Yes, homemade cerelac is considered a beneficial option for babies.
Based on information provided, homemade cerelac is definitely healthier as well as quite simple and easy to make. This aligns with the need for mothers to be conscious of what they are feeding their babies, as highlighted in discussions on baby nutrition.
Why Consider Homemade Cerelac?
Opting for homemade baby food like cerelac offers several advantages that contribute to a baby's healthy development.
- Superior Nutrition and Health: A key benefit is the complete control over ingredients. You can select high-quality grains, pulses, and nuts, ensuring your baby gets essential nutrients without unnecessary additives. The reference specifically states that homemade cerelac is definitely healthier, implying it surpasses commercial options in nutritional purity.
- Absence of Additives: Unlike many store-bought options, homemade versions typically contain no added sugars, salts, preservatives, or artificial flavors and colors. This is crucial for a baby's undeveloped system and supports healthy eating habits from an early age.
- Simple and Easy Preparation: The process of making homemade cerelac is described as quite simple and easy to make. It generally involves roasting or sun-drying grains/pulses, grinding them into a fine powder, and then cooking a small portion with water or milk as needed.
- Customization: Parents can tailor the ingredients based on the baby's age, dietary needs, and any potential allergies. This allows for a personalized approach to introducing solid foods.
- Freshness: Homemade cerelac is typically prepared in smaller batches and used relatively quickly, ensuring maximum freshness compared to products with long shelf lives.
Key Considerations for Homemade Baby Food
While homemade cerelac is beneficial, proper preparation and storage are essential to ensure safety and retain nutritional value.
- Ingredient Quality: Use organic or high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Ensure grains and pulses are thoroughly cleaned.
- Hygiene: Maintain strict hygiene during preparation, using clean utensils, containers, and working surfaces.
- Proper Preparation: Ensure ingredients like grains and pulses are cooked or roasted properly before grinding to make them easily digestible for the baby.
- Storage: Store the dry powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Prepare small quantities for immediate consumption rather than storing cooked porridge.
By making cerelac at home, mothers can have full confidence in the purity and nutritional content of their baby's food, actively being conscious of what they are feeding to baby.
