The reason that you don’t “cook” commercial baby cereal is that commercial baby cereal is precooked and then dehydrated.  Commercial baby cereal is most often made from grain that has been processed and then milled into a flour.  You notice this difference when you dump out some “flakes” of commercial cereal(s) and also when you mix up some commercial cereal and find a thin pasty substance in the bowl.

Instant and Quick cooking cereals are oftentimes processed, precooked and (as with Instant) then dehydrated. This processing has in the past included the addition of enzymes. Additionally, Instant Oatmeal may contain other flavorings as well as salt. Many manufacturers maintain higher standards, use only whole grains and do not steam or further cut and process their Quick Cook oat products. Indeed, many manufacturers do not even produce Instant grains due to the nutritional inferiority.

Quick cook oats tend to be less nutritious as they tend to be rolled, cut and then steamed. Some producers will additionally further “cut” or flake the oats. Unless one researches the producer of the grain, one cannot be certain that the Quick Cook oats they are eating have simply been rolled and finely cut. We like to purchase our Grain products from Bob’s Red Mill or Hodgson Mills here in the U.S. Their websites are very informative and contain a plethora of information concerning all types of grains.

The type of brown rice that you would want to use for cereals would ideally be a short-grain brown rice. Short-grain rice cooks up more soft than does long or medium grain rice.  The only caveat is that it may become sticky and “pasty” when pureed so keep an watch over the rice when cooking and pureeing/blending it.

You may use a blend of any type of rice that you like; ensure that it is whole grain however.  Brown jasmine rice and plain brown rice make a nice blend for cereals as do basmati and plain brown rice.

If you find that your baby does not like this blend, then consider switching to the plain brown rice type until the palate has become used to solid foods.

Rice in particular is not a known “high” allergen in the US and most Western Countries and this is why it is typically recommended as an infant’s first food (in the US that is). If there is a rice allergy, studies show that the allergy is most often to the pollen of the rice and a reaction is triggered by the inhalation of the pollen – rice is a grass and may produce hayfever like symptoms. Rice pollen has been know to cause allergies in those that live around rice fields.

Typically, if one is allergic to rice, then there will be sensitivities shown to other grains such as oats, barley, wheat and rye to name a few. Rice may cause diarrhea in those that are sensitive to it however it is rare.

You will find that the early commercial Rice products offered to baby are fortified with iron and typically contain further additives. Commercial baby cereals that contain rice are typically of the “mixed” ingredient nature and may contain items such as soy and starch. Infant jar foods that contain rice may contain items such as soy, modified corn starch, tapioca etc.. It may be that in the beginning, your baby had a sensitivity to something contained within the cereal or the jar that was not directly related to the rice.

One thing to go through is a list of things that may have changed within your household around 1-2 weeks prior to the suspected reaction. Is your baby showing signs of illness such as a cold or congestion, have you added any other items to baby’s diet, have you changed brands of a particular food in baby’s diet and so on.

If you feel comfortable, wait until the reaction has passed and then try to introduce the rice again, ensuring that no other changes occur in baby’s diet. You will be better able to ascertain a true rice “reaction” this way. As always, we recommend that you contact your pediatrician and discuss this him/her especially if the reaction time becomes lengthy.

Whole grains may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grains in the refrigerator. Milled whole grains, such as rice flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour and the like, should be stored in an air tight container and preferably in your refrigerator. You can store them in a cool dry place however ensure that you check on the status of the grains if you use them infrequently.

Since these are whole grain flours, the natural oils that come from the grain may become rancid without refrigeration.

When purchasing any type of milled whole grain, it’s always best to buy smaller quantities to ensure that your whole grains are used prior to them going rancid. The same “rules” apply for to rice powder or oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.

A vast majority of granolas contain nuts and honey. Nuts and honey are not allowed until after 2 years old and 1 year old respectively.

If you are going to give granola, read the labels very carefully. Granola, like any other “cereal” may be ground up in a blender/food processor and served to baby mixed with liquids.

Granola is very good when ground into a fine powder and used as a coating for “slimy” Baby Finger Foods such as banana pieces and tofu.