6 Best Organic Cereals for Infants: Clean, Healthy Choices

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6 Best Organic Cereals for Infants: Clean, Healthy Choices

Clean eating for tiny tummies: Choosing the best organic cereals for infants

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By Christina Manian
a woman in a blue shirt standing in a field
Edited by Caitlin Snethlage

Updated July 22, 2024.

A baby in a high chair eating from a bowl

As your precious little one reaches around six months old, the exciting journey of solid foods begins! This milestone marks a shift from breast milk or formula to a new world of tastes and textures.

Cereals are a popular choice for introducing solids because they're easily digestible, often fortified with essential nutrients, and can be mixed with breast milk or formula for a familiar and comforting first meal. But when it comes to cereal selection, a question arises—organic or regular?

» Switching to solids? Keep it organic with Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal

Our Pick: 6 Best Organic Baby Cereals

  1. Best organic infant cereal overall: Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal
  2. Best organic infant cereal for sensitive stomachs: Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal
  3. Best hypoallergenic organic infant cereal: Beech-Nut Organics Oatmeal Cereal
  4. Best organic infant cereal for immune support: Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal
  5. Best organic infant cereal for on-the-go: Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl
  6. Best budget-friendly organic infant cereal: Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal

» Check out these tips for teaching your baby to chew



Why Choose Organic Cereal?

There are several reasons why parents might choose organic cereal for their babies:

  • Less Chemical Exposure: Organic certification prohibits synthetic fertilizers and pesticides during growing. While conventional cereals meet safety standards set by regulatory bodies, parents prefer to minimize potential exposure to these chemicals.
  • Increased Nutrient Density: Organic crops might have slightly higher levels of certain antioxidants and minerals than conventionally grown crops. This could be due to the use of organic fertilizers, which promote soil health and enhance nutrient uptake by plants.
  • Cleaner Label: Organic cereals often contain fewer additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients than conventional options. This can appeal to parents who want a simpler, more natural product for their babies.
  • Supporting Sustainable and Ethical Practices: Organic farming often emphasizes practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Parents who value these principles might choose organic cereals to support companies that align with their beliefs.

» Follow these tips for a gentle transition from breastfeeding

6 Best Organic Cereals for Infants

Best organic infant cereal overall

1


Outstanding
10
Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal 6+ Months
Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal 6+ Months
Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal 6+ Months

Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal

Natural nourishment for your little one

Read Wix Review

Price

$19.50 for 3 packs


Servings

13 per pack


Age

6+ months

Certified by the Clean Label Project, Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal is entirely plant-based, free of common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, and uses no corn syrup or added sugar.

This cereal provides a balanced mix of macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbs—and over 20 essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition. Else is picky eater approved, making it the best option overall.

Cost effective

Different flavor options

Plant-based

Not suitable for those with a nut allergy

Best organic infant cereal for sensitive stomachs

2


Excellent
9.4
earth's best organic whole grain oatmeal cereal
Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal

Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal

Price

$4.39


Servings

16


Age

4+ months

Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal is made with just organic oats—it's naturally gluten-free and gentle on digestion. The addition of an enzyme further aids in breakdown, while iron and vitamin E provide a nutritional boost.

It also offers a 60% of your baby's daily iron needs in a single serving.

Iron fortified

Cost-effective

Sugar free

Single-grain option

Low in fat and protein

Best hypoallergenic organic infant cereal

3


Impressive
9.2
a bottle of beech nut organic oatmeal
a nutrition label for a meal with calories and calories

Beech-Nut Organics Oatmeal Cereal

Price

$3.99


Servings

15


Age

4+ months

This cereal is a hypoallergenic option made with only whole grain oats. It's free of major allergens like soy, dairy, corn, and nuts, and contains no added sugar or salt.

It's also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for your baby's development, including iron, zinc, and vitamin D.

Available in a corn formula

Fortified with iron

No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

Not certified gluten free

Low in fat and protein

Best organic infant cereal for immune support

4


Very Good
9
Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal
Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal
Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal

Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal

Price

$8.99


Servings

15


Age

6+ months

Ready Set Food Organic Baby Oatmeal Cereal takes a unique approach to immune support by introducing your baby to all nine major food allergens.

This exposure, following latest USDA guidelines, is intended to help build tolerance and potentially reduce the risk of allergies later in life.

Iron fortified

No added sweeteners

High in protein

Not suitable for those with common allergies

More costly than other options

Best organic infant cereal for on-the-go

5


Commendable
8.8
Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl
Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl
Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl

Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl

Price

$3.09


Servings

1


Age

10+ months

Gerber Organic Grain and Grow™ Morning Bowl offers a convenient and nutritious option for busy parents. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, barley, quinoa, and fruit, this pre-made bowl provides a complete meal solution. The easy-to-open format allows for quick and mess-free preparation.

Convenient on-the-go packaging

High in potassium

Rich in whole grains

Costly compared with other options

Less sustainable option

Best budget-friendly organic infant cereal

6


Noteworthy
8.6
Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal
Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal
Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal

Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal

Price

$34.00 for 6 packs


Servings

15 per pack


Age

6+ months

Holle Organic Whole Grain Baby Cereal offers a budget-friendly option for introducing whole grains to your little one. It combines four organic grains for a delicious and easy-to-prepare cereal.

Cost-effective

Rich in whole grains

No added sugar

Low in iron, potassium, and calcium

Not suitable for those with wheat or corn allergies



What to Look for When Choosing a Cereal

Selecting the right cereal is crucial when introducing solids to your baby. Here's what to keep in mind:

  • Easy Digestion: A top priority is a cereal that's easy to digest. This helps prevent stomach upset or irritation, which is especially important for a baby's developing digestive system. Single-ingredient cereals are a good option here, as they're less likely to cause problems.
  • Recognizable Ingredients: Look for a short ingredient list that you understand. If there are unfamiliar ingredients, choose another cereal. This will help you know exactly what you're feeding your baby and reduce the risk of potential allergies.
  • Considering Allergies: If your baby has known allergies, choose a cereal that completely avoids those allergens to prevent allergic reactions. Single-ingredient cereals are, again, a good starting point, as they're less likely to contain hidden allergens.
  • Easy Preparation: To avoid a cranky baby, opt for quick and easy cereals. Look for options that require minimal mixing or fuss, saving you precious time.
  • Palatable Flavor: While nutrition is important, taste matters too. Experiment with different options to find one your baby likes. Start by mixing the cereal with breast milk to create a familiar flavor.

» Learn more about introducing whole foods to your baby

Tips for a Smooth Transition to Cereal

When introducing solids to your baby, it's essential to be patient and find what works. Here are some tips that can help:

  • Age: Ensure your pediatrician approves starting solids, typically around six months old.
  • Texture: Begin with single-grain cereals like rice, oatmeal, or barley, mixed to a smooth consistency with breast milk, formula, or warm water. Gradually thicken the cereal as your baby gets used to it.
  • Temperature: Many babies prefer warm food. Heating the cereal with warm water, breast milk, or formula can make it more appealing.
  • Flavor: Some babies might enjoy a hint of sweetness. Consider adding a bit of pureed fruit like apple or banana.
  • Interaction: Make mealtime enjoyable. Talk to your baby, sing songs, and encourage them to explore the new texture.
  • Signs of Fussiness: If your baby rejects the cereal, they might not be hungry, dislike the taste, or have trouble swallowing the texture. Be patient and try again later.
  • Tummy Troubles: Watch for signs of gas, constipation, or diarrhea. If this happens after introducing cereal, try a different brand or consult your healthcare provider.

» Take a comprehensive look at alternatives to baby formula

A Smooth Start with Solid Foods

Introducing cereal is a big step for your little one, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Following these tips can create a smooth transition filled with positive experiences.

When choosing a cereal, organic options like Else Nutrition's Baby Super Cereal offer peace of mind. Made with the cleanest ingredients, Else provides a safe and healthy foundation for your baby's journey with solids.

Its easy-to-use formula, suitable for six months, is gluten, soy, and dairy-free, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.

» For a nutritious and organic start to solid food, try Else Nutrition Baby Super Cereal



The content and advice provided in this article are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice for specific medical conditions.

Always consult a pediatrician to understand your child's needs. The article expresses the views of the article's editor.