Rice is a versatile food. Once the baby becomes old enough to eat solids, the advice which is given by the maximum number of people is to start by giving rice-based cereals. The reason behind this is that rice-based food is allergen-free. What is brown rice? Is brown rice for babies advantageous?
Rice comes in different colors, sizes, and shapes. In this blog, let us evaluate the health benefits and recipes of brown rice for babies. Brown rice qualifies as the perfect food for the baby as it is nutrient dense and has great fiber content.
In This Article
- What Is Brown Rice? How Does It Differ From White Rice?
- Why Is Brown Rice Better Than White Rice For Your Baby?
- What Is The Right Time To Introduce Brown Rice To Baby’s Diet?
- Nutritional Value Of Brown Rice
- Health Benefits Of Brown Rice For Babies
- How To Select And Store Brown Rice
- What Is The Ideal Way To Make Brown Rice For Infants?
- Are There Any Side Effects of Brown Rice For Babies?
- Does Brown Rice Pose Any Risk?
- Can Baby Develop Allergy Towards Brown Rice?
- Top 3 Tasty And Healthy Rice Recipes For Babies
- FAQ’s
What Is Brown Rice? How Does It Differ From White Rice?
Brown rice is whole-grain rice with only the husk of the grain removed. It retains the fibrous bran, germ, and endosperm of the grain. It is “unpolished” rice. Once the barn and germ are removed from the same grain, it is called white rice. During this step, some vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and fiber also get removed.
Thus, the difference lies in processing and nutritional content. Brown rice needs more time to cook. However, it can keep babies fuller for a longer time. You can prepare almost all the dishes you make with white rice with brown rice also. However, the taste is not as “neutral” as white rice.
Why Is Brown Rice Better Than White Rice For Your Baby?
Brown rice is more advisable for babies as it retains most of its nutrient value, unlike white rice, and is also well-suited with other food types. As it is laden with nutrients, it helps to maintain the rapid growth cycles of infants.
What Is The Right Time To Introduce Brown Rice To Baby’s Diet?
It is good to introduce the baby to brown rice as early as possible so that the baby gets used to its taste as it is nutty in flavor and very different from the taste of white rice. The medical experts suggest introducing brown rice to the baby as soon as they starts his solid intake, which is ideally six months or more.
Nutritional Value Of Brown Rice
Brown rice is more advantageous than white rice when you evaluate its nutrient content. It is rich in fiber and protein content.
The nutritional base of brown rice has recommended daily intake (RDI) of the following minerals and vitamins:
| Manganese | 45% |
| Magnesium | 11% |
| Niacin | 8% |
| Phosphorous | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 | 7% |
| Thiamine | 6% |
| Zinc | 4% |
| Iron | 2% |
Health Benefits Of Brown Rice For Babies
Here are some of the benefits of brown rice for babies.
1. Full of Nutrition
Brown rice is a source of many vital nutrients that help with proper growth and development of babies. Babies who are over 6 months of age need a lot of energy and nutrition to help them with various stages of growth spurts and milestones. Brown rice proves to be an excellent source of these nutrients for the baby.
2. Easy to Digest
Despite popular notion, brown rice can be easy to digest for babies. Once you have introduced white rice to your baby and your baby is comfortable, you can transition your baby to brown rice. Parents can also introduce brown rice to babies at six months of age.
3. Satiates Your Baby’s Appetite
Due to the high fiber content, brown rice keeps your baby full for longer and reduces hunger pangs. Your baby stays energetic for long hours without the need for snacking.
4. Reduces Constipation
Due to high fiber content, brown rice regulates bowel movement. Babies who have recently started solids can face constipation due to their still maturing digestive system. Feeding your baby brown rice can reduce the risk of constipation in babies and ensure smooth bowel movements.
5. Not a Known Allergen
Brown rice is not a known allergen. Hence, babies are at less risk of getting allergic reactions when eating brown rice.
How To Select And Store Brown Rice
Selecting Brown Rice For Baby
Select organic brown rice for your baby. This way you can make sure it is free of pests. It is always mandatory to check the expiry date mentioned.
Storing Uncooked Brown Rice
- The grains of brown rice can be stored for months in a cool and dry place. Make sure the containers are well-covered and pest-proof.
- In case the temperature fluctuates (if the atmospheric temperature increases), it is best to store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers.
- You can store uncooked brown rice for about six months.
Storing Cooked Brown Rice
- Even though tricky, you can store cooked brown rice in the refrigerator for around 3 days. However, we always prefer freshly made food for babies. The bacteria start multiplying very fast in cooked items leading to food poisoning. Also, reheating cooked food may result in a drop in nutrients.
- Only freshly cooked brown rice should be given to the babies.
- In case of storing cooked brown rice, make sure it is cooled, fully and the container is well covered. The temperature inside the refrigerator should be less than 8 degrees Celsius.
- Do not store cooked food for over two days and avoid reheating more than once.
What Is The Ideal Way To Make Brown Rice For Infants?
The ideal way to cook brown rice is in a cooker and then make a puree before serving the baby.
In order to prepare the rice powder, we need to mix about 1/4 cup of the brown rice in about 2-3 cups of water and keep stirring in order to avoid lumps.
Are There Any Side Effects of Brown Rice For Babies
Though brown rice is not a known allergen, it is still possible that some babies can develop side effects to brown rice. Here are some side effects that some babies can experience.
- Rashes and redness
- Skin irritation
- Running nose
- Hives
- Swelling around the mouth
- Swelling in the throat
- Stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Indigestion
Does Brown Rice Pose Any Risk?
Brown rice has a certain amount of arsenic, which could cause allergies, however, medical experts believe that the consumption of brown rice offers numerous health benefits that offset the risks.
Can Baby Develop Allergy Towards Brown Rice?
The babies can suffer from some sort of allergic reactions in a condition where wheat is included in brown rice as well. Sometimes even simple brown rice leads to allergy due to traces of arsenic in it. It is thus advisable to keep introducing all types of new foods, giving a four days gap to figure out any food allergies or digestive issues cropping up.
Top 3 Tasty And Healthy Rice Recipes For Babies
Following are some simple and healthiest brown rice recipes for babies:
1. Brown Rice Pudding Recipe
Take 2 dried apricots and soak them in water for almost an hour in order to make them soft. Blend 1/4 cup of brown rice, a pinch of nutmeg, 1/2 small ripened banana, and the apricots. To get a thick texture, add about 2tbsp apple juice
2. Brown Rice And Green Gram Porridge
Roast 1 cup brown rice and 1 cup green gram one by one. Blend them to a powdered consistency once cooled. Cook after diluting 2 tbsp of the porridge made in about 200 ml of water. Add 12 tsp salt, sugar, or ghee to enhance the taste.
3. Brown rice And Fruit Pudding
Mix together 1 cup of cooked brown rice made in a paste with 1/2 cup of dry fruits, a little more than a pinch of nutmeg powder, and about 2tbsp. Maple syrup, 1tbsp. Butter, 1 ripe, and chopped banana. Cook all of these for about 30 minutes on low flame till the liquid gets absorbed.
FAQ’s
1. Is Brown Rice Syrup Good For Babies?
It is better to avoid any type of sweeteners for babies. In the same way, it is better to keep your baby away from brown rice syrup.
2. Is Fermented Brown Rice Good For Babies?
Fermented brown rice is extremely healthy for babies. but it is important to use the proper fermentation methods and follow hygiene practices when preparing and storing fermented rice
3. Can I Give Brown Rice Milk to my Baby?
Rice milk may be an ideal milk alternative for babies who have milk allergies. Still, they do not have important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B 12 which are vital for a baby. Hence it is better to avoid rice milk for babies. Always talk to your pediatrician before giving brown rice milk to your baby.
