Why Ragi Porridge must be the first Meal for Your Baby?

Introducing My Baby to Ragi Porridge as the first baby food meal.

As a mother, every milestone in my baby’s life felt like a little celebration, and introducing something beyond milk was no exception. After six months of exclusively formula feeding and not giving a single drop of water, the time finally came to begin our journey with new foods. And being an Indian mother, the choice was clear our first food had to be ragi porridge!

The First Spoonful

I started slow, just two tiny spoons of ragi porridge mixed with formula milk. To my delight, my baby took to it quite well or so I thought! The first two days were a rollercoaster, with rejection at its peak. Tiny lips clamped shut, little hands pushed the spoon away, and expressions of pure betrayal filled those curious eyes. I wondered if I had made the right choice, but I reminded myself any new tastes take time. I got my mom to the rescue. She like her traditional methods locked up the hands so that there was no more fuss entertained.

By the third day, something changed. There were no more scrunched-up faces or dramatic refusals just a smooth acceptance of this new taste and texture. It felt like a small victory, one that made all the patience and persistence worth it!

Gradually Increasing the Quantity

At first, it was just a tiny taste two small spoons of ragi porridge, carefully fed while watching every little reaction. Would my baby accept it? Would there be any discomfort? These questions constantly ran through my mind. To my relief, those tiny bites were met with curiosity, followed by adorable messy smiles.

Day by day, I slowly increased the quantity, celebrating every extra spoonful my little one accepted. From two spoons, we moved to four, then six, all while ensuring my baby’s tummy was happy and digestion was smooth. Of course, there were days of rejection cute frowns, turned faces, and tiny hands pushing the spoon away. But patience was key. I knew this was a new experience, and rushing it would only make things harder.

Each meal was a tiny victory, a step closer to building a healthy food habit. And let’s be real seeing my baby happily licking the spoon was the most rewarding moment of all!

Transitioning to Amul Toned Milk

Once my baby got used to the taste of ragi porridge with formula, I slowly transitioned to using Amul toned milk. It was a process of trial and observation, ensuring my baby digested it well and enjoyed the new consistency.

While full-fat milk is often recommended for toddlers, I opted for Amul Toned Milk because it provides just the right balance not too heavy on fat yet rich in protein and calcium. Plus, it was easier to digest and didn’t cause any mucus build-up, which some full-cream milk varieties can lead to.

Now, toned milk has become a part of our daily routine, and my baby enjoys it in multiple forms. However, I always recommend consulting your pediatrician before making any dietary changes since every baby’s needs are unique.

Why Ragi Porridge?

For generations, Indian mothers have relied on ragi as an introductory food, and for good reason. It was packed with calcium, iron, and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a growing baby. Ragi was also gentle on tiny tummies and helped in overall development.

If you need the recipe of ragi porridge it is available right here.

Looking Back: Exploring More Flavors

Before introducing ragi, I did a lot of research on organic products, wanting to give my baby the purest and safest food. For the first attempt, we bought ragi seeds, dried them, and made the powder at home, ensuring it was fresh and chemical-free. While this was a fulfilling process, I soon started exploring other options for convenience and variety. That’s when I discovered Slurrp Farm’s trial combo packs, which offered different flavors of cereal. Gradually, I transitioned to using these alongside homemade ragi, allowing my baby to experience new tastes and textures while still ensuring wholesome nutrition.

After successfully introducing ragi, I was excited to explore more flavors and textures for my baby. From mashed fruits to soft khichdi, the journey of food discovery had just begun!