A gentle, naturally sweet first food that combines homemade rice cereal with fresh banana. The smooth texture is easy for babies learning to swallow, while the banana lends vitamins, minerals, and a hint of sweetness without added sugar. Rice-based baby cereals supply iron for normal cognitive development and calcium for growing bones, making this a nourishing introductory meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple pantry staples. Just rice, water or milk, and a ripe banana—no special equipment beyond a small saucepan and a blender.
Adaptable texture. Blend completely smooth for early weaning or leave a few tiny banana flecks for older infants exploring soft lumps.
Fast. Fifteen minutes from start to finish, with most of that hands-off simmer time.
Freezer-friendly. Make a batch, portion it into ice-cube trays, and defrost as needed.

Ingredients

¼ cup finely ground brown-rice powder (see Notes)
1 cup water, breast milk, or infant formula
½ ripe banana, mashed until smooth
Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Simmer the rice. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Whisk in the rice powder, reduce heat, and simmer, whisking occasionally, for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Cool slightly. Remove from heat and let the cereal stand for 2–3 minutes so it cools to baby-safe temperature.
Blend with banana. Transfer cereal to a blender or mini-processor, add the mashed banana (and cinnamon, if using), and purée until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve. Spoon into a small bowl and feed warm or at room temperature. Thin with additional milk or water if necessary.

Servings and Timing

Yield	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
About 2 baby portions (≈ ½ cup each)	5 min	10 min	15 min

Variations

Fruit duo. Blend in two tablespoons of unsweetened apple purée for extra natural sweetness.
Protein boost. Stir a spoonful of plain full-fat yogurt into the cooled cereal just before serving.
Spiced version. Replace cinnamon with a pinch of ground nutmeg for warmer flavour.
Oat & rice blend. Substitute half of the rice powder with quick oats ground to flour for added fibre.
Tropical twist. Swap banana for mashed ripe mango when it is in season.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerator: Transfer leftover cereal to an airtight jar; use within 72 hours.
Freezer: Portion into ice-cube trays, freeze solid, then store cubes in a labelled freezer bag for up to 1 month.
To reheat: Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave a cube on low power, stirring every 10 seconds, until lukewarm. Thin with a splash of milk or water if the texture becomes overly thick.

FAQs

Is it safe to give rice cereal to a four-month-old?

Current paediatric guidelines recommend introducing solids around six months when your baby shows readiness cues such as good head control and interest in food. Consult your child’s healthcare provider before starting earlier.

Can I grind my own rice powder?

Yes. Pulse short-grain brown rice in a high-speed blender until it resembles fine flour; sieve out any gritty bits for a smooth cereal base.

Which banana ripeness is best?

Choose a banana with plenty of brown speckles—this signals peak sweetness and a softer texture that blends effortlessly into the cereal.

May I skip the blender?

For older babies comfortable with a thicker purée, simply mash the banana well and stir it through the cooked cereal with a fork.

How do I thin cereal that is too thick?

Stir in warm breast milk, formula, or boiled-then-cooled water a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency returns.

Can I prepare it the night before?

Certainly. Cook the rice cereal, cool, refrigerate, and stir through fresh mashed banana just before serving to preserve flavour and nutrients.

Are leftovers still nutritious after freezing?

Freezing preserves most nutrients. Thaw gently and avoid repeatedly reheating, which can degrade vitamins.

Could I add spices?

Mild spices such as cinnamon or cardamom are generally well-tolerated after six months, but introduce only one new flavour at a time.

What if my baby dislikes the taste?

Combine a spoonful of familiar purée—such as pear or breast milk—with the cereal to create a flavour bridge, and offer again in a few days.

Is homemade rice cereal fortified with iron?

Commercial cereals are iron-fortified, whereas homemade versions are not. Pair homemade rice cereal with other iron-rich foods (puréed lentils, meat, or fortified oat cereal) once your baby’s diet expands.

Conclusion

Rice Cereal with Banana is a quick, wholesome way to introduce grains and fruit in one gentle spoonful. With minimal ingredients, flexible texture, and make-ahead convenience, it fits seamlessly into busy feeding routines while giving your baby essential nutrients and new flavours to explore