Hello fellow parents!
I'm super excited to share my thoughts on introducing solid foods to our little ones.
For me, solid foods are a way to supplement breast milk or formula, but it's still a big deal.
Even with significant portions and essentially 'grown-up' food, the concept of solid foods remains until the baby rejects the food they've been eating since birth.
Before 1.5 years, we actively introduce most foods, and every mom has her own opinion on when to start, what to start with, and the order in which to give them.
Some of us buy pre-made purees, while others make their own.
Oats are a crucial aspect, as they don't require cooking and, in my opinion, are milk-free.
I recommend introducing dairy products, excluding breast milk, around 8 months.
My child loves the milk-free options, although I acknowledge they have fewer calories.
When choosing a product, I prioritize a composition without salt, sugar, or other additives – I only accept milled grain.
Today, I'm going to show you a product that meets all my requirements.
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS oat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g Reviews
I prefer to introduce oatmeal first due to its hypoallergenic properties.
We also eat other products from this brand.
Brand - nutrilak
Production - Russia, Moscow Oblast
Shelf life - 18 months
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS oat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g ReviewsStorage life - 3 weeks
Age recommendation - 4 months (I'm a bit older, but I like that it's a straightforward option, and you can add a veggie or fruit puree if you want)
Pros:
✔️ Value for money - 200 rubles for a standard pack
I've noticed it's a good deal when buying at the children's store, even though this brand isn't everywhere - I've had trouble finding it in supermarkets, and when I order online, it's not always available in-store.
Weight is 200 grams.
Usage is pretty frequent, so the shipping is a bit of a drawback.
✔️ I love the packaging design - it's understated and done in a nice brown color with a matte finish, it looks really welcoming
However, opening it can be a bit tricky, as you need to tear it along a special line, which isn't super convenient.
The perforation could be stronger.
Nutrilak Cereal (4 months+), 200g Reviews
Nutrilak Cereal (4 months+), 200g ReviewsI store it in a traditional foil packet without a zipper, and I keep it secure with a paperclip.✔️ The aroma is really enticing, and the taste is amazing - it's not too watery, and it has a nice creamy texture
I've found it's really convenient to adjust the consistency periodically, and it works great both with thicker and thinner options.
My daughter actually prefers the thicker version, she just gobbles it up and can't get enough.
When you look at the dry oats, they don't resemble powder at all - it's more like small flakes or puffs.
And when you cook it, you can see the individual grains.
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS buckwheat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g Reviews
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS buckwheat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g Reviews
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS buckwheat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g Reviews✔️benefits, which are clear in the clean ingredients without salt, sugar, palm oil, artificial colors, or preservatives
Kasha Nutrilak without milk PROCEREALS buckwheat low-allergenic (from 4 months), 200 g Reviewsbuckwheat groats whole grain
! may contain traces of milk and gluten !
✔️easy and quick to mix without lumps!
Nutrilak Oat-Free PROCEREALS Buckwheat Infant Cereal (from 4 months), 200g Reviews
I've found it's best to use a spoon to mix, but I often just use a regular spoon to feed my little one and measure out the right amount with a grown-up's tea or tablespoon.
Following the instructions, you're supposed to slowly add the cereal to the water, but I've found it's easier to do it the other way around and just add water until it reaches the right consistency.
Food Allergies
I've also found that the amount of cereal I give my baby is a bit of a trial and error process, as I don't entirely agree with the recommendations on the packaging.
When I first started, I began with a single teaspoon, and gradually increased the amount over the course of a week, following the 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 teaspoon plan.
It can be a bit tricky to gauge the right amount, as I don't measure out the water separately, and I'm still not entirely sure what the right serving size is.
However, I've found that if I give my baby a bit less cereal, the resulting mixture is still quite thick and ends up with a bit of a mound on top.
Assuming that the final product will be roughly double the amount of cereal, I've found that using 2 teaspoons of cereal and adding water results in about 4 teaspoons of the final product, which is what I aim for on the third day.
Unfortunately, my baby prefers a thicker consistency, and I ended up with a higher concentration of cereal, which caused a negative reaction.
I wanted to take a moment to share our experience, as we've encountered a food allergy and I'd advise other moms to take their time.
We've likely encountered a food allergy, and I was surprised to find that, despite buckwheat being considered one of the more hypoallergenic ingredients, many kids have a hard time tolerating it and only outgrow it around 2-3 years old.
The allergy manifested itself in my baby's face turning red, and it took a few days to become apparent.
I decided not to stop using the product entirely, but instead reduced the amount significantly, using my baby's reaction as a guide to gauge the right amount.
I have to admit, I might have been a bit too aggressive with the introduction of solid foods, but following the instructions, you can still use a significant amount of the product even at 4 months old (3-4 tablespoons of dry food).
I'm definitely a fan of this product and will continue to buy it!
I wish your little ones a healthy appetite and a speedy recovery!