If your baby is starting solids, then you must be trying to figure out what you can and cannot give to your little one. While rice is a weaning grain normally recommended for babies to start off with, the next option that is very healthy and easy for the baby to digest is barley.
Barley or jau contains lots of fibre, amino acids, iron, copper, B vitamins, manganese, iron and phosphorous. It is also a great source of protein for your baby. Due to the high fibre content in barley, your baby’s bowel movements will be smoother and he/she will definitely be a happier baby. Actually, if your baby is constipated, barley water can really help ease things along. The phosphorus and calcium help to strengthen their growing bones and teeth. Barley is also rich in copper and this aids in iron absorption.
Barley is of two kinds – hulled barley and pearl barley. Hulled barley is with the husk on and extremely nutritious but your little one may not be able to digest it. Babies should be given pearl barley.
You can give your baby barley once they are between 6-8 months. It should not be however given as one of the first foods.
I’m giving you an easy Barley Porridge recipe – you can either make the powder and keep or you can make it fresh from scratch. Make it and give your baby a bowl and see how he/she likes it. Tell us about it in the comments below. We love hearing from you.
Janani S Koushik
