What are functional cereals: parents of toddlers should be aware
Porridge is one of the first dishes that appears in the baby’s diet when it’s time to introduce complementary foods.
Moms and dads who have studied this issue probably know about the existence of regular milk and milk-free cereals.
But functional cereals are worth talking about separately. They are usually aimed at solving a specific problem.
Some formulas help a child fall asleep faster due to their high nutritional value or linden blossom in the composition, while others help cope with constipation – their ingredients usually include prunes, dried apricots, or lactic acid bacteria and prebiotics.
You may also find products with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that are part of a healthy gut flora.
Today there are many cereals enriched with lacto- and bifidobacteria. These cereals are suitable for both healthy children and babies with digestive problems, helping to eliminate them.
For children over one year old, cereal manufacturers usually offer thicker cereals, where fruits and berries are presented in pieces, which makes it easier for babies to get acquainted with the chewing process.
Please note: if we are talking about industrially produced porridges, then after dilution they must be eaten within 15-20 minutes. Such dishes cannot be stored.
The decision about when a child can be transferred to home-cooked adult cereals should be made individually, taking into account the characteristics of the baby's body and the capabilities of the parents, and in some situations, a consultation with a pediatrician is required.
