There are several reasons Moms start weaning their babies with cereal, such as having a bland taste or having fewer chances to cause allergies. But most of us stick to rice and wheat, forgetting about the various other grains that are just as (or may be even more) nutritious! One such grain is barley, also known as Jau in Hindi.
Nutritional Benefits of Barley for Babies
- Good source of fiber that ensures smooth bowel movements
- The fiber in barley encourages the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestine
- Rich in trace minerals like selenium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, chromium, phosphorus and magnesium
- Reduces production of bile acids, improving liver health
Can I give my baby barley?
Yes, you most certainly can but only after your baby has completed six months of age. Also, it is recommended to see if your child can tolerate wheat cereal first, and if she can, you can go ahead and introduce barley in her diet. As with any new food, be sure to follow the 3-day rule. The great thing about barley is that you can cook it really smooth or make it chunkier, so adjust it according to your baby’s age and comfort. For starters, we’d recommend a smooth barley cereal.
How to Make Barley Cereal for Babies
Ingredients:
- Organic Barley Cereal – 2 tablespoons
- Water – required amount
Method:
1. Mix the barley cereal in water without lumps
2. Cook on a low flame for 10-20 minutes or in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles.
3. You can also add some breast milk or formula to thin out the porridge.
Barley is not suitable for consumption in it’s whole form and needs to be hulled. When buying barley for your baby, ensure that you buy an organic variety that is specifically made for babies. As your baby gets used to the taste of barley, you can add vegetable purees to make it a complete meal.
- Organic Barley Cereal - 2 tablespoons
- Water - required amount
- Mix the barley cereal in water without lumps
- Cook on a low flame for 10-20 minutes or in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles.
- You can also add some breast milk or formula to thin out the porridge.
Asha says
August 28, 2018 at 3:00 pmHi Hema,
I ordered barley cereal of my little moppet from first cry..today tried giving her but seems she din liked..my baby is 8½ mths.can I add jaggery to it or is there any other way I can mix it and give her..
Thanks
Asha
pr says
August 31, 2018 at 12:50 pmHi Asha,
You can add breast milk or formula milk into the porridge before feeding the baby or cardamom/cinnamon powder can be added or you can also add your baby’s favorite fruit puree or vegetable puree to enhance the taste of the porridge.
shaheena says
August 14, 2017 at 4:38 pmmy lo iz 4 months old nd m planning to start solids fr him so plz suggest me some hone made cerelac fr him to gve a start
Dr Hemapriya says
April 24, 2018 at 5:44 pmHi Shaheena, I advise starting solids only after baby completes 6 months. you can give homemade cerelac after 6 months for baby.
vinodhini says
July 22, 2017 at 8:27 pmHi hema mam
I have a 9 months old hero. i want to feed barley cereal.but someone tells barley is just use for during pregnancy time to reduce leg swelling.is dis right or not. and i have a one question. How to make barley to cereal.can i use to mixie for barley to make cereal
Dr Hemapriya says
July 27, 2017 at 7:01 pmYou can try some of these options https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/70-easy-baby-porridge-recipes/. We have barley Cereal/porridge option in this. It is a healthy food and babies can be given this.
Mrinalini Arora says
May 17, 2017 at 5:06 pmHi Hema, I ordered organic barley cereal from lil moppet. I will be travelling with my 1 year infant to Singapore. In the recipe it is mentioned cook for 10-20 min on low flame. Is there any other alternate i can prepare it using hot boiled water that i can get easily in the hotel room.
Dr Hemapriya says
February 19, 2018 at 5:04 pmHi Mrinalini, to make foods instantly you have to order our instant mixes that need only adding hot water and stirring. Other food mixes require cooking and cannot be served after adding hot water