Whole grain foods

Grain products contain vitamins and minerals and are a good source of energy. Whole grains are also a source of fibre. Iron-fortified infant cereal is a grain product which can be started at six months of age. Other grain products can be started once your baby is regularly eating iron-rich foods. Examples of grain products include bread (starting with bread crusts and toast), crackers, pasta, rice and unsweetened whole grain cold cereals.

  • Choose whole grain foods most often. Look for the words “whole grain” on the label or in the ingredients list.
  • Choose brown rice more often than white rice, because brown rice is whole grain.
  • Choose unsweetened whole grain cold cereals as finger foods, such as oat o’s. These add new tastes and textures. Do not serve sugar-coated cereals.
  • Continue to offer iron-fortified infant cereals as the main type of cereal, because these are important sources of iron for your baby from 6-12 months of age.