Rating of dairy-free cereals for first feeding. Dairy-free corn porridge General information about the composition of dairy-free porridges

Step-by-step recipes for preparing dairy-free corn porridge in different ways

Grade
recipe

Time
(min)

Portions
(persons)

In 100 grams of the finished dish

7 gr.

9 gr.

Carbohydrates

384 kcal.

Option 1: Classic recipe for making dairy-free corn porridge for a side dish

Dairy-free corn porridge will be an excellent side dish for meat or poultry, or a simple but satisfying breakfast for the whole family. Cereals contain a lot of vitamins and microelements, and they are well absorbed by the body.

Ingredients:

• 5 glasses of clean drinking water;
• 2 cups corn grits;
• Salt and sugar - at your discretion;
• 50 gr. butter.

Step-by-step recipe for dairy-free corn porridge

When trying to reduce the calorie content of prepared food for yourself or your family members, you can resort to different methods. For example, exclude high-fat milk from your breakfast porridge. Will there be a mess in this case? Of course, if you choose the right cereal for cooking, it should be a proven brand, pure and free of impurities. If the grain is still contaminated, it is worth sorting it out before cooking. Additional disinfection occurs by scalding on a clean and dry (no oil) frying pan or baking sheet.

Pour the ready-to-cook cereal into a bowl. Pour water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Be sure to add salt, but adding sugar is up to your taste, although even a small pinch will help make the dish balanced and tasty.

If the grain has been calcined, you don’t have to rinse it; otherwise, you should rinse it to remove excess dust and impurities (they are lighter than grain and will immediately float to the surface). Add the washed cereal to the water and mix very well.

Cook dairy-free corn porridge, stirring so that it does not burn to the walls of the pan. To do this, it is recommended to use dishes with a thick bottom or a special coating (for example, almost nothing sticks to ceramic and is subsequently easily washed - if you haven’t noticed).

The porridge will thicken after approximately 24-27 minutes of cooking over low heat, now you can add a piece of butter to it. When serving, you should also not be greedy with this product - this will only make the finished dish tastier.

Option 2: Quick recipe for dairy-free corn porridge

In order to quickly prepare dairy-free corn porridge, you should take care to grind the cereal in advance. And then, quickly preparing breakfast will not take you much time and effort.

Ingredients:

• 100 gr. corn grits;
• 350 ml. water;
• A large pinch of salt;
• A teaspoon of cane (or brown) sugar;
• A piece of butter.

How to quickly prepare dairy-free corn porridge

For quick preparation, you will need a powerful bowl mixer or coffee grinder. Even small grains of cereals should be crushed. This will significantly reduce the preparation of porridge, and will not take much time to chop.

Pour the crushed grain with clean water in a ratio of 1:3 and cook on the stove. The cereal must be mixed, seasoned with salt and granulated sugar.

Cook the porridge for approximately 20 minutes with continuous stirring so that it does not stick to the pan.

The finished porridge turns out to be very tender and creamy in taste, and adding butter will reveal the taste of corn grits and add creaminess.

Option 3: Corn porridge without milk with carrots and pumpkin in a slow cooker

In almost every kitchen you can find modern electrical appliances that help make cooking easier. One of them is a slow cooker, in which the dish does not burn and there is no need to monitor it. In it, dairy-free corn porridges turn out simply great - with a delicate structure.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn grits;
• 5 glasses of cold water;
• A little salt;
• 2 carrots;
• 300 gr. pumpkins;
• Olive oil - 50 ml.

Heat the oil in the multicooker bowl, and add carrots grated on a medium grater and pumpkin - you can also grate it or cut it into small slices (straws). Fry the vegetables so that the barrels become golden and rosy.

Add washed cereals and a little salt to the vegetables. You need to mix everything so that the cereal is saturated with oil and vegetable juices, and pour in 2 times more water than the poured cereal. Stir again with a special spatula so as not to scratch the coating, and close the lid.

Select the “Porridge” or “Stew” mode and continue cooking for exactly one cycle.

If the porridge is not cooked during this time, you can leave it for one hour in the “Warming” mode, the cereal will swell and the porridge will turn out crumbly. You can enhance the taste of the dish by adding a little dried basil, which will perfectly highlight the tenderness and sweetness of the vegetables.

Option 4: Dairy-free corn porridge with cheese and spices in clay pots

What could be easier to prepare than putting all the ingredients in a pot and sending it to bake in the oven? Dairy-free corn porridge is perfect with aromatic herbs and a little cream cheese to add a piquant taste.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. spoons of cereal per pot;
• For each serving - a glass of water;
• Salt and black pepper flakes;
• A pinch of herbs (Provencal or Italian) per pot;
• Any piquant cheese (with a spicy aroma) - 50 g. per serving;
• 100 gr. butter;
• A little sugar to balance the taste.

Step-by-step preparation of the dish

Preheat the oven to medium temperature - 180C. Grease the pots with butter, and put the rest aside for now.

Sort and rinse the cereal, pour it into pots and fill with water. Add salt and granulated sugar. Bake in the oven for half an hour.

Remove the pots from the oven. Mix grated cheese with herbs and black pepper flakes. You can get them by crushing the peas in a mortar, or wrap them in a paper kitchen towel and walk over them with a rolling pin.

Add cheese to the pots with porridge, stir, spread the remaining butter on top and heat for another 12-15 minutes.

Serve this dish hot, or spread the porridge in a greased dish with a layer of 4-5 cm, cool, and then cut into pieces and fry the cubes until golden brown.

Option 5: Dairy-free corn porridge with meat and vegetables

Ingredients:

• 250 gr. corn grits;
• 550 gr. veal (pulp without fat);
• 650 ml. vegetable or chicken broth;
• 45 gr. butter;
• 3 cloves of garlic;
• 55 ml. sunflower oil;
• 1 small can of canned peas;
• 2 carrots;
• 1 onion;
• Salt, spices and black pepper - to your taste;
• 3 sprigs of dill and parsley.

Step-by-step cooking recipe

Rinse the meat, dry it with special kitchen napkins (paper) and cut into thin strips. Add salt and spices, be sure to pepper. To add some piquancy to the meat, you can season it with a little nutmeg.

Prepare the vegetables - finely chop the onion and garlic, and grate the carrots on a medium grater (or cut into thin slices).

Pour the washed cereal with water and cook, adding salt and seasoning the cereal with sugar (optional), until fully cooked. The porridge must be stirred regularly, otherwise it will burn and the appearance of the dish will be hopelessly ruined. If necessary, you can add water or some of the broth.

Fry the pieces of meat in a deep saucepan until they become golden and browned. Add onion and garlic to the meat, saute for a couple of minutes, and you can add grated carrots. Simmer, season with spices and cool slightly. Mix with good quality canned peas.

Grease the bottom of the refractory mold with oil and spread the cooked cereal in an even layer. Add meat and vegetables on top of the cereal, pour in the remaining broth and place the pan in a preheated oven for 40 minutes.

The finished dish can be decorated in a plate with fresh herbs and sprinkled with grated cheese. Dairy-free corn porridge with meat and vegetables will retain all the vitamins if you cook it this way.

Children's dairy-free cereals of industrial origin, suitable for first complementary feeding, must meet a number of requirements. Ideally, these are single-component products of the highest quality with the finest possible consistency and unsurpassed nutritional value. In this article you can find not only a rating of dairy-free cereals for a baby’s first complementary feeding, but also a number of valuable recommendations on the topic of proper baby nutrition.

Facts about dairy-free cereals for first feeding

What should be the first dairy-free porridge?

Porridges with a complex of vitamins and at least four minerals are welcome: iron, calcium, zinc, iodine. Gluten-free cereals are best digested, that is, products that do not contain cereal gluten. Often, consuming gluten-containing foods at an early age leads to the development of celiac disease. It is extremely undesirable to introduce gluten into a child’s body due to the danger of atrophy of the intestinal mucosa. In addition, gluten provokes allergies to various foods.

What are the benefits of dairy-free porridge without additives?

The ideal first porridge excludes not only salt and sugar, but also other additives, such as components with the E index, pieces of fruit, vegetables and traces of nuts. Pediatricians do not recommend sweetening or adding salt to infants' food, so as not to distort their taste perception. With the right approach, the child must first be familiar with the true tastes of food. While the baby is not familiar with salty and sweet foods, he will undoubtedly be interested in the pure tastes of food, and if he is accustomed to sugar and salt from the very beginning, then it is problematic to wean him off these additives. It is believed that an excess of sweet foods causes unwanted fermentation in the children's intestines, which undermines the immune system and gives the unpleasant effect of flatulence.

The best cereals for first feeding

The most popular types of baby cereals

• buckwheat dairy-free porridge;
• dairy-free rice porridge;
• dairy-free corn porridge.

What you need to know about cereal porridges?

Modern mothers should take into account that corn and rice baby porridges are superior to rice in terms of the amount of healthy dietary fiber. At the same time, rice has its own advantage, it is the presence of an optimal amount of starch. Children's buckwheat porridge is twice as rich in beneficial elements (vitamin C, B vitamins and 4 essential minerals) compared to rice porridge. In this regard, buckwheat is many times more beneficial than corn. The wisest decision would be to provide the child with a varied diet, which means alternately including all healthy cereals in the menu. Parents can prepare store-bought dairy-free cereals using purified water, breast milk, or infant formula as a solvent.

Review of dairy-free cereals for starting complementary feeding for children

The best dairy-free cereals for little ones

Heinz and Nestlé dairy-free cereals

When choosing products for first complementary feeding, mothers and fathers are advised to pay attention to three types of cereals rich in healthy ingredients without additives from the world-famous manufacturer Heinz. Also today there is a high demand and many positive reviews for Nestlé corn porridge, which is liked by all Russian children.

Dairy-free porridge Babushkino Lukoshko

Three types of dairy-free products from the popular manufacturer Babushkino Lukoshko are characterized by an optimal composition, include high-quality cereals, valuable vitamins, essential minerals, beneficial prebiotics and do not contain maltodextrin. Such data attracts many buyers who remain satisfied.

Hipp dairy-free porridge

An excellent option for first feeding is rice and buckwheat porridge without milk from the good manufacturer Hipp, who takes care of our children by adding the highest quality cereals, as well as vitamins and minerals, to their children's products. Such complementary feeding usually does not create difficulties; porridge is normally tolerated by the child’s body.

Dairy-free porridge Frutonyanya

Despite the minimal amount of vitamins and minerals, with the help of rice and buckwheat porridge from the manufacturer Frutonyan, you can organize a high-quality start to complementary feeding.

Baby dairy-free porridge

Dairy-free, hypoallergenic premium products from the manufacturer Baby occupy a high position in the baby food market; in total, three varieties of cereals are offered. There are no questionable ingredients in the composition and a maximum of useful components have been added, so this food is indicated for children with allergies, lactose intolerance, intestinal infections and after antibiotic therapy.

Nutrilon dairy-free porridge

Other dairy-free cereals

Dairy-free porridge with maltodextrin

Certain types of children's products have a completely acceptable composition, but are not suitable for everyone, as they include maltodextrin:

• Vinnie (buckwheat and rice porridge);
• Bellakt (three types of cereals);
• Malyutka (corn porridge);
• Nestlé (rice and buckwheat porridge).

Dairy-free cereals with disadvantages

When choosing baby food, the following information may be useful:

• Vitamin rice porridge Pelenok includes fructose particles;
• Agusha porridge is prepared with sugar and salt;
• Malyutka porridges made from corn and buckwheat contain a small percentage of milk, the components maltodextrin and gluten;
• Humana buckwheat porridge contains undesirable ingredients - glucose, fructose, rice flakes and dextrin maltose;
• Friso buckwheat porridge is prepared with the addition of flavoring, maltodextrin, sucrose, fruit sugars and rice flour.

This concludes the full rating of dairy-free cereals for the first complementary feeding, but this does not mean that mothers should be guided only by the data provided. When developing a children's menu, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of specialists, since each child is unique.

Cereals are the main components in the diet of a small child. Quite often, this is where infant feeding begins. There are two options for baby dairy-free cereals that are used to introduce first complementary foods:

• purchased finished products specifically designed for children of different ages;
• cooked yourself.

The modern rhythm of life does not allow us to devote a lot of time to preparing homemade dishes, especially since a small child needs to prepare a new, fresh portion every time. As a result, the number of mothers who prefer industrially produced products continues to grow. This does not require any special culinary skills and saves valuable time.

General information

Depending on what the dairy-free porridge is intended for, it belongs to one of two types:

1. First type. Used to initiate complementary feeding. Products of this kind are made from low-allergenic cereals, which include rice, corn, and buckwheat. They are usually also free of milk, sugar and gluten. Almost all cereals, with the exception of rice, corn and buckwheat, contain gluten, which in some cases may be poorly tolerated by the child's body.
2. Second type. Their purpose is to expand the baby’s diet. If gluten-free products are suitable for the baby and do not cause any negative reactions in him, you can gradually try gluten-containing options - semolina, oatmeal, millet, pearl barley, barley or barley groats.

Composition and beneficial properties of dairy-free cereals

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Dairy-free cereals have different effects on the baby’s body. For example, the value of buckwheat lies in the fact that it is a source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. In addition, it is rich in protein and vitamins B1, B2 and PP, and dietary fiber.

Buckwheat is rich in vitamins and microelements that are valuable for babies.

Rice is beneficial due to the dietary fiber it contains. There is a widespread belief among parents that such cereals are strong and can cause constipation in infants. This is a misconception, since in the production of rice flour intended for feeding children, crushed grains are not used, as a result, such dairy-free porridges do not lead to problems with bowel movements. They are recommended for use even by children who have bowel movements. In contrast, homemade rice made from ground, crushed, refined grains can cause constipation.

Corn grits are almost as good as rice in terms of dietary fiber content. The amount of substances such as protein, iron and fiber in it is several times higher. Thanks to dietary fiber, corn grits prevent fermentation, reducing the risk of bloating. It also promotes the development of the central nervous system due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Other cereals and their benefits

• Dairy-free barley porridge. The protein contained in barley contains 18 amino acids, some of which are essential for the body. Barley is rich in vitamins A, K, E and B, choline, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and selenium. Its consumption promotes good digestion, strengthens the immune system and solves the problem of constipation. In addition, it is valuable from a nutritional point of view.

Barley has high nutritional value and solves the problem of constipation

• Dairy-free oatmeal porridge. Oatmeal contains sufficient amounts of vegetable protein and minerals - magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, vitamins B1, B2 and PP. Another benefit of this nutritious grain is its fat and fiber content. The amount of fat is six times higher than in other cereals.
• Semolina (we recommend reading:). It contains quite a lot of vegetable protein and starch, but little fiber. In terms of the content of vitamins and minerals, it is also inferior to other cereals.
• Pearl barley and barley porridge. They are obtained from barley. In terms of starch content, they are similar to semolina porridge, but they contain much more fiber (we recommend reading:). In addition, they contain vitamins B1, B2 and PP.

Rating of dairy-free cereals

Currently, you can find two types of dairy-free cereals on store shelves. The first are dry, the second are ready-made products. The latter include porridges from Hipp and Frutonyanya.

1. Hippie ready-made dairy-free porridges with various fruit additives are sold in special jars. They are found with and without starch. Among the company's products in the baby food series there is also one that is not related to cereals. These are “Apples with banana and cookies” and “Pear puree with cereal flakes”.
2. Dairy-free porridges of the Frutonyanya brand are a mixture of cereals and fruit puree. Puree can be one or several types. They contain no other additives other than a small amount of fructose.

Dry dairy-free porridges are represented by a wide range of brands. Below is a rating of dairy-free cereals for first complementary feeding from different companies, which will help you make a choice during a test purchase.

"Baby Sitter" and "Remedia"

The first companies in the ranking are Baby Sitter and Remedia. They make similar products. These are dairy-free porridges without any fruit additives or fillers. “Baby Sitter” contains 13 vitamins and 8 minerals, while “Remedia” contains 12 and 9, respectively. These vitamin-mineral complexes are placed in protective capsule shells that prevent the negative effects of moisture and temperature. Due to the fact that the membranes are destroyed only inside the body, the child receives useful substances in their original form. It also requires less dry product per serving than many other brands due to special processing of the grain.

The assortment of these brands includes Kornflor porridge-jelly. It is based on corn starch, which has a low protein content. "Kornflor" is perfect for accustoming your baby to thick food. It is recommended for the prevention of bloating, loose bowel movements and kidney disease.

"Hipp" and "Granny's Basket"

Next in the ranking are cereals produced by the Hipp brand. These are organic products that are grown without the use of artificial fertilizers and synthetic substances. This brand of buckwheat contains added minerals, as well as vitamins B1 and C. Unlike other brands, Hippie buckwheat contains gluten. Corn porridge, in turn, can be called two-grain, since it consists of corn flour and rice. The rest of the products in most cases contain vitamin B1 and are not enriched with other minerals.

The Babushkino Lukoshko company produces dairy-free products from three cereals: buckwheat, rice and corn. As a result, it is one of the best possible options for first feeding. Only a few vitamins and beneficial microelements are added to them. Plus, the products contain prebiotics such as inulin and fructoligosaccharides, and there is no sugar or salt.

"Nestlé"

Nestlé products contain BL probiotics, which have a positive effect on microflora and increase immunity, 9 vitamins and 7 minerals. In addition, there may be residues of milk and lactose, and in cereals that do not contain gluten, traces of this protein. Improving taste without the use of sugar is achieved due to the fact that enzymes of type α and gluco-amylase are added to products during production. They promote the breakdown of glucose-glucose bonds in the starch chain, resulting in the formation of sweet dextrin. This results in better digestibility and higher viscosity of the product.

Among other Nestlé products, we can highlight dairy-free buckwheat porridge with prunes, which is no longer suitable for complementary feeding, but to diversify a baby’s diet, as well as the Pomogayka series of porridges. They improve digestion and strengthen the body's protective functions, as they contain bifidobacteria BL, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals. The series includes the product “5 cereals with linden blossom” with the addition of linden extract powder. It has a great calming effect, making it ideal for use in the evening before bed.

"Humana", "Baby" and "Baby"

The Humana company produces only 2 types of porridges - buckwheat and oatmeal, to which rice flakes are added. They contain 13 vitamins, iodine and iron, as well as glucose and fructose, as a replacement for sucrose, maltodextrin.

There are 3 types of products from the Malyutka company. Among them are corn and buckwheat, and the third option is a mixture of the previous two. All have added maltodextrin, vitamins and minerals, and may also contain traces of milk and gluten, except corn. They also lack sucrose.

A series of porridges from Baby products are hypoallergenic, based on corn, rice and buckwheat. They are used for the first feeding. They contain inulin, iodine, iron, 12 vitamins and no fruit additives. The company's other products do not contain prebiotics; they may contain added sugar and fruit.

Also a very interesting option is cereals with vegetables. They contain 40% vegetables, and 60% cereals, plus they contain sugar, a prebiotic, and a mineral and vitamin complex. All this is great for feeding a healthy baby.

Products of the brands “Fleur Alpin”, “Frutonyanya”, “Semper”, “Vinny” and “Bellakt”

• The Fleur Alpin company produces organic whole grain products. In their production, whole grains are used along with the shell. With the exception of rice, oat and wheat cereals, which contain vitamin B1, others have no vitamin or mineral supplements. Corn also contains the prebiotic FOS. A special feature of wheat cereal is that it is made from spelled flour, and this allows it to retain all its beneficial properties.
• The products of the company "Semper" and "Frutonyanya" are rice and buckwheat cereals. Products of the first brand contain only cereals and have high nutritional value, while the second brand is hypoallergenic, without sugar and fruit, containing a complex of 12 vitamins and 3 minerals.
• The companies “Vinny” and “Bellakt” have a wide range of products, both with fruit and sugar, and hypoallergenic options. Some of them have added inulin, maltodextrin and various vitamins and minerals.

Rules and time frames for introducing dairy-free cereals into complementary foods

The time for introducing dairy-free cereals depends on the individual characteristics of the baby, such as:

• the type of feeding the baby is on;
• the state of his health.

Usually, it is recommended to start feeding breast-fed children dairy-free, gluten-free porridge from 6 months, and bottle-fed babies from 4 months (we recommend reading:). Also, at the age of 4-5 months, you can try giving porridge in a situation where the baby is not gaining weight well. Otherwise, if the increase is beyond the norm and there is excess weight, the introduction of cereals is postponed until the age of 6.5-7 months.

The introduction of one type of porridge takes approximately a week. As a result, in a month you can introduce your child to three different one-ingredient cereals. After he gets used to at least 2 types of cereals, you can switch to mixed porridge, which will contain components already familiar to the baby. For example, if the baby was introduced to one-component corn and rice, then it is worth trying a two-component corn-rice mixture. It is not recommended to change the manufacturer.

If you don’t have the required version of the chosen brand of porridge, you can always make it yourself. To do this, just take a spoonful of one and the other cereal and mix together. The cooking scheme remains the same.

Before switching to gluten-containing cereals, you should try serving the already introduced types, but with fruit additives. In the absence of the required option from the manufacturer, you can simply add fruit juice or puree to dairy-free porridge.

Children should switch to dairy-free cereals with gluten after 5 months. They also need to be introduced from single-component types. The replacement of gluten-free porridge occurs gradually. To begin with, it is worth giving a new porridge every other day, then every day, and continue this until the baby completely switches to gluten-containing porridges. It is recommended to give them to the baby in the following order: first - oatmeal, followed by oatmeal, then semolina and finally millet.

Below is a table showing the age of the child and the period when dairy-free cereals should be introduced:

Some useful tips regarding dairy-free cereals will help you make the right choice:

1. Manufacturers of children's products offer a large selection of cereals with various fruit additives. However, rather than buying a store-bought version, it is better to make your own puree from age-appropriate fruits, or take a ready-made one and add it to the dish.
2. Parents seeking organic nutrition should opt for products from Hipp, Samper and Fleur Alpin. The only caveat to keep in mind is the absence or minimal amount of vitamins and minerals in their products.
3. Dairy-free products containing prebiotics, which are a nutrient medium for the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora, are ideal for children with problem tummies (we recommend reading:

Corn grits, so it can be introduced into a child’s diet from 8-9 months. But in order for the cooked porridge to also remain hypoallergenic, it must be cooked in water. Also, for children under one year old, it is better not to use salt and sugar in their dishes.

Despite the fact that this one does not contain many vitamins and nutrients, it is popular due to its high fiber content, which works in the tummy like a vacuum cleaner, absorbing and removing everything unnecessary. If a child has bloating or fermentation, use this type of porridge, it will help cope with this problem.

Dairy-free corn porridge - Preparation:

Porridge is an essential nutritional element, and one of the first foods a child becomes familiar with in complementary foods. You can buy porridge for the first feeding in the store or prepare it yourself. Recently, more and more mothers are giving preference to industrially produced dairy-free cereals, which will be discussed in this article.

General information about the composition of dairy-free cereals

All industrially produced dairy-free porridges are divided into porridges for introducing complementary foods (hypoallergenic) and porridges for expanding the diet. All of them do not contain milk protein as one of the strongest allergens, so the hypoallergenicity of porridges for introducing complementary foods lies in the use of gluten-free cereals (buckwheat, corn, rice) and the absence of added sugar. Millet porridge, although it does not contain gluten, is not used at the beginning of complementary feeding due to poor digestibility. Gluten, along with sucrose, carry a potential danger associated with the occurrence of food allergies and therefore their appearance in a child’s diet should have strict age limits with mandatory monitoring of the body’s reaction. Therefore, these allergens, alone or together, are present in dairy-free cereals to expand the diet. Gluten-containing cereals are oatmeal, semolina, and barley. In addition, these cereals lack some trace elements and other beneficial substances.

Industrially produced baby cereals may contain components that were initially absent from them or were lost during production, that is, they can be transferred to the category of fortified products. The amount of the substance introduced for enrichment in a single portion of the product must be at least 5% of its daily requirement or higher (up to 30%) to ensure the prevention of a deficiency state.

Important! As the first complementary food, use dairy-free, gluten-free porridge (buckwheat, corn, rice) from one type of cereal without added fruits and sugar.

Some manufacturers have a fairly wide selection of dairy-free cereals to expand the diet with the addition of fruit fillers in the form of dried purees, juices, cereals, etc.

Depending on the degree of readiness for consumption, porridges can be dry, requiring short-term cooking, brewing, diluting with liquid, or ready-to-eat. To prepare dry dairy-free porridges, it is recommended to use expressed breast milk or an artificial formula that the child receives. In dairy-free ready-made porridges, the basis is fruit puree and therefore some manufacturers call them desserts or purees.

Features of the composition and properties of cereals

Dairy-free cereals, depending on the type of cereal, can have different effects on the condition of the child’s body.

1. Dairy-free buckwheat porridge. Compared to other grains, buckwheat contains fewer carbohydrates, but their composition differs in favor of complex ones that take a long time to digest, creating a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Buckwheat is the champion among cereals in terms of the content of microelements such as iron, iodine, calcium, cobalt, zinc, molybdenum, and fluorine. It is distinguished by a high content of vitamins B1, B2, B9, PP, E. Buckwheat protein is easily digestible and rich in essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine. Buckwheat porridge has the highest nutritional value, normalizes fat metabolism, preventing the formation of excess weight, and helps maintain high levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
2. Dairy-free rice porridge. It is low in fiber and high in starch. Rice contains relatively few vitamins and minerals. These are B vitamins, calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, phosphorus. Rice porridge has an enveloping property, is easily digestible and does not stimulate gastric secretion. Due to its high starch content, it is recommended for children with regurgitation and unstable stools. Using unbroken rice when making instant baby cereals prevents constipation.
3. Dairy-free barley porridge. The protein of this cereal contains 18 amino acids, including essential ones. Among the vitamins, the predominant vitamins are B vitamins, choline, A, K, E, and among the minerals potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium. Barley porridge improves digestion, relieves constipation, strengthens the immune system, and has high nutritional value.
4. Dairy-free oatmeal. It has the highest fat and protein content and has a stimulating effect on intestinal function due to insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber promotes the development of immunity and acts as a regulator of glucose levels, which is important for children with hyperglycemia. Contains natural antioxidants that protect the body from harmful environmental influences. Together with buckwheat porridge it is recommended for liver diseases.
5. Dairy-free corn porridge. Contains a lot of protein and dietary fiber. This culture is rich in vitamins B, E, PP, A, H, essential amino acids - lysine and tryptophan, it contains such valuable microelements as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and many others. Dietary fiber from corn grits prevents fermentation processes in the intestines and reduces bloating and. Fats are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which contribute to the development of the central nervous system.

Composition of dry children's dairy-free porridges of different brands

"Baby Sitter"

"Hipp"

"Granny's Basket"

• Addition of several vitamins and microelements.
• Contains prebiotics (inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)).
• No added sugar or salt.
• All of these cereals are well suited for first feeding.
• Only dairy-free porridges are produced based on buckwheat, corn and rice cereals without fruit.

"Remedia"

"Nestlé"

"Humana"

• There are only two types of porridges - buckwheat and oatmeal.
• Supplement of 13 vitamins, iron and iodine.
• Porridges do not contain sucrose, instead there are other sugars - glucose and fructose, and maltodextrin is added.
• Buckwheat and oat porridge contain rice flakes.

"Baby"

• They are presented in three types, of which two porridges consist of one type of cereal - buckwheat and corn, and one of a mixture.
• All these cereals contain the addition of maltodextrin, vitamins and minerals.
• May contain traces of gluten and milk (except corn porridge).
• Does not contain sucrose.

"Baby"

"Heinz"

"Fleur Alpine"

"Frutonyanya"

• This is a hypoallergenic buckwheat and rice porridge, enriched with 12 vitamins and 3 minerals without added sugar or fruit.

"Semper"

• They are represented by rice and buckwheat porridge, made from the central part of the grain, which allows for a more delicate consistency of the finished product and high nutritional value.
• In the production of cereals, hydrolysis technology is not used, since the manufacturer considers this unnecessary due to the sufficient activity of the enzyme that breaks down starch in the child by the time complementary foods are introduced.
• The porridges do not contain any added vitamins or minerals; they contain only cereals.

"Vinny"

• Hypoallergenic buckwheat porridge is made without added sugar, salt, with the addition of a prebiotic (inulin), maltodextrin, minerals, and vitamins.
• Other cereals contain sugar and are therefore not hypoallergenic. There are porridges with fruit fillings.

"Bellakt"

• Large selection of cereals with and without fruit.
• Contains added minerals and vitamins.
• Some cereals contain the prebiotic inulin, which is indicated on the packaging.

"Clever girl"

• Low-allergenic porridges are prepared on the basis of rice and corn grits with the addition of the prebiotic inulin, fructose, vitamins and minerals.
• Other dairy-free cereals do not contain prebiotics and are made with added salt and sugar.
• There are porridges with fruit fillings.

Comparative analysis of the range of dry children's dairy-free cereals

Range of ready-to-eat dairy-free baby cereals

"Hipp"

In addition to dry cereals, dairy-free cereals with fruit are available in jars with or without the addition of starch. Two names in this series of products do not refer to cereals at all: “Apples with Banana and Cookies” and “Pear Puree with Cereal Flakes.”

"Frutonyanya"

Prepared from a mixture of boiled cereals and fruit puree of one or more types without any additives or with a small addition of fructose.

When to introduce dairy-free cereals

Everything here is largely individual and depends on the type of feeding of the child and his state of health. It is recommended that formula-fed children be given their first complementary foods with dairy-free, gluten-free porridge from 4 months, and breastfed children after 6 months. Attention is drawn to the child's weight gain. So, if there is a pronounced underweight, then complementary feeding begins at 4-5 months, and if there is excess weight, then at 6.5-7 months. Each type of porridge is introduced for about one week. Thus, in one month the child will become familiar with approximately three types of one-ingredient cereals.

After about a month, when the child gets used to the two types of one-ingredient porridge, porridge can be introduced that simultaneously contains these two types of cereal. For example, if a child has tried one-component rice and buckwheat porridge, then you can introduce a two-component buckwheat-rice porridge. It is advisable not to change the manufacturer. If this manufacturer does not have such porridge, then you can make it yourself by mixing one spoon of each of the cereals. Next, cook according to your usual recipe. Before you start feeding gluten-containing cereals, offer already tested cereals with the addition of fruit. If the manufacturer doesn’t have such porridges, it doesn’t matter, you can always add puree or juice to regular dairy-free porridge.

Important! Two-component gluten-free porridge can be introduced only after the child gets used to each type of cereal separately.

One-ingredient gluten-containing dairy-free porridge can be given to children over five months. It should be introduced gradually, for example, giving it every other day, gradually switching to gluten-containing porridge and thus completely replacing gluten-free porridge. It is recommended to give gluten-containing cereals to a child in the following order: oatmeal, bearberry, semolina and millet.

Manufacturers of ready-made cereals, indicating the period for introducing complementary foods on the packaging, follow the standards specified in SanPiN 2.3.2.1940–05. All porridges must not contain flavorings, dyes, stabilizers, preservatives and food additives, except those permitted for use. A strict ban applies to sweeteners.

All types of porridges may contain fruit fillings in accordance with age recommendations.

1. If you use ready-made cereals, then follow all the proportions indicated on the package.
2. Porridge can affect a child's digestion and stool. So buckwheat and oatmeal have a “laxative effect”, and rice strengthens. Corn does not have a significant effect on the baby's stool. When choosing your first feeding porridge, take these features into account, taking into account your baby’s stool.
3. Do not start introducing solid foods if your baby is not healthy or if a vaccination is planned.
4. For the first time, prepare a small amount of porridge - 5 g (approximately 1 level teaspoon) per 100 ml of liquid (water or baby formula). The resulting product should be liquid. Over the course of a week, increase the amount of complementary foods to the required amount.

   Child's age, months	Porridge, g
   4-6	10-150
   7	150
   8	180
   9-12	200

5. Be sure to monitor your child's reaction. If a rash, anxiety, or gastrointestinal disturbances appear, stop giving complementary foods and consult a doctor.
6. Introduce the first complementary food during the second feeding to monitor your baby's reaction throughout the day.
7. It is most convenient to use a soft silicone spoon instead of a metal one - this way the child’s gums will not be scratched.
8. The optimal temperature of porridge is 37C, which corresponds to the temperature of breast milk.
9. Don't force your child to eat porridge the first time. If your child is persistent, suggest later. It is quite normal if a child starts eating porridge only after 8-10 attempts.
10. Do not use leftover cooked porridge for later feeding.

How to choose porridge in a store

1. Study the labeling on the package of porridge, indicating the age of the child at which porridge can be given.
2. Choose the right type of porridge, taking into account the child’s age, but usually manufacturers take into account pediatricians’ recommendations on the type of porridge in advance.
3. Industrially produced porridges are usually enriched with vitamins and microelements, the composition of which is indicated on the packaging.
4. For the first feeding, refrain from porridges containing fruit, even if the child is age appropriate.
5. Do not add salt or sugar to the porridge.

Benefits of ready-made cereals

1. Chemical and microbiological safety.
2. Composition that meets age-related physiological characteristics of metabolism and digestion.
3. Grinding degree suitable for the baby's digestive system
4. High quality and safety of raw materials.
5. A variety of food components that may not be available at home.
6. Fast preparation.
7. Ready-made dairy-free baby cereals are best chosen for children with intolerance to cow's milk protein. The fact is that milk is a source of calcium for the body and children on a dairy-free diet along with homemade cereals may receive it in insufficient quantities. Ready-made baby cereals additionally enriched with calcium can compensate for its deficiency.

What is the best dairy-free porridge?

1. The optimal choice for the first complementary feeding would be industrially produced dairy-free hypoallergenic porridge, enriched with a complex of vitamins and minerals.
2. From the very beginning, it is better to choose a manufacturer that has a wide range of dairy-free cereals without fruit additives, in order to introduce the baby to various types of cereals as fully as possible before introducing milk porridge.
3. Don't chase a wide range of dairy-free cereals with added fruit. You can always make them yourself by adding ready-made or home-made fruit puree that is age-appropriate.
4. If you prefer organic nutrition, then you can give preference to “Hipp”, “Samper” and “Fleur Alpin” porridges. At the same time, keep in mind that they contain minimal or no added vitamins and minerals.
5. If you have problems with your tummy, opt for dairy-free porridges enriched with prebiotics, which are a nutrient medium for the development of beneficial intestinal microflora (“Babushkino Lukoshko”, “Baby”, “Heinz”, “Vinnie”) and/or probiotics in the form of dry beneficial microorganisms ( "Nestlé")