisture, mold, unusual odor, insects or other signs of spoilage.

How Long Does Homemade Cerelac Last?

There isn’t one universal shelf-life period that is safe for every homemade Cerelac powder. The shelf life depends on ingredients, moisture content, preparation, storage conditions and hygiene.

Instead of assuming that every homemade cereal powder is safe for a fixed number of weeks, prepare smaller batches and follow conservative food-safety practices.

Once cereal has been cooked and served to your baby, don’t save partially eaten leftovers for another feeding.

Homemade Cerelac by Baby’s Age

Baby’s Age	Suitable Texture	Examples
Around 6 months	Smooth, thick, mashed or pureed	Rice cereal, ragi porridge, soft vegetable puree
7–8 months	Thicker and gradually more textured	Rice + dal, oats + fruit, thicker millet porridge
9–11 months	Mashed, lumpy and finely chopped as appropriate	Grain + dal + vegetables, soft finger foods
12+ months	Soft family-food texture	Chopped or mashed family meals

WHO recommends gradually increasing the consistency and variety of complementary foods as infants grow.

Remember that developmental readiness matters. Two babies of the same age may have different feeding skills.

What Should You NOT Add to Homemade Cerelac?

When making homemade Cerelac without sugar, you don’t need to compensate with another sweetener.

Avoid adding:

• Added sugar
• Honey before 12 months
• Excess salt
• Whole nuts
• Whole seeds
• Hard or raw choking hazards
• Large chunks of food
• Unpasteurized foods
• Caffeinated drinks

Honey should not be given to children younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. The CDC also recommends avoiding added sugars for infants and young children.

Choking risk depends heavily on food size, shape, texture and preparation. Babies should eat while sitting upright and should be supervised during meals.

Can You Add Sugar or Jaggery to Homemade Cerelac?

It is better not to add sugar or jaggery simply to make homemade baby cereal sweeter.

Babies can learn to enjoy the natural flavors of grains, vegetables and fruits without added sweeteners. The CDC recommends avoiding foods with added sugars for infants and young children.

So if you’re searching for homemade Cerelac without sugar, you can simply leave out sweeteners and use naturally flavorful foods such as banana or cooked pumpkin when developmentally appropriate.

What About Jaggery?

Parents often ask, “Can we add jaggery to baby Cerelac?”

Jaggery is still a form of added sugar. It isn’t necessary to add it to homemade baby cereal, particularly for young babies.

And remember: honey is different from jaggery in one important safety respect—honey should not be given before 12 months because of botulism risk.

Can You Add Dry Fruits to Homemade Cerelac?

You can introduce appropriately prepared nuts and seeds as part of a varied diet when your baby is developmentally ready.

However, whole or chunky nuts are choking hazards. Never add whole almonds, cashews, peanuts or other hard pieces to a baby’s cereal.

Instead, when appropriate, use a smooth nut butter or finely ground form that is safely incorporated into the food. The CDC lists whole or chopped nuts and spoonfuls of thick nut butter among choking hazards.

When introducing a new allergenic food, consider introducing it separately so you can identify a reaction more easily. If your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy or another allergy-related concern, speak with your pediatrician about introducing allergenic foods.

How to Make Homemade Cerelac More Nutritious

The easiest way to improve the nutritional quality of homemade baby food isn’t to add dozens of ingredients to one cereal powder. It is to increase dietary variety across the baby’s meals.

Try to gradually include:

Grains

Rotate rice, ragi, oats and other suitable whole grains.

Pulses

Use foods such as moong dal and other appropriately prepared pulses.

Vegetables

Offer different vegetables, including colorful options.

Fruits

Introduce a variety of age-appropriate fruits.

Protein-Rich Foods

Depending on your family’s diet, suitable protein-rich complementary foods can include eggs, fish, meat, dairy products or pulses.

Healthy Fats

Appropriate sources of healthy fats can be included in a baby’s overall diet.

WHO recommends dietary diversity for children aged 6–23 months and emphasizes the importance of a variety of food groups.

So, rather than asking which single ingredient is the “best” homemade Cerelac ingredient, think about how you can build a varied complementary-feeding routine.

Homemade Cerelac vs Packaged Baby Cereal

Both homemade and commercially produced baby cereals can have a place in a family’s feeding routine.

Feature	Homemade Baby Cereal	Packaged Infant Cereal
Ingredient control	High	Depends on product
Preparation	Requires cooking	Usually convenient
Storage	Requires careful handling	Generally longer shelf life when unopened
Nutritional composition	Depends on recipe	Standardized formulation
Fortification	Not automatically fortified	Some products are fortified
Convenience	Moderate	High
Variety	Can be customized	Depends on available products

The important point is not to assume that homemade Cerelac is automatically healthier than packaged Cerelac.

A homemade cereal can give you control over ingredients, while a commercial infant cereal may offer convenience and, depending on the product, specific fortification. Your baby’s overall diet, nutritional needs and feeding stage matter more than simply choosing one category.

Common Mistakes Parents Make While Preparing Homemade Cerelac

1. Starting Too Early

Complementary foods are generally introduced around 6 months, rather than simply because a baby seems interested in food.

2. Adding Sugar or Jaggery

Babies don’t need added sweeteners to enjoy cereal.

3. Making It Too Watery

Very thin cereal may not provide the same energy density as thicker complementary foods. Start with an appropriate thick consistency and adjust based on developmental needs.

4. Giving Only Cereal-Based Foods

A cereal-only diet doesn’t provide the dietary variety recommended for young children.

5. Introducing Too Many New Ingredients at Once

When starting solids, introduce new foods individually where practical so potential reactions are easier to identify.

6. Keeping Food Completely Smooth for Too Long

Textures should gradually progress as your baby develops feeding skills.

7. Ignoring Choking Risks

Food needs to be prepared in an age-appropriate size, shape and texture.

8. Poor Storage

Moisture, dirty utensils and improper storage can compromise food safety.

9. Making Huge Batches

Smaller batches can make it easier to maintain freshness and quality.

10. Force-Feeding

Responsive feeding means paying attention to hunger and fullness cues and encouraging rather than forcing a baby to eat. WHO specifically recommends responsive feeding.

Sample Homemade Cerelac Meal Ideas for 6–12 Months

These are examples rather than a rigid baby feeding schedule.

Around 6 Months

Start with simple foods such as:

• Rice cereal
• Ragi porridge
• Smooth cooked vegetable puree
• Other single-ingredient complementary foods

The focus should be on learning to eat and gradually accepting new foods.

Around 7–8 Months

You may gradually offer:

• Rice + moong dal
• Ragi + an age-appropriate fruit
• Oats + banana
• Rice + cooked vegetables
• Thicker cereal preparations

Around 9–12 Months

As your baby develops better chewing and grasping skills, consider:

• Thicker grain-and-dal combinations
• Soft mashed family foods
• Finely chopped vegetables
• Soft finger foods
• A wider range of complementary foods

WHO recommends progressively increasing food variety and texture as children grow.

The goal is not to make every meal a bowl of Cerelac. The goal is to gradually help your baby transition toward a varied family diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cerelac

What is the best homemade Cerelac for a 6-month-old baby?

There isn’t one universally “best” homemade Cerelac. Simple options such as well-cooked rice cereal or ragi porridge can be introduced when a baby is developmentally ready. Start with small amounts and gradually introduce other foods and textures.

Can I give homemade Cerelac to my 6-month-old baby?

Yes, homemade cereal can be introduced as a complementary food around 6 months when the baby is developmentally ready. It should complement breast milk or infant formula rather than replace them, and it should be part of a varied diet.

Which grain is best for homemade baby cereal?

There is no single best grain for every baby. Rice, ragi, oats and other suitable whole grains can all be included as part of a varied diet. Rotating different grains can help provide variety.

Is homemade Cerelac better than packaged Cerelac?

Not automatically. Homemade cereal allows you to control the ingredients, while commercially manufactured infant cereals may provide convenience and, depending on the product, fortification. The overall quality and diversity of the baby’s diet are important.

How do I make rice Cerelac at home?

Wash and dry rice, roast lightly if desired, grind it into a fine powder and cook it thoroughly with water until it reaches an age-appropriate consistency. For a rice Cerelac recipe for 6 month baby, begin with a smooth or well-mashed texture if that matches your baby’s developmental skills.

How do I make ragi Cerelac for babies?

Clean and prepare ragi appropriately, grind it into a fine powder and cook it thoroughly with water. Begin with a smooth texture for babies who are just starting complementary foods and gradually increase texture as their skills develop.

Can babies eat oats Cerelac?

Yes, oats can be used as an ingredient in homemade baby cereal when introduced at an appropriate stage. Use plain oats, cook them thoroughly and adjust the texture to your baby’s developmental abilities.

Can I add jaggery to homemade Cerelac?

It isn’t necessary. Jaggery is an added sweetener, and babies don’t need added sugar to make complementary foods appealing. Naturally sweet foods such as banana can provide flavor once appropriately introduced.

Can I add dry fruits to homemade baby cereal?

Nuts and seeds can be introduced in safe forms, but whole or chopped nuts are choking hazards. Use an age-appropriate smooth or finely prepared form instead.

How long can homemade Cerelac powder be stored?

There isn’t one universal safe shelf-life for every homemade cereal powder. Storage depends on ingredients, moisture, preparation and hygiene. Prepare small batches, use a clean airtight container and discard the powder if it shows signs of spoilage.

Can I give multigrain Cerelac to a 6-month-old baby?

A multigrain cereal isn’t necessarily required when starting solids. Beginning with individual ingredients can make it easier to identify reactions. Once different grains have been safely introduced, they can be combined according to your baby’s needs and feeding stage.

How many times a day can I give Cerelac to my baby?

At 6–8 months, WHO recommends complementary foods 2–3 times per day, with feeding frequency increasing as children get older. However, Cerelac does not need to be the food offered at every complementary meal.

Can homemade Cerelac replace breast milk or formula?

No. Homemade Cerelac is a complementary food. It should not be treated as a replacement for breast milk or infant formula during the first year. Complementary foods are intended to be added to the baby’s milk feeds.

What should I add to homemade Cerelac for more nutrition?

Instead of focusing on one “superfood,” aim for dietary variety across the day. Depending on age and dietary pattern, this can include whole grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and appropriate protein-rich foods. WHO recommends a diverse complementary diet for children 6–23 months.

Can I make homemade Cerelac without roasting the ingredients?

Yes, roasting is not a requirement for every ingredient or recipe. What matters is using clean ingredients, appropriate preparation and thorough cooking. If you roast ingredients, avoid burning them and allow them to cool completely before grinding and storing.

Final Takeaway

Making homemade Cerelac for babies can be a practical way to introduce grains, millets and pulses during complementary feeding. Rice Cerelac, ragi Cerelac, oats Cerelac, millet cereal and rice-and-dal combinations can all add variety to a baby’s menu.

The most important thing is not finding one “perfect” homemade baby cereal. Instead, focus on age-appropriate textures, safe preparation, dietary diversity and responsive feeding.

Start complementary foods around 6 months when your baby is developmentally ready, introduce new ingredients gradually, avoid added sugar and honey, prepare choking-risk foods safely and progressively move from smooth foods toward thicker and more textured meals. WHO recommends gradually increasing food consistency and variety as babies grow.

And remember: homemade cereal is just one part of your baby’s complementary-food journey. A varied diet that includes different grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses and appropriate protein-rich foods will give your baby many more tastes, textures and nutrients to explore.

Important: This article is for general educational information and isn’t a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. If your baby has a food allergy, feeding difficulty, swallowing problem, poor weight gain, prematurity or another medical condition, consult your pediatrician or a qualified pediatric dietitian before changing their diet.