Homemade Cerelac, Sathu Maavu Recipe for 6-12 Months Babies

If the first question that pops in your mind is why 'home made cereal when so many commercial ready-mixes are available', then I would like to say that nothing can guarantee the freshness and nutrition than homemade baby foods. Add to that all the love and hard work that goes in making homemade baby cerelac, not only will your he/she love it, but you will find great satisfaction in feeding it.

What is Homemade Cerelac/Cereal, Sathu Maavu?

Traditionally known as sathu maavu, homemade cerelac is wholesome, nutritious, healthy and tasty for baby. Basically, it is made by using different kinds of grains and pulses. One can also add dry fruits to the mix if the baby has celebrated her first birthday. Some ingredients are soaked overnight and even sprouted to make them healthier. Homemade cerelac is also filling, and strengthens their bones.

Baby Cerelac/Cereal, Sathu Maavu (6 Months+)

This recipe for homemade cerelac is packed with nutrition, and your baby will surely like it. This can be given to your 6+ months old baby. It is a complete meal in itself! With this homemade cerelac, your baby gets the goodness of wheat, rice, pulses (dals), and the chana, daliya, and jeera adds flavor. It can be easily stored in an airtight container. It is homemade and free of preservatives, and therefore great for your baby's healthy growth. Read More: 8-12-Months Baby Food Ideas, Infant Lunch, Breakfast Recipes

How to Make Homemade Cereal for 6-12 Months old Baby?

Here is the baby Cerelac/Cereal recipe ingredient quantity & preparation method..

Step by Step Preparation Instructions Make Baby Cerelac at Home

• Take all the ingredients except chana dal and jeera, and wash them well rinsing till the water runs clear
• Let them dry in the sun for 2 to 3 days
• Fry the sun-dried ingredients without oil one by one at first
• Dry roast the daals till they turn crispy and get a golden color to the grains
• Now also add the chana dal and jeera, dry roasting all ingredients for a few minutes
• Grind them all in a mixer into a fine powder. Store it in an airtight container

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Baby Cerelac

• Rice provides dietary fiber and carbohydrates
• Dals in the cerelac is packed with proteins, iron, and folate
• Wheat is rich in carbohydrates and magnesium
• Homemade cereal can be a good source of vitamin B6 and carbohydrates, giving little one instant stamina
• Can be helpful in increasing the baby's weight

           Read: Weight Gain Foods for Toddlers

When Should I Start Cerelac for My Baby?

It is ideal and largely recommended to feed a baby only breast milk for a formula for the first 6 months of life. Some parents, however, wish to introduce cerelac and other semi-solids once the baby turns 4 months old. The point to note here is that till the age of 6 months, babies get all the necessary nutrition from breast milk or formula, and do not need anything to thrive and develop. Still, if you want to introduce cerelac to a baby earlier than 6 months, take your doctor's recommendation first.

Why Make Cerelac At Home When We Can Easily Get The Pre-Packaged Cerelac?

There is no denying the fact that commercially available cerelac is easy to make, easily available, hassle-free and easy to use. But haven't you ever wondered if it is as safe? Yes, making baby cereal at home can be a cumbersome process but it can have many benefits – like you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients as per his/her liking, and it is also a great option in increase weight in babies. No matter how attractive and feasible these commercially available baby foods may be, they cannot be compared anything close to homemade food.

Serving Homemade Cerelac to the baby

Preparation - At the time of preparing your baby's feed, put 1 tablespoon of the powder in 1cup of normal water, and stir it well so no lumps are formed. Add a pinch of salt, and boil the mixture till it becomes a fine paste. Add more water if required, and then add some ghee. Let it cool for some time, check the temperature and taste, and feed your baby.

This homemade cerelac mix is quite versatile. For a change, you can add sugar and milk to make the homemade cerelac mix sweet, like halwa. If you prefer, you can add poha and almonds also while frying it. Let your baby enjoy delicious homemade food that is good for his/her health and growth.

Did you find Akanksha's recipe for homemade cerelac useful? What baby foods do you prepare at home? Do share your recipes, experiences and learning with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!