The 8 Best Porridges of 2022
Papilla – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The complementary feeding of the baby must offer a source of proteins, vitamins and minerals that contribute to the healthy development of the little one. In this sense, it is possible to buy good quality commercial porridge such as Blevit Plus 8 cereals, which is prepared instantly. Its content of calcium, iron and vitamins makes it a nutritious food suitable for infants from 5 months. On the other hand, the Hero Baby Cream of Rice food is a rice-based cereal, which you can give your baby from 4 months. In addition, it contains a significant amount of iron, calcium and essential vitamins, to avoid deficiencies in your little one.
The 8 Best Porridges – Opinions 2022
As parents we are interested in offering the best nutrition to babies, especially when they start complementary feeding. Fortunately, there are several nutritious food options on the market suitable for children and for this reason we present our selection of the best porridge of 2022.
Oatmeal
1. Blevit Plus Superfibra 8 Cereals 1 unit
Cereal porridge is one of the most traditional foods in the baby’s diet, since it provides fiber, vitamins and minerals, which is why it has been used for generations.
In this sense, the Blevit Plus product is highly recommended, as it combines several whole grains with soluble fibers, to favor the digestive system of babies, especially those who suffer from constipation.
Likewise, the high content of calcium, different vitamins and iron, contribute to the physical and mental development of the child, highlighting the fact that this porridge does not have added sugars. This is a positive aspect because you will have the certainty of giving the baby a healthy food.
As for the instant preparation of the porridge, you only have to add 8 level tablespoons of the product to 200 ml of hot milk for infants, and stir until you obtain a smooth and creamy texture.
For many users, this could be the best porridge of the moment, so we summarize its characteristics to make it easier for you to identify the pros and cons.
Pros
Fiber: The high fiber content present in this product favors the digestion of babies and prevents constipation.
Preparation: The instructions easily explain how to prepare the porridge in no time.
Taste: This product does not contain added sugars, but maintains a sweet and pleasant flavor for children.
Cons
Baby bottles: It can be difficult to dissolve the food well in the bottle, so it is easier to prepare it as a porridge.
2. Hipp Gluten Free Cereals Standard
Hipp’s whole grain porridge is a good option for celiac babies, as it is gluten-free thanks to the combination of rice, corn and millet.
This could be the best porridge because its ingredients are sourced from organic crops, free of genetically modified organisms. As for the preparation, the package explains in detail how to do it in the bottle or as a porridge. This last option is beneficial to introduce the baby to the use of spoons.
It should be noted that this product does not contain traces of milk, flavorings or sugars, being appropriate for babies from 4 months of age.
For this reason, Hipp has positioned itself in the market as the best porridge brand due to the quality of its ingredients and the biological production of cereals, so we invite you to read the summary of the pros and cons of this particular product..
Pros
Cereals: The ingredients of this food are rice, millet and corn, so it is totally gluten-free. It also does not contain dairy, so it is a complete food for allergic babies.
Presentation: This product comes in a box with two packages of 200 gr, ecologically packaged with recycled materials.
Table of measurements: The instructions specify the amount of cereal that should be added to the bottle according to the baby’s age, as well as the preparation of the porridge in a few steps.
Cons
Taste: A slightly bitter taste is perceived in the porridge, due to the absence of sugars and flavourings.
rice porridge
3. Hero Baby Gluten-Free Cream of Rice Porridge
Rice porridge is one of the first options that parents offer to babies, starting at 4 months. This is because it does not have gluten and, therefore, the possible unfavorable reactions related to that allergen are reduced.
In the specific case of the Hero Baby porridge, we are dealing with a product that seeks a natural diet, since it does not contain sugars, palm oil or preservatives. This way, your little one only gets the nutrition you expect from this important cereal. To obtain more benefits, the porridge has been supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals for the healthy development of the baby.
With regard to its texture and flavor, the baby will be able to swallow it easily, since when mixed with water or milk it will form a very soft food.
If you don’t know what porridge to buy to start the weaning process in your baby, this cereal may be a good option. Its pros and cons, below.
Pros
Natural: The cereal does not add flavors, preservatives or sugars, so your baby will experience the original flavor of the food, without getting used to receiving sweet foods.
Enriched: Several essential vitamins and minerals have been added to its formula, to avoid deficiencies.
Ease of use: Due to the fact that it is a product that dissolves easily, without leaving lumps, it is possible to mix it with the milk from the bottle.
Cons
Quantity: It is a pack of 6 boxes of 220 grams, which could be a lot of cereal if you just want to try it.
4. Nutriben Rice Cream Instant Porridge
Among the best porridges of 2022 is Nutriben, a rice porridge whose instant preparation facilitates the daily life of parents when it comes to feeding the baby.
This food is recognized by the Federation of Celiac Associations of Spain, since it does not contain gluten, being suitable for children with this condition. In addition, its nutritional content with vitamins, phosphorus and calcium, strengthens the immune system, the development of energy metabolism and increases the formation of red blood cells.
It should be noted that no palm oil has been used in this product, nor does it contain traces of milk or preservatives, added sugar or salt, so it maintains the original flavor of the cereal.
Regarding the presentation, we can affirm that it has an affordable cost in the 300 g package, so it is an economical food that you can buy with the confidence that the Nutriben brand provides to users.
Below, we summarize the positive and negative aspects that we found in this product.
Pros
Certification: It is a cereal endorsed by the Federation of Celiac Associations of Spain, because it does not contain gluten.
Composition: Palm oil, chemical preservatives, or added sugars have not been used in its preparation, maintaining a high nutritional content.
Digestion: This cereal favors the good digestion of the baby and does not cause constipation.
Cons
Flavor: The baby may reject the porridge on the first try, but you must offer the food, without adding salt or sugar, so that it gets used to the natural flavor.
oatmeal porridge
5. Holle Oatmeal Porridge +4 months
Oats can be introduced in complementary feeding, just as it is done with other types of cereals. In this case, Holle’s oatmeal porridge offers a simple and safe way to give this nutritious food to children from 4 months of age.
Because it contains only oats, this product is suitable for babies allergic to rice, however, it may contain traces of gluten. As for the preparation, this porridge thickens naturally without having to add more oats to the milk, it should only be left to stand so that it absorbs the liquid and is left with a smooth consistency that is pleasant to the palate of babies. This aspect also favors the healthy weight of the little one, since overfeeding is avoided by adding the amount of cereal indicated to prepare the bottle or a tasty porridge with a light texture, easy to digest.
If you are wondering which is the best porridge for your baby, this may be the answer you are looking for. But, before making a hasty purchase read the pros and cons of this product.
Pros
Sugar: The sugar content is 1g per 100g of cereal, so it is ideal to start complementary feeding without added sugars.
Versatility: With this cereal you can prepare baby bottles, fruit purees and vegetable purees to offer several options to the baby, taking advantage of the benefits of oats.
Cons
Allergens: This product is not suitable for coeliacs.
Nestle Porridge
6. Nestlé Porridge 8 Cereals With Honey
This Nestlé porridge offers an integral food for the growth of babies. Designed to consume from 6 months, this product also has vitamins A and C, iron and zinc, which favor the normal development of the immune system.
Also, this cereal incorporates a probiotic that maintains the balance of the intestinal flora for regular digestion. On the other hand, the selection of cereals maintains a balanced nutritional value, to obtain all the properties of wheat, oats, barley, rice, rye, corn, spelled, among others.
Regarding its presentation, we can say that it is one of the cheapest in our selection, since it comes in a 600 gr package, providing the supply to prepare 24 portions, either in the bottle or as a porridge.
Nestlé cereals have a long history on the market, earning the trust of generations of users. In this sense, we believe it is convenient for you to take a look at the pros and cons of this specific product.
Pros
Probiotic: The bifidus lactis present in this cereal is a probiotic that favors the digestion of babies.
Benefits: Including all these cereals in the baby’s diet provides a source of vitamins, iron and zinc that contribute to their physical and mental growth.
Presentation: The 600 g package is enough for 24 portions of food, either as a bottle or porridge, with a light vanilla flavor and easy preparation.
Cons
Gluten: This cereal contains gluten, so it is not suitable for coeliacs.
Gluten-free cereal porridge
7. Nutribén Papillas Innova Cereals without Gluten
Although wheat is a cereal very rich in vitamins and minerals, which is present in many cheap porridges on the market, it is not the best option to offer to babies at 4 months. In this sense, it is best to opt for a gluten-free cereal porridge, such as the one presented by the Nutribén brand.
Its base ingredient is rice, but important nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamins have been included in its formula. In such a way that your little one can receive what he needs in this important stage of growth.
On the other hand, this formula does not use palm oil or added sugars among its components. That is why it is considered a wise choice when looking for a natural diet, which does not lead to being overweight. Likewise, it is easy to dissolve, being an easy porridge to prepare.
We know that you are looking for the best quality-price ratio, but the quality and qualities of this product deserve your attention.
Pros
Quality: Nutribén is a brand with more than 54 years of experience, recognized for its strict quality standards and support for local agriculture.
Enriched: To the nutritional advantages of rice cereal, this formula adds calcium, magnesium and other essential vitamins for the healthy development of babies.
Without transgenics: It is a porridge made from rice without genetic alterations.
Cons
Quantity: Compared to other packages, this one only has 600 g of product, but it will be enough to complement your baby’s diet for several weeks.
Nutribén porridge
8. Nutribén Porridge Innova 8 Extra Fiber Cereals
Nutribén 8-cereal porridge offers your baby a complete diet with a high fiber content, which improves the child’s digestive functions.
For their part, vitamins A, C and D, along with zinc, help develop and strengthen the immune system, while bone growth is favored by the calcium, magnesium and vitamin D present in this food.
It should be noted that all these elements represent an important source of energy and nutrients that promote the healthy development of the baby, both physical and cognitive.
On the other hand, this food does not contain traces of milk and is suitable for children from 5 months of age. However, you should know that it contains gluten, so it is not suitable for celiacs.
If you want to include this food in your baby’s diet, we invite you to know beforehand the pros and cons that we distinguish in it.
Pros
Cereals: In this food, the properties of wheat, barley, oats, rice, rye, corn, sorghum and millet are used to give the baby a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Instructions: The cereal box easily explains how to prepare the food in the porridge with a dosage table, according to the baby’s age.
Benefits: The formula of this porridge includes 11 vitamins, it is also enriched with zinc, iron and calcium, to strengthen the immune system, the nervous system and the bones.
Cons
Allergies: This food should not be consumed by celiac babies and those allergic to rice.
Shopping guide
With so many products available on the market, it is always a good idea to have a guide to buy the best porridge and know how to choose the food that will give the baby the most benefits. For this reason, we present you with the most relevant data on this topic, which will be of great help to you when buying one or more porridges to start the complementary feeding of your little one.
Cereals
Cereals are the first foods that are introduced in the infant’s diet, preferably from 6 months, because they provide a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals that the body needs to carry out its functions and develop correctly. However, pediatric surveillance and the guidelines of the health professional will indicate if your baby can start with some porridge between 4 and 5 months of age.
In this sense, there is a group of cereals that have been used for generations for infant feeding and that are still in force due to their properties. These are wheat, barley, rice, corn, rye, millet, sorghum, oats, among others.
When making a comparison of porridge, you will notice that some products are monocereals, while others combine two or more ingredients to enhance the benefits of the food and offer more complete nutrition.
In any case, some of these specifications vary according to the age of the infant, since for a 4-month-old baby you can start with a cream of rice porridge and after 6 or 9 months introduce multigrain, as your digestive system will be better prepared.
allergens
Currently, according to Celiaquía Statistics, 2% of the Spanish population is celiac and, although 80% is not diagnosed, many cases are discovered due to the development of diseases associated with celiac disease. Due to such statistics, if at the beginning of the introduction of cereal porridge your baby presents diarrhea, colic or loses weight, these may be symptoms that the child suffers from this disorder, so you should consult the pediatrician to know what foods you should eat from according to his age.
If the baby is diagnosed as celiac, lactose intolerant or allergic to rice, your feeding options vary completely. For this reason, many brands offer porridge alternatives for celiacs, which do not contain gluten, as well as other products free of allergens such as soy, milk or palm oil.
This is a very positive aspect because you can offer your baby a healthy food for his allergic condition and help him grow healthy and strong.
additives
Many parents today opt for an organic and totally natural diet, and by purchasing commercial porridge they hope that they meet these qualities.
Fortunately, some baby food brands have specialized in the organic cultivation of cereals, without genetically modified organisms and with a careful selection of the best ingredients.
For this reason, added sugars, flavorings or chemical additives to alter the color, smell and taste of porridge are dispensed with. If you wonder how much one of these organic products costs, you can be sure that its value is not very different from products with preservatives and sugars, which, although they may be tastier, also affect the baby’s weight and overload its metabolism in the absorption of sugars and other elements.
On the other hand, there are all the elements that are added to enrich the porridge formula and improve its properties, as is the case of different groups of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that favor the baby’s immune, nervous and bone systems for optimal development. healthy.
Also, some porridges include probiotics, to regulate the intestinal flora and improve the digestive system of babies, reducing colic, diarrhea, among others.
In conclusion, you can buy a good and cheap porridge, made with totally natural ingredients and without added sugars to take care of the baby’s nutrition and its physical-cognitive development.
Presentation and preparation
Baby formulas are usually an easily dissolved powder that you can add to the baby’s bottle or prepare in a dish, so that the baby learns to be fed with spoons. In addition, this type of presentation makes the use of porridge very practical.
On the other hand, it should be noted that some of the best-selling products come in packs of 1 or 2 kg, separated into individual containers for easier conservation, since when a package is opened it should be used within a maximum of 30 days from of its opening.
Likewise, the dosage explained in the instructions of each cereal will allow you to prepare an appropriate amount according to the baby’s age. In this way, you avoid making excess porridge and having to discard the rest, since it is not advisable to save what is left for a next meal.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to make the first fruit puree?
The most traditional porridge for babies is apple and for its preparation you can use a small fruit, wash it well and core it. Once chopped, you must process it in the blender until you get a smooth mixture, using a little liquid, which can be water, breast milk or formula. It is advisable to serve the porridge to the baby immediately to prevent oxidation from altering the properties and vitamins of the fruit. Remember not to add sugar or salt, because the original flavor of the food should be maintained as much as possible, so that the baby adapts to them. In addition to the apple you can use pear, banana, orange and plums; but, before introducing new foods consult your pediatrician and follow his guidance.
Q2: How to preserve the fruit puree?
Although it is recommended to use the instant fruit puree and not to keep leftovers, it will also make things easier for you to have some of this food in the refrigerator. For its conservation, it is advisable to use sterilized glass jars with the size of a portion. It is also advisable to label each container with the date of preparation of the porridge and its content, as well as avoiding mixing the fruit with dairy products for its conservation. In other words, only the fruit puree should be frozen and when using it you can add milk or cereals to enhance its flavor and nutritional quality.
Q3: How to make a baby eat fruit porridge?
It is likely that the first time the baby will reject the food, so the key is to be patient. He starts by mashing up a banana and giving it a little taste each day, until he fully accepts it. After this time, you start to mix the banana with apple or pear porridge, and you will see how the baby adapts to the new flavors.
Q4: How to make vegetable and chicken porridge?
Homemade food is an excellent option to feed your baby, avoiding the use of additives, condiments and artificial flavors. You can help yourself with a babycook or other baby food processor, but if you don’t have one, a small pot will be just as useful for making a vegetable and chicken porridge.
First, choose the vegetables: they can be carrots, zucchini, leeks and potatoes. Use one of each and pieces of breast. Now, in the pot put enough water to boil. Adding salt is not recommended, but you can add a splash of olive oil. When the water boils add the carrots first for a few minutes, then the rest of the vegetables and the pieces of breast.
Let cook until the ingredients have softened. Then remove the saucepan from the heat and place the vegetables, the chicken and a little of the broth in the blender, begin to process until you obtain a porridge with a soft texture for the baby’s palate.
Q5: How to make baby cornstarch porridge?
Cornstarch porridge is a traditional food in Spanish families to feed babies. Its preparation is very simple, you will only need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or cornstarch and 400 ml of breast milk or the milk that your baby normally drinks.
Now place the cornstarch in a small saucepan and add the milk little by little, stirring until all the starch is dissolved. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat and stir constantly until it thickens a little, avoiding lumps. Keep mixing for about 10 minutes and remove from the heat, let it cool and it will be ready to feed the baby.
Q6: When to give a baby porridge?
According to the WHO, exclusive breastfeeding should be maintained until 6 months of age, and from that month complementary feeding begins, with cereal porridges, fruits and vegetables being the first semi-solid foods that the baby can eat. However, it is recommended to consult with the pediatrician regularly about changes in the child’s diet and what are the ingredients that can be added to the daily diet.
Q7: How to make homemade cereal porridge?
You can prepare a cereal porridge, using the ingredients you have at home, be it oatmeal, brown rice, corn or barley, and even make a mixture of these. You will need a Thermomix or a food processor to grind the cereal into a fine powder.
Next, you can use vegetable broth, mineral water or breast milk to prepare the porridge, placing the liquid in a saucepan and when it starts to boil, add the cereal powder. The ratio is one cup of cereal to 4 cups of liquid. Now you must stir constantly for 4 or 5 minutes until it is slightly thickened and it is ready to be given to the baby directly or mixed with fruit puree or vegetable puree.
