The benefits of semolina for babies make it an ideal way to add wheat to their diet. Its fine texture makes it suitable for consumption by infants. Additionally, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used to prepare sweet and savory dishes. However, this coarsely milled wheat is a common allergen; hence, take precautions when introducing it to your baby’s diet. Read on to know the right age to introduce semolina to your baby’s diet, its health benefits, precautions to take, and some semolina baby food recipes.
When Can Babies Eat Semolina?
A baby can consume wheat products, such as semolina, from the age of six months when they begin eating solids (1). Semolina is the coarsely ground endosperm of wheat grain. Therefore, you can introduce it to the baby like any other wheat product, such as cereal. You can cook semolina with vegetables and water to prepare porridge of a thin consistency. Older babies can be served thicker porridges. Toddlers can be served other semolina products, such as milk-based porridges, crackers, puddings, and other baked semolina delicacies.
Possible Health Benefits Of Semolina For Babies
Semolina offers several of the health benefits provided by wheat for babies. The regular consumption of semolina as part of a well-balanced diet may provide the baby with the following benefits.
Possible Side Effects Of Sooji/Suji For Babies
Semolina is made from wheat, which is a potential allergen. It may have the following potential side effects in some babies (6).
Gluten sensitivity: Some babies’ gastrointestinal tract could be sensitive to gluten, a protein naturally found in wheat (7). The gut does not tolerate gluten well, leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting (8). Gluten sensitivity is also called gluten intolerance. Wheat allergy: It is a condition where the immune system mistakenly considers wheat to be a pathogen. It causes symptoms associated with food allergies, such as skin hives, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and facial swelling (9). Celiac disease: It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system is extremely sensitive to gluten. The immune response in this condition damages the inner lining of the small intestine, leading to severe inflammation and tissue damage (10). Celiac disease is mostly genetic and persists for life.
Precautions To Take While Feeding Sooji/Suji To Babies
Here are a few things to keep in mind when introducing semolina to babies (11).
Prefer organic sooji/suji bought from a trusted store.
Introduce a couple of teaspoons a day. If semolina seems to suit your baby, increase the quantity to a tablespoon or two a day. Wait three to five days before introducing any other new food item. This can let you determine if your baby is allergic to semolina. If your baby displays gastrointestinal discomfort, stop feeding semolina and try a few days later. If the problem repeats, consult a doctor. Cook semolina with water. You can add vegetable and fruit purees, too. Once your baby is older than 12 months, you may cook semolina porridge with cow’s milk.
Tasty Semolina Recipes For Babies
Here are a few recipes of delicious semolina(sooji/suji ) dishes that your baby will enjoy.
1. Semolina upma (7months+)
You will need:
3tbsp semolina ¼ cup boiled mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potatoes) A pinch of turmeric powder A pinch of asafoetida 1-2 cups of water
How to prepare:
2. Semolina porridge (7months+)
You will need:
3tbsp semolina ½ cup apple puree ½ tsp dry fruit powder 1 cup water
How to prepare:
3. Sooji/Suji halwa (1 year+)
You will need:
4tbsp of sooji/suji 2tbsp of organic jaggery powder A pinch of cardamom powder Dry fruits and nuts (finely chopped) 1 cup cow’s milk ½ tsp clarified butter (ghee)
How to prepare:
