Best Baby Cereal [Oats, Barley & Quinoa, Oh My!]

There are many different methods to transfer your baby into eating solid foods but finding the best baby cereal is a good place to start. It is so exciting to make this transition with your baby! However, we know it is not one that comes easily to many parents because it is such a big deal. I researched tirelessly to make sure that I was getting it all right, and my only conclusion at the end was that there truly is no right or wrong way. Talk to your pediatrician, read all the books, skim the articles, and in the end, you will find a path that you are comfortable with.

Baby cereal is a common first food because it is easy for your baby to digest. The taste is bland, and it is very safe for them to eat. Not to mention, there are so many better options on the market these days jam-packed with nutrients. Let’s talk about it.

Should I Feed My Baby Cereal?

For decades, baby cereal was the number one go-to for your baby’s first solid food. Many parents nowadays seem to be falling away from cereals as the best options and lean towards beans, lentils, vegetables, or enriched pasta. Whatever route you want to take, the most important thing is that your baby is getting something iron-rich that is easily digestible. Keep in mind, this does not have to be something that you keep in your baby’s routine for a long time. Cereal is one of the easiest things to introduce to your little one, and there is no problem with a variety of foods in the days that follow.

The main concern with rice baby cereal is that it contains trace levels of arsenic. The rice absorbs this from the soil that it’s harvested from. As you will see on our list, the best baby cereals are actually not made with rice which alleviates this concern. According to the CDC, cereal is still a recommended starter food as long as contains other ingredients like fortified oat or barley. You can also make your own baby cereal, and you will know exactly what is in it!

Best Ingredients in Baby Cereal;

Oats
Barley
Quinoa
Real Fruit and Vegetables (you can add these on your own as well!)

The Best Baby Cereal

Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Baby Cereal, Oats and Quinoa

We will kick things off with Happy Baby Oats & Quinoa Baby Cereal. The cereal contains oats, quinoa, Vitamin C & iron for a healthy balance. It is organic and designed with simple ingredients. Click here for pricing.

Not to mention, this company is wonderful and sustainable. They work alongside pediatricians and the USDA to make sure their foods are top-notch quality. When your baby moves on from cereal be sure to check out their whole line from healthy baby food pouches to whole milk yogurt.

NurturMe Protein-Packed Quinoa Organic Infant Cereal

Quinoa is taking over the baby cereal game. With rice no longer being a recommended option, it turns out quinoa is full of nutrients and totally safe for your baby. Quinoa is packed full of protein, which makes it a great transition from breastmilk. NuturMe cereals contain no gluten, soy, dairy, or egg to ensure that their food can be easily digested. It also makes their cereal very gentle on the tummy. This cereal contains probiotics and is iron-fortified with natural plant-based vitamins and minerals.

Quinoa has many health benefits and because of that, this cereal provides balanced protein, all essential amino acids, and immune-boosting antioxidants. Stock up on this super cereal today!

Earth’s Best Organic Multi-Grain Cereal

Earth’s Best is a popular brand selling everything from formula to toddler snacks and baby’s first toothpaste. Their focus has been to sell organic high-quality products for over 30 years. And thus, this well-trusted brand is a great choice for your baby’s first food. It is made of organically grown whole grains and fortified with fiber for growth and development. On top of this, it has no added salts or sugars. As well as no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

They make the cereal with a blend of oats, barley, and spelt meaning you do not have to worry about the whole rice issue. Buy Earth’s Best here!

Gerber DHA & Probiotic Oatmeal Baby Cereal

You can’t go wrong with Gerber. I love this DHA & Probiotic Oatmeal Cereal for baby’s first food. DHA helps to support brain and eye development while probiotics support healthy digestion. It also tons of nutrients your baby needs like iron, Vitamin C, calcium, B Vitamins, and more. Gerber pays close attention to quality and ensures that these oats are gluten-free. Purchase your cereal today!

Be sure to check out Gerber Mom Hacks for some recipes that include this oatmeal baby cereal in big kid recipes. You can find some towards the bottom of the following Amazon link.

Wutsupbaby Organic Quinoa Baby Cereal

This organic instant quinoa is not only convenient but a great first food option with amazing nutrition including Omega 3, 6, 9 for eye & brain development, pre-biotics & fiber. Shop here!

If you have other questions about baby cereal or baby food in general, please reach out in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best baby cereal to start with?

Here are our top picks:
Happy Baby Oats & Quinoa Baby Cereal
NuturMe Quinoa
Earth’s Best Organic Multigrain Cereal
Gerber DHA & Probiotic Oatmeal Cereal
Wutsupbaby Organic Quinoa

Is oatmeal or rice cereal better for babies?

Oatmeal cereal is the better option. Rice baby cereal has been found to contain trace levels of arsenic.

Is Gerber rice cereal good for babies?

We recommend the Gerber DHA & Probiotic Oatmeal Baby Cereal, not the rice cereal.

Best Baby Cereal [Oats, Barley & Quinoa, Oh My!]