Step 1: First tiny taste
Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed brown rice mixed until smooth. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.
Brown Rice
Overview
Brown rice is a typical complementary grain around 6 months when your baby shows readiness for solids. Whole grains such as infant cereals can be part of complementary feeding. Offer brown rice as a single new food If you use infant cereals, offer a variety of grains rather than only rice cereal.
Preparation
Cook brown rice until very soft. Mash or finely grind the grains, and mix with breast milk, formula, or water until smooth and easy to swallow. Do not offer dry hard grains or sticky clumps that could cause choking. Do not put cereal in a bottle. Supervise every meal.
Three-step introduction
Step 2: Larger offer
If tolerated, offer more of the same preparation at a later feed.
Step 3: Include regularly
Keep soft brown rice in complementary meals as desired, alongside a variety of other grains.
FAQ
When are babies usually ready for solid foods?
Complementary foods are typically introduced around 6 months of age, when the baby shows developmental readiness (for example, sitting with support, good head control, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out). Introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended.
How should I prepare brown rice for a baby?
Cook brown rice until very soft. Mash or finely grind the grains and mix with breast milk, formula, or water until smooth and easy to swallow. Do not put cereal in a bottle. Always supervise eating.
Should rice cereal be the only cereal I offer?
No. If your child is eating infant cereals, offer a variety of fortified infant cereals such as oat, barley, and multigrain instead of only rice cereal. Only providing infant rice cereal can increase your child’s exposure related to arsenic in rice cereal.
Sources
- WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age (2023)
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- FAO/WHO — Risk assessment of food allergens: Part 1 (Codex priority allergen list)
- FDA — Food Allergies (major food allergens / Big 9)
- CDC — Infant and Toddler Nutrition FAQs