Why Ragi Is A Good First Food For Babies (Bonus: Recipes Included)

This fibre rich millet is the perfect weaning food for your little one. We have added a recipe for ragi porridge to help you start feeding your baby this superfood.
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Millets are cereal grains which are powerhouses of nutrition, are gluten-free and rich in antioxidants. Ragi, nachni, bhakri or finger millet is a grain that has been part of the Indian diet for centuries. It’s actually an excellent option to add to your babies menu. Ragi helps your baby’s overall growth and development since it contains high amounts of proteins, calcium, and iron and it is gluten-free. This is very healthy for adults also.

Benefits Of Ragi For Your Baby

Calcium Booster –  It is rich in calcium (344 mg/ 100 gms), so replace the calcium tablets for your children with ragi instead. Calcium is critical for healthy bones and teeth and prevention of osteoporosis – a disease which weakens the bones. Babies & children need some dietary supplements for healthy bone and teeth development and strength and ragi is an excellent option.

Fibre – Ragi has high fibre content which helps babies digest their food easily and keeps constipation at bay. The high fibre content in ragi manages the level of cholesterol also, preventing obesity at a later stage. 

Treats Anaemia – Anaemia is a common problem among women and children. Ragi is an excellent source of natural iron and therefore a great option for anaemic patients with low haemoglobin levels. When ragi is allowed to sprouts, the vitamin C levels tend to increase, which will aid higher absorption of iron in the body.

Prevents Infections – Ragi is rich in antioxidants and helps to prevent ailments like cough, cold, fever which are very common among children.

Brain Relaxant – Ragi is abundant in amino acids, such as tryptophan, which can make babies & children feel relaxed and restore their energy levels.

What Age Can I Start Giving My Baby Ragi?

Since ragi is easily digestible you can give your baby ragi once they turn 6 months old.

Can Ragi Be Given As Weaning Food?

Yes! Once you decide to start your baby on solids along with fruit purees, you can start giving ragi porridge as well. Ragi is a nutritious grain to add to your their diet given its high calcium content & fibre.

How Do I Make Ragi Porridge? 

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Organic Ragi Flour (finger millet)
  • 1 Tbsp Ghee
  • 1 Tbsp Gur ( jaggery)
  • 1 Cup Water
  • Cow Milk/ Breastmilk as per your choice

Method

  • Heat ghee in a saucepan and roast the ragi flour.
  • Saute till it turns a light brown. This will take about 5 mins. 
  • Add water to the ragi flour. Stir constantly so that lumps don’t form. If the ragi is roasted well, lumps will not form.
  • Melt the gur in water before adding to the ragi mixture. 
  • If using cow milk, you can add it at this stage to get the desired consistency.
  • Cook on medium heat for a few minutes and switch off the gas.

Note: If you are using breast milk to thin it to the consistency your baby will find comfortable to swallow, please do so after you take it off heat. As they grow older you can fruits like apple and nuts as well to make it more wholesome.

Instant Ragi Dosa

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Ragi/finger millet flour
  • ½ Cup Rice Flour (Brown rice flour works just as well)
  • 1 Green Chilli, chopped fine
  • 12-15 Curry leaves 
  • 1 pinch Hing/ Asafoetida
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • ½ Cup Yoghurt
  • 2 Cups Water (I added a little more)
  •  Oil for making dosa

Method

  • Combine the flours, green chillies, curry leaves, hing and salt in a large bowl.
  • Whisk in the yoghurt and one cup of water. Let this rest for 15 minutes. Add in another cup of water to make the batter very thin. I needed to add about 1/4 cup more.
  • Heat your griddle till hot. Lightly grease it and pour a ladle of the batter all over the pan, as evenly as you can. Don’t spread the batter with a spatula.
  • Let it cook for 30-40 seconds. Carefully flip it over and cook on the other side for another 30-40 seconds. Continue with the rest of the batter.
  • Serve hot!
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