Even though white rice is the most commonly eaten grain around the world, there are many rumors circulating that it is bad for you, in a variety of ways. Oats are a versatile ingredient that can be found in a variety of dishes, including oatmeal, granola, and baked goods. They are also one of the most popular grains on the market. We are all familiar with them. Something to note is that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months. Even though your baby can tolerate baby cereal and other foods as early as four months, it still might be best to wait unless you talk to your pediatrician about what type of feeding schedule will work best for your little one. If your baby is struggling a little bit to eat it, breast milk or formula can be added to help mimic the taste. The flavor of rice infant cereal is generally very plain, so you might like to try adding some small chunks or pureed fruit to add extra nutrients, goodness, and taste.

White rice is almost always fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The exact values may vary depending on the manufacturer. How to Cook Oats Like Rice Ultimately, when it comes to rice vs oatmeal baby cereal, you may need to find out what your baby is better able to digest and work from there. Is Oatmeal Good for Weight Loss? It’s free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms) which may cause reduced immune function, allergic reactions, toxicity, antibiotic resistance, and cancer. (20) Like we’ve already mentioned, both oatmeal and rice cereals have their pros and cons but it is important to note that they are quite different from one another. Not only does oatmeal taste pretty bland by itself, but eating too many uncooked oats can eventually cause digestive issues or constipation. You can soak your oats in milk or water to soften them up.It could be helpful in easing infant reflux, as the weight of the cereal helps to keep the milk in your baby’s stomach. Consumer Reports also noted that plenty of babies in the US typically eat two to three servings of rice cereals a day. (10) While oatmeal is better for weight loss than rice, it still contains a good number of calories and therefore should be consumed in moderation. The US Food and Nutrition Service and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommend giving your child a serving of iron-fortified infant cereals made from whole grain, enriched flour, or enriched meal. (11) We’ve already established that white rice is not a whole grain, whereas brown rice and oats are whole grains. Does that make a nutritional difference? Yes, it certainly does.

But which one should you choose: rice or oatmeal cereal? No matter which one you choose, the AAP recommends iron-fortified cereals formulated for babies. (11) To reduce arsenic consumption, Consumer Reports recommends that you limit rice cereal consumption to just one serving a day for your baby. They also prohibit giving rice drinks to children. (10) Oatmeal Cereal Pros & ConsServe with desired toppings. I recommend butter or another fat, like coconut oil, sweetener, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. I list the salt as optional, but for me, it definitely is not. I include salt in pretty much all of my recipes, including sweet dishes, since it brings out the sweetness and totally makes the dish. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-beech-nut-single-grain-rice-cereal-and Some parents found that they were able to use their cereal in a bottle to make it easier to fit in your child’s feeding schedule. Studies have examined oat products and found gluten levels exceeding the standard for gluten free foods. Some companies are now using clean equipment for oat processing and designating crop fields gluten free. Tests conducted by Consumer Reports showed that some infant rice cereals might have at least five times the amount of inorganic arsenic than alternatives such as oatmeal. (10)

Arsenic is found in trace amounts in nearly every food we eat because it is naturally occurring in the earth and even in water. I wrote another post all about the differences between Cream of Wheat and oatmeal if you are looking for the differences between these 2 kinds of cereal as well. Just like the oatmeal and Cream of Rice, there are also major differences between these 2 as well. Differences between Cream of rice and oatmealAccording to the CDC, you should never put cereal in your baby’s bottle. The myth that it helps your little one sleep longer is an old wives tale. Additionally, giving baby cereal too early replaces nutrition that your little one needs and it poses a choking hazard. When can I start feeding my baby cereal?

So what’s the difference between rice and oatmeal? Rice vs. oatmeal? Rice and oatmeal come from different plants, although both are ultimately from the grass plant family. There are many types of rice all over the world, but generally, rice has a soft texture. However, it is not as soft as oatmeal and does not lose its shape or congeal together when cooked.Paddy rice is particularly at risk because the water that the rice grows in is highly contaminated and continuously absorbed by the growing plants. Cons: The product isn’t fortified with iron. But your child’s pediatrician can recommend iron supplements and formula with ample iron content. When used in granola, oatmeal takes on an almost chewy, or even hard, consistency. It is generally safe to eat oats uncooked in moderation, meaning it won’t kill you, but it’s not recommended. However, oatmeal doesn’t contain much saturated fat. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats 6 in oatmeal have several of the following health benefits: