Cereal
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Cereal can be made from many grains. Wheat-based cereals contain a major food allergen, so offer a new wheat cereal on its own the first few times and watch for any reaction. Choose unsweetened varieties and add no salt or sugar for babies.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Iron-fortified infant cereal is a common first food. Mix a small amount with breast milk, formula, or water into a thin, smooth porridge, then thicken gradually as your baby gets used to spoon feeding. A single-grain cereal (such as oat or rice) is an easy starting point. Add no salt or sugar.
Thin, smooth porridge from a spoon; thicken as your baby adjusts.
9-12 months
Offer fortified cereal as a thicker porridge, or mix it into mashed fruit, vegetables, or yogurt. A thick scoop your baby can pick up suits the developing pincer grasp. Keep it soft and moist; no salt or sugar.
Thick porridge or soft scoops mixed into other foods.
12-18 months
Serve cereal as a thicker breakfast porridge or stirred into other soft dishes. Soft, low-sugar whole-grain cereals fit well as your toddler eats more textures. Keep portions moist, and avoid hard, crunchy, or sugary cereals; limit added salt and sugar.
Moist, thick porridge or soft portions. Avoid hard or crunchy cereals.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Cereal?
Most babies can try Cereal from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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