Why children should not be given semolina. The right choice of semolina for babies

Around semolina porridge, on which entire generations have grown up, fierce disputes are unfolding today whether it is worth feeding your children with it. It is quite natural that parents are concerned whether semolina is still useful or harmful for children and at what age it can be given to them without fear.

The undoubted benefits of semolina porridge are in its chemical composition and the effect that it has on the stomach of even the smallest child:

• contains starch, proteins, vitamins (especially a lot of E, PP and B9) and minerals (rich in potassium and phosphorus), which are simply necessary for a small organism;
• porridge cooks quickly;
• all useful material are stored in it;
• with chronic kidney failure, semolina as a protein-free cereal is simply indispensable in the children's diet;
• a small amount of fiber in its composition allows you to use it when exhausted.

From time immemorial, all parents and therapists knew how useful semolina porridge is for children, and fearlessly included it in the diet, even for those who were not yet a year old. But with the development of new technologies chemical composition of this dish was revised, in connection with which a shocking verdict was issued to ban its use. Moreover, the scientists who conducted the research justified how harmful semolina is for children:

• the phytin found in its composition does not allow the absorption of vitamin D, calcium and iron, which is fraught with serious consequences for a small organism, since everyone knows how important these elements are for growing organs; This explains why it is impossible semolina children up to a year;
• gluten - a substance that causes allergies, is also contained in this cereal, so a child can easily be allergic to semolina as soon as you start introducing it into complementary foods;
• after a year, the work of the intestines is already normalized, adjusted, but even during this period (up to about three years), doctors say that semolina should be included in the diet of children in strictly limited quantities (no more than once or twice a week).

Knowing the arguments of scientists why children should not have semolina, parents themselves must weigh the pros and cons and make an appropriate decision. The usefulness of this dish has been tested over the years, people are used to trusting what they themselves have grown on. Sometimes it's hard to let go of the familiar. So, for sure, many parents cooked, cook and will cook semolina for their kids. The question is, are they doing it right?

How to cook semolina

Why sometimes cooking semolina turns into a problem? For some, it turns out to be moderately liquid, tender, soft, without a single lump. And for someone, it boils down to the state of a pudding, when the spoon stands in it without falling, and the porridge itself strays into hard, undercooked lumps. Naturally, children of any age will refuse such a dish. You just need to fill your hand and learn how to cook it. Everyone will have their own recipe, but it is prepared according to a single scheme:

• boil water (200 ml);
• pour cereal (2 teaspoons);
• during cooking, be sure to stir without ceasing: this is the only way to get semolina without a single lump, which will have a delicate texture;
• the question of how much to cook semolina porridge is very relevant, because one extra minute in this matter - and the dish becomes too thick: if the baby prefers liquid, it is recommended to cook no longer than 7-10 minutes, if you need a thicker consistency, you need to focus on an interval of 12 -15 minutes;
• add hot, but not boiled or raw milk (100 ml);
• add granulated sugar (to taste, but young children are not recommended to use more than 6 grams in this recipe);
• add salt (a pinch);
• boil;
• remove from fire;
• add butter (5 gr);
• beat.

According to this recipe, you should get a portion of liquid semolina porridge weighing 200 grams.

Taking into account the advice of experts, when it is possible to give semolina to a child, in what quantities, how dangerous it can be, parents can independently draw up a plan for introducing this dish into the diet of their own baby. If there is any doubt, a doctor should be consulted. This will help to avoid undesirable consequences in the form of indigestion and allergic reactions.

Parents are ambivalent about semolina. On the one hand, the product has been tested for years. Both the parents themselves and the current grandparents grew up on semolina. It seems that everyone is healthy, at least no one thought about the dangers of semolina until recently. On the other hand, new product studies have proven that semolina is not so safe. First, it provokes allergic reactions. Secondly, the substances in its composition prevent the absorption of calcium.

But why can't children semolina now, when for decades doctors have advocated semolina porridge and offered to feed children with it for quick weight gain and full development? So the doctors were wrong? Yes and no. Despite the proven harm of the product, it is not so threatening to the health of the child as to completely abandon it. In addition to the negative impact, semolina also benefits the child's body.

What is the use of semolina

First of all, the product is easy to prepare, it should not be further crushed and ground, unlike other cereals. Other benefits of the product include:

Doctors speak ambiguously about the product and do not give an exact answer to the question of why children should not semolina. In fact, the only direct contraindication to the use of semolina is individual intolerance. In all other cases, the product will not cause any particular harm to health. But as for the benefits, there is something to think about. Yes, cereals contain important vitamins and minerals, proteins and saturated fatty acids. But the content of nutrients in the product is not as high as in other cereals. That is why pediatricians suggest replacing semolina with any other - buckwheat, corn, rice. The health benefits of these products will be much greater than semolina.

Semolina for children: possible harm

The main reason why you should refrain from eating semolina is the presence of phytin in it. This component prevents the penetration of calcium salts into the blood, which means that the element necessary for the structure of bones will be quickly excreted from the body. However, doctors warn that semolina can cause real harm to health if you eat 2-3 bowls of porridge per day, and even limit the consumption of foods that contain calcium. On such a “diet”, loving parents will not keep their baby, which means that you should not worry about the condition of the bones of the growing crumbs.

What else can semolina harm and why should it not be given to children? The presence of gluten makes porridge undesirable in the diet of children under one year old and those babies who have gluten intolerance. After the child reaches a year, you can give semolina porridge for testing. If the baby likes the dish, then it is sometimes permissible to offer porridge to the crumbs, but doctors warn that at this age the child's food system is not yet sufficiently formed, so it is better to postpone acquaintance with semolina porridge until a later time.

Doctors emphasize that semolina will not cause significant harm to a child's body, but its value is not so high as to be seriously considered. this product as the main food of the child. What semolina is really rich in carbohydrates, but it is better to get carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables than from cereals that do not provide actual benefits.

The secret of making semolina

Despite the fact that porridge cooks quickly and has a uniform consistency, not everyone succeeds in cooking it correctly. Porridge with lumps will not be eaten even by the most unpretentious child in food. Actually, cooking porridge is not the best use of semolina. Groats can be added to puddings, pies, fruit creams. Pancakes and pancakes, desserts and mousses are prepared from semolina.

The main secret of making semolina is proper stirring. Groats are poured exclusively into boiling water, gradually and without ceasing to stir. Porridge should be stirred throughout the entire cooking process, only then the mass will turn out to be homogeneous and tender. The consistency of porridge depends not so much on the amount of cereal, but on the cooking time. To get liquid porridge, it is enough to cook semolina for 5-7 minutes. In order to get a thick mass, you need to keep the porridge on fire for at least 12 minutes.

If semolina is cooked not on fire, but, for example, in a slow cooker, then in order to achieve a delicate texture, the cereal is pre-mixed with sugar and salt, and only then poured with water and / or milk. It takes much longer to cook, but the porridge turns out tasty and without lumps.

The digestive system in babies is not yet mature enough, so complementary foods are introduced carefully. Until recently, there were no thoughts about what to give the baby as additional food. For this purpose, semolina was usually used. Today, pediatricians are wary of this cereal and believe that it is not suitable for the first feeding of a baby.

Semolina is wheat groats, which is made by special grinding. The grain size varies from 0.2–0.7 mm. Produced from soft, hard and combined varieties of wheat.

The composition contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body: PP (1.2 mg), E (0.25 mg), B, H, as well as Ca (20 mg), Mg (18 mg), potassium (130 mg ), silicon, phosphorus (85 mg).

The introduction of porridge into the diet brings undeniable benefits:

• the energy supply increases - carbohydrates tend to be quickly absorbed, filling the body with an energy charge;
• work is normalizing nervous system- this is facilitated by folic acid and B vitamins;
• the skeletal system is strengthened - calcium and silicon promote the growth of teeth;
• the work of digestion is normalized - porridge envelops the stomach, relieves spasms, is digested in the lower intestine and does not irritate its walls;
• the cardiovascular system is strengthened - magnesium and potassium “make” the heart muscle work better;
• immunity is increased and the normal functioning of the body is ensured.

• gluten is a vegetable protein that provokes the development of allergies. It is difficult for immature digestive organs to cope with a likely allergen, so the risk of unpleasant symptoms increases several times;
• phytin - binds calcium, the body stops absorbing it. With a decrease in the level of calcium in the bloodstream, the parathyroid glands pull it out of the bones, which provokes the occurrence of rickets. In addition, the absorption of vitamin D and iron by the body becomes more difficult;
• gliodin - regular ingestion into the digestive tract leads to the fact that the intestinal villi, which are responsible for the normal absorption of nutrients, begin to die off. As a result, gastritis, colitis develops.

Why semolina is introduced into the diet little by little

The digestive system of babies is not yet mature enough and is not able to cope with the digestion of vegetable protein, which is present in semolina. Therefore, daily feeding in large portions can strengthen and cause constipation.

In addition, negative manifestations appear if you use only one semolina as an additional food.

When introducing the product, be sure to observe the reaction of the baby.

If an allergic reaction (rash, itching) occurs, semolina should be immediately excluded from the diet.

Video: dangerous foods for children - semolina porridge - Malysheva

Semolina porridge when breastfeeding a newborn

Undoubtedly, breast milk is the best food for a baby. A young mother should eat right so that the baby gets all the nutrients when breastfeeding. Someone prefers a strict diet with a one-month-old or two-month-old baby, and some do not limit themselves in products, but whatever choice, consider the opinions of doctors.

Semolina porridge can be consumed by women while breastfeeding, but some recommendations should be followed:

1. Groats are not recommended to be included in the menu until the baby is 2 months old, and if there is colic - up to 3 months.
2. For the first time, it is recommended to eat a small portion (up to 100 g) of semolina not on an empty stomach. Within two days, you should observe the condition of the baby. If no negative reactions are observed, the portion is increased to 200–250 g.
3. Until the baby reaches the age of three months, it is better to cook porridge for mommy on water, diluting it with milk 1: 1.
4. Semolina is best eaten for breakfast, no more than 1 time per week.

The right choice of semolina for babies

If you prefer to cook porridge from ordinary semolina, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• GOST sign - means that quality standards for processing methods are met;
• category - the sign "MT" or "M" indicates that the cereal was obtained from soft varieties. It has a lot of gluten, but few nutrients. The “T” sign indicates that the cereal is made from durum wheat. It is more preferred, but it is difficult to find it on sale. Therefore, doctors recommend purchasing already packaged mixtures, where all the elements are balanced;
• color - a pinkish tint indicates that the cereals were obtained from hard varieties. Manka white color It is made from soft beans and is not suitable for children.

Purchase goods only in transparent packages - so you can see the structure, color, the presence of lumps and other inclusions.

When choosing semolina in infant formula, preference is given to reliable manufacturers. Pediatricians consider this method the most acceptable, since cereals undergo mandatory processing.

Semolina selection: photo gallery

Semolina in a transparent package - you can see the structure, color, the presence of lumps and other inclusions. A pinkish tint means that the groats were obtained from hard varieties
Baby formula with semolina should be from a reliable manufacturer

How to start and how much to introduce porridge into the baby's diet

Do not be afraid and completely delete semolina from the diet, because it is useful and desired product for babies. Before giving wheat porridge to a baby, you should listen to the recommendations of pediatricians.

Doctors recommend introducing porridge into the baby's menu after 12 months, when the work of the digestive and enzyme systems will improve. If the child has a persistent underweight, then it is allowed to give semolina after 6 months.

Semolina has the ability to swell in the gastrointestinal tract. After eating, there is a feeling of fullness for a long time. Therefore, if you feed your child with porridge at night, you can be sure that he will be full until morning.

Parents should keep in mind that you can feed your baby with semolina no more than once every 10 days..

Start feeding with half a teaspoon of porridge. If there are no negative manifestations, the next time the portion is doubled.

First, the porridge is prepared in a liquid consistency, then more viscous. After about a month and a half, it is allowed to add 5 g of oil. Feeding the baby should not be from a bottle, but from a spoon. In order not to miss the reaction of the baby to New Product, semolina is better to give in the morning.

Recipes and cooking features

If the child tries semolina for the first time, it must be cooked in water. The cereal is ground in a coffee grinder so that it turns into flour.

Porridge on the water for children up to a year

For children under one year old, porridge is prepared as follows:

1. Boil water (200 ml).
2. Prepare 2 teaspoons of ground cereal.
3. Gently pour into boiling water in a thin stream.
4. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent the formation of clots.

If you can’t pour semolina from a spoon, make a funnel out of a clean paper sheet and carefully pour it into the liquid. Cook no more than 7-10 minutes, otherwise it will become too thick.

Before feeding, add a little to the finished dish breast milk. If the child is artificial, use a standard milk formula.

Thick porridge begins to cook for children after a year. It can already be boiled in milk, which should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1.

Cooking thick porridge in milk for a one-year-old child

1. Boil water (100 ml), add cereal (2 tablespoons).
2. Pour in warmed milk (100 ml).
3. Add a pinch of salt and ½ teaspoon of sugar.
4. After boiling, cook porridge for 7 minutes.
5. Turn off, put 5 g of butter.

How to cook liquid semolina porridge on baby food

First, semolina is prepared in the usual way on water. After the mass has cooled, the milk mixture is poured into it at the rate of 100 g of finished porridge - 1.5 tablespoons of baby food.

It must be remembered that the mixture should not be heated too much, let alone boil. Otherwise, all useful substances will disappear.

Semolina porridge recipes with additives

To make the baby’s nutrition varied, as well as to get acquainted with new tastes, various ingredients can be added to the semolina.

Porridge is often cooked with dried fruits, oatmeal, pumpkin, corn flakes, banana.

How to cook semolina with pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of the first foods that a baby is introduced to from 6 months old. This is due to the fact that it has a fibrous structure and has a beneficial effect on digestive system baby.

To prepare porridge you will need:

1. Remove peel and seeds, cut into small pieces 100 g pumpkin.
2. Pour in water so that the liquid only slightly covers the product.
3. Boil for 15-20 minutes until softened.
4. Grind with a blender until puree.
5. Pour 200 ml of milk into the resulting mass.
6. Bring to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of semolina.
7. Boil 7 minutes.

The more intense the color of the pumpkin, the brighter the dish will turn out.

How to cook semolina with carrots

1. Peel half of the medium root crop, chop on a grater.
2. Put in a saucepan, put 5 g of butter.
3. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour warmed milk (200 ml) into the mass.
5. Lightly salt and add ½ teaspoon of sugar.
6. Pour 1 tablespoon of cereal into the boiling mass and boil for 5-7 minutes.

How to cook semolina with fruit puree

1. Boil liquid semolina porridge in water.
2. Stew 50 g of fresh apples or dried fruits in a small amount of water for 5 minutes.
3. Grind the fruit mass on a fine sieve.
4. Mix the apple puree with the prepared porridge.

Semolina porridge with additives: photo gallery

Opinions of experts on the usefulness and dangers of semolina: to feed or not to give

The opinions of pediatricians, gastroenterologists about when to start feeding semolina are contradictory. The fact is that in itself it is not dangerous for the health of the baby, if you do not give it every day, and also if the child does not have gluten intolerance.

Dr. Komarovsky also did not include cereals in the list of ingredients for the first complementary foods. He believes that if the baby is breastfed, then up to 6 months. there is no need to “strengthen” his diet with fruits, vegetables, and, especially, cereals.

Most doctors believe that complementary foods should start with gluten-free cereals, such as rice or buckwheat. In addition, it is forbidden to give semolina to children who have a tendency to allergic manifestations, there is a violation of digestion, problems with the intestines, as well as overweight.

Video: complementary foods - Dr. Komarovsky's School

Attitude towards this type of product in recent times completely different. Experts have proved the futility of this porridge, even some harm to the child's body. In their opinion, there are a number of cereals that are much more useful than manna. However, more than one generation of children has grown up on this product.

The benefits and harms of semolina porridge for children

Even our grandmothers began to give semolina to babies from 6 months. Many scientists are struggling with the question of what is the benefit and harm of semolina porridge for a child today. Doctors warn young mothers to be wary of semolina, considering it useless in a baby's diet.

The cereal from which this dish is prepared is processed in the lower intestine. There it is digested, absorbed, removes excess fat deposits. Thus, it is clear that this porridge is useful for the elderly, but not for children. What is good for some is bad for others.

Reading numerous reviews, parents doubt and do not know whether it is possible to feed semolina porridge to children. Opinions are so contradictory that many questions arise.

Useful properties of semolina porridge for children, constitute the smallest group, but their presence cannot be completely denied.

The benefits of semolina porridge for children:

• The benefit is in its potassium content. It is considered a vital micronutrient. Thanks to him, a small heart works well;
• semolina contains a lot of iron. It promotes blood circulation in the body, carries oxygen, delivering it to every cell;
• another useful property considered the presence of B vitamins. They are responsible for the state of the nervous system as a whole;
• she prepares quickly;
• suitable for babies with a depleted body due to the low fiber content.

Children have been eating it for years, which confirms its usefulness. People tend to trust what they themselves have tried, what they grew up on. Therefore, it is not easy to refuse this product.

Harm of semolina porridge for children. If you consume a lot of this product, you can provoke the emergence of certain diseases. For example, celiac disease. This is an allergy to vegetable protein. It is not completely cured and remains with a person throughout life. Therefore, doctors advise young children not to give semolina or to monitor the amount of its consumption.

The harm of semolina porridge for children, according to scientists, is:

• in the presence of phytin in it. It interferes with the absorption of vitamin D, iron, calcium. The consequences can be the most serious, since these trace elements are very important for a growing organism;
• semolina contains gluten. It can provoke allergies. Therefore, if you introduce this product into your diet, treat it with caution, the dosage should be moderate.

Knowing all the pros and cons, parents themselves must decide whether to give porridge to the baby or not. It does not apply to strictly prohibited products.

Why not semolina porridge for children?

It contains 70% starch. The ventricle of a newborn is not able to digest carbohydrates, therefore, semolina porridge should not be given to children. The assimilation of this product takes all the energy contained in it. As a result, semolina will stay in the baby’s body for a long time, absolutely not bringing any benefit.

Porridge is prepared mainly using cow's milk. However, not all babies easily perceive its protein. There are cases when, because of it, an allergy to semolina porridge occurs in a child.

Allergy to semolina in a child photo

Why not semolina porridge for children under one year old? It contains phyton. It is a link between calcium, zinc, vitamin D, prevents their rapid absorption. Before the onset of a year old, the presence of calcium is important for the baby. It has a beneficial effect on bone strengthening.

Frequent intake of semolina porridge affects the absorption of iron by the body. A negative result may be the development of rickets. The activity of the ventricle will be disturbed, colds are possible. The health of the baby will be weakened, which will lead to negative phenomena in the future.

Noting the benefits and harms of semolina porridge for babies, it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer whether to feed the baby with it or not. Of course, it is not completely useless. Not a single generation of kids has grown up on it. How dietary product she is highly valued.

However, doctors do not advise to get involved in this food product. It is recommended to introduce it after a year and not to give it often. It is also necessary to monitor its quantity. When the time comes to introduce porridge into complementary foods, focus on buckwheat, rice.

The presence of semolina porridge in the diet of children today is one of the most controversial points. Some experts insist that with the introduction of the product in the child's menu, you need to wait up to 3 years and even explain why this is so important. Others believe that a dish unique in its properties can be given from the second year of life, the main thing is to adhere to the recommended recipe and dosages.

Porridge, which contains high-quality and proper semolina, really has a number of properties that have a positive effect on the condition and development of the child's body. Unfortunately, where there is benefit, there is also some harm. Before deciding on the introduction of the product into the diet of the baby, you need to familiarize yourself with all sides of the issue.

Proven benefits of special cereals

Grandmothers and experienced mothers do not in vain praise semolina, citing their children as an example. According to their observations, babies who regularly received the product for breakfast or afternoon tea steadily gained weight, gained height, did not experience digestive problems, and were full of energy. At the same time, sometimes the product was introduced into the diet of infants who were not yet a year old.

The benefits of the product are due to its unique and rich chemical composition:

• Carbohydrates. They are quickly broken down and absorbed, providing the child with the necessary energy.
• B vitamins (especially folic acid). Favorably affect the development and formation of the nervous system, in particular on brain tissue.
• Silicon. The benefit of this component is manifested in the strengthening of tooth enamel, the prevention of tissue destruction and the formation of caries.

Tip: Despite certain compositional features, semolina is considered the best complementary food option for children who have problems digesting protein foods. It is often recommended for babies suffering from chronic kidney failure.

• Vitamin E. This is not only a "vitamin of beauty", but also a growth stimulator, without which a full-fledged physical development child's body.
• Potassium and magnesium. Contribute to the improvement of the heart muscle, reduce the risk of its wear.
• Semolina porridge, cooked according to the rules, it also stimulates digestion, improving peristalsis and enveloping the delicate intestinal mucosa.
• High calorie product often used when necessary to ensure weight gain in asthenic or malnourished children.

It turns out that it is possible to give semolina porridge to little guys, but not before a year and following recommended dosages. In addition, you must not violate the conditions presented in traditional recipes approved by pediatricians. It is noteworthy that in the process heat treatment most of the useful components in the composition of the products are preserved unchanged and in the volume necessary for the therapeutic effect.

Potential harm of semolina and how to avoid it?

The benefits of semolina are not questioned, but we must not forget that she, like any other food product capable of causing irreparable harm to the body. True, as practice shows, this can not be feared with the normal use of the dish. That is why it is not recommended to violate the rules for introducing the product into the diet of children, regardless of their age:

1. Semolina porridge in impressive volumes contributes to such an influx of carbohydrates that the body simply does not have time to cope with them, which results in constipation.
2. Semolina contains a special protein that can cause necrosis of the intestinal villi. As a result, the mucosa ceases to absorb useful components in the right amount. The damage turns out to be permanent, dead formations can no longer be restored.
3. Fitin in the composition of cereals contains an impressive amount of phosphorus. This microelement in large quantities begins to bind calcium, which prevents its absorption by tissues. Deficiency of the substance leads to the development of rickets. It is worth considering that if semolina is used in small quantities, then the indicated harm goes into favor. Phytin supplies tissues with phosphorus and prevents the development of rickets.
4. Like other wheat products, semolina contains gluten, so porridge from it is contraindicated in children with intolerance to this substance. If you do not follow an appropriate diet, you can provoke a disease in which the intensity of absorption of the beneficial components of the mucosa of the digestive tract decreases.

If you start giving the dish to babies only after a year, adhering to small portions and no more than 1-2 times a week, then the potential harm of the product can be minimized. The child will receive only a noticeable therapeutic benefit from it.

How to choose and cook semolina in order to get only benefit from it?

Semolina is made from certain parts of wheat grains, which are crushed as much as possible. Few people know that there are three varieties of cereals, differing in the size of the grains. Soft and hard-soft (20% hard, 80% soft) cook faster and taste better, but it is hard varieties that carry maximum benefit for the child's body, having an increased nutritional value. It has more vitamins and minerals, fewer calories and gluten.

When introducing the product into the diet of children, it is necessary to be guided by the following rules:

1. It is best to start with 5% of porridge in its liquid form. Only after the child gets used to the product, it is allowed to transfer it to a more viscous and dense composition.
2. It is best to pour the cereal into cold milk or water, then the grains will boil evenly, and the mass will turn out to be homogeneous.
3. In the process of preparing porridge, it must be constantly stirred with a spoon or whisk, the presence of lumps is unacceptable.
4. Ready porridge has a homogeneous and very soft texture, its grains are almost indistinguishable.

If the pediatrician does not recommend giving the child semolina, it is worth clarifying why he came to this conclusion. The answer at the level of “simply impossible” is not an argument, you should contact another specialist, otherwise you can deprive your baby useful product because of someone's unreasoned whim.