Nutritious Gerber Infant Cereal Options

Here is the nutrition in one serving of Gerber Oatmeal Cereal. All varieties of Gerber infant cereals provide the same iron, zinc, and B vitamins as listed here. Note, not all infant cereal brands contain the same level of nutrients.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cereal should not be added to a baby’s bottle unless recommended by a pediatrician. Solid foods, including infant cereal should not be fed to babies less than 4 months old, unless medically indicated.

There is no evidence that adding cereal to a baby’s bottle will improve sleep, and this practice could increase the chance of gagging or add unnecessary extra calories to the diet.

Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months and at this time, solid foods should not be given in a bottle, unless medically indicated.

The AAP and Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise not to start solid foods before four months; most babies are ready around six months. Gerber infant cereals are appropriate for babies starting solids through 12 months and beyond.

When first starting foods, offer the 15g serving size of infant cereal. This can be as one serving mixed according to package instructions. Remind parents to follow infant hunger and fullness cues. Once baby is accustomed to eating a variety of foods, keep infant cereal in the diet daily as an important source of iron, zinc, B vitamins and whole grains.

All babies need iron in the first year – no matter how they are fed – and infant cereal is one of the most versatile sources of iron for infants. Here is how infant cereal fits with a baby-led feeding approach. You can help your patients who are self-feeding get enough iron by sharing these tips:

• Mix infant cereal with less liquid for a thick texture. ¼ cup infant cereal and ¼ cup liquid (breastmilk, formula, or water) result in a texture like mashed potatoes. This texture is ideal for use on a pre-loaded spoon. The caregiver fills or “pre-loads” the spoon, passes it to the child, or puts it on the highchair tray, and the child can self-feed.
• 2 tablespoons of infant cereal provide 3.3mg of iron (30% DV). Stir this amount in other foods baby may be eating, such as purees, yogurt, and pasta sauces, to help favorite foods provide iron.
• Incorporate infant cereal as an ingredient in pancakes, muffins, meatballs (instead of breadcrumbs), and smoothies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA Closer to Zero program recommend that infants consume infant cereal to help meet their iron needs but be offered infant cereals made from a variety of grains. Rice cereal does not need to be baby’s first cereal, nor should it be their only variety of infant cereal.

Gerber baby cereals are designed specifically for the nutrition and development needs of infants.

• Iron: Each 15 g serving of Gerber infant cereal has 60% DV* iron for infants compared to regular oatmeal has 5% DV (unfortified oats**) or 35% DV (fortified oats**) in an equal serving size†. Gerber baby cereals have 60% more iron per serving compared to fortified oatmeal and over 100% more than unfortified oats.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is added to support iron absorption (15% DV /serving).
• B vitamins: Gerber fortifies our infant cereals with six B vitamins to support development including brain development.
• Zinc: 30% DV* per serving; Regular oatmeal has 15% DV in an equal serving size†. Gerber baby cereals have 80% more zinc per serving compared to regular oatmeal.

*Iron Daily Value( DV) for infants 6-12 months of age is 11mg; Zinc DV is 3 mg.
†All DVs are reported based on an equal amount of dry cereal – 15g
** Unfortified oats are Old Fashioned and Quick Oats in a traditional cannister; fortified oats are instant oats sold in individual packets.