Beech-Nut Rice Single Grain Baby Cereal
Essential Facts for Infant Feeding
Beech-Nut's single grain rice cereal offers a nutritious option for infants starting solid foods. This cereal provides essential nutrients to support healthy growth and development in babies. Each 1/4 cup (15g) serving contains 50 calories, primarily from carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein.
The cereal is fortified with important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Iron fortification is particularly crucial, as natural iron stores in infants begin to decline around 4-6 months of age. Beech-Nut processes this cereal at their headquarters in upstate New York, maintaining strict quality control.
Parents should note that while rice cereal has long been a popular first food, some experts now recommend considering other grain options as well. Beech-Nut offers alternatives like oatmeal and corn cereals, which can be mixed with breastmilk, formula, or water to achieve the desired consistency for young eaters.
Product Overview
Beech-Nut Rice Single Grain Baby Cereal is a popular first food option for infants starting solids. This iron-fortified cereal provides essential nutrients for growing babies.
About Beech-Nut Rice Single Grain Baby Cereal
Beech-Nut Rice Single Grain Baby Cereal is designed for babies around 4 months and older. It contains 50 calories per serving and is fortified with iron to support infant development. The cereal can be mixed with breastmilk, formula, or water for easy feeding.
This product comes in a single grain rice variety, making it a simple option for introducing solid foods. The cereal is processed at Beech-Nut's headquarters in upstate New York, ensuring quality control.
Parents should note the specific product codes when purchasing:
UPC Code: 52200034705
Product Codes: 103470 XXXX and 093470 XXXX
Product Variants and Related Products
Beech-Nut offers several baby cereal options beyond the rice variety:
Oatmeal Cereal
Corn Cereal
Multi-Grain Cereal
These cereals provide alternatives for babies with different taste preferences or dietary needs. Beech-Nut also produces other baby food products, including:
Pureed fruits (e.g., prunes, mango)
Vegetable purees
Mixed fruit and vegetable blends
Parents can choose from various Beech-Nut products to create a balanced diet for their infants. The company's range of cereals and purees allows for gradual introduction of different flavors and textures as babies grow.
Nutritional Profile
Beech-Nut rice single grain baby cereal offers a balanced nutritional profile tailored for infants. It provides essential macronutrients and is fortified with key vitamins and minerals, including iron, to support healthy growth and development.
Macronutrients in Rice Cereal
Beech-Nut rice cereal contains 50 calories per 1/4 cup (15g) serving. The macronutrient breakdown is:
Carbohydrates: 12g (92% of calories)
Protein: 1g (8% of calories)
Fat: 0g (0% of calories)
This composition makes it an easily digestible food for babies starting solids. The cereal is low in fat and provides a good source of energy through carbohydrates. It contains no added sugars or fiber.
Key Vitamins and Minerals
Beech-Nut rice cereal is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals:
Calcium
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12)
Zinc
These nutrients play crucial roles in bone development, immune function, and overall growth. The cereal contains minimal sodium and potassium, making it suitable for young infants' developing kidneys.
Iron Fortification Benefits
Iron fortification is a key feature of Beech-Nut rice cereal. Each serving provides:
Iron: 45% of the daily value for infants
Iron is critical for:
Cognitive development
Red blood cell production
Oxygen transport
Fortification helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, a common concern in infancy. The iron in this cereal is in the form of electrolytic iron, which is well-absorbed by the infant's digestive system.
Safety and Quality Standards
Beech-Nut Nutrition Company prioritizes the safety of its rice cereal products through rigorous testing and adherence to strict quality standards. The company implements measures to detect and control potential contaminants in its infant cereals.
Testing for Trace Elements
Beech-Nut regularly tests its rice cereal for trace elements, including inorganic arsenic. This naturally occurring element can be found in soil and may accumulate in rice as it grows. The company uses sophisticated equipment to analyze samples from each production lot.
Testing helps ensure that arsenic levels remain below established safety thresholds. Beech-Nut works closely with suppliers to source rice from areas with lower arsenic levels in the soil.
Guidelines and Recall Information
The FDA has set guidance levels for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals at 100 parts per billion. In June 2021, Beech-Nut issued a voluntary recall for one lot of its Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal.
The recall was initiated after routine testing by the State of Alaska found samples exceeding the FDA guidance level. The affected product had UPC code 52200034705 and an expiration date of 01MAY2022.
No illnesses were reported in connection with the recalled product. Beech-Nut took this action to prioritize infant safety and maintain consumer trust.
Feeding Guidance
Introducing Beech-Nut rice single grain baby cereal requires careful consideration of timing, preparation, and progression. Proper feeding practices ensure optimal nutrition and development for infants.
Appropriate Age for Introduction
Beech-Nut rice cereal is typically suitable for babies around 4-6 months old. Pediatricians recommend starting solids when infants can hold their head up, sit with support, and show interest in food. Signs of readiness include watching others eat and reaching for food.
Consult a pediatrician before introducing solids, as each baby's development varies. Some infants may need to wait until 6 months, especially if exclusively breastfed.
Mixing Instructions
To prepare Beech-Nut rice cereal:
Wash hands thoroughly.
Use a clean bowl and spoon.
Mix 1 tablespoon of cereal with 4-5 tablespoons of breast milk, formula, or water.
Stir to achieve a smooth consistency.
Adjust thickness by adding more liquid or cereal as needed.
Start with a thin mixture and gradually thicken it as the baby becomes accustomed to eating solids. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Discard any leftover prepared cereal.
Transition to Other Foods
After mastering rice cereal, introduce other single-grain cereals like oatmeal or corn. Gradually incorporate pureed fruits and vegetables. Follow these guidelines:
Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before trying another.
Watch for allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Start with small amounts, increasing gradually.
Progress from smooth purees to mashed and soft foods.
By 7-8 months, most babies can handle a variety of textures and flavors. Continue offering cereals along with other foods for balanced nutrition. As the baby grows, transition to more solid foods and self-feeding with soft finger foods.
Purchasing Information
Beech-Nut rice single grain baby cereal is widely available through various retail channels and online marketplaces. Consumers should familiarize themselves with product labeling to make informed purchasing decisions.
Where to Buy
Beech-Nut rice cereal is distributed nationally through retail stores and online platforms. Major grocery chains, such as Kroger and Albertsons, stock this product in their baby food sections.
Many pharmacies and big-box retailers also carry Beech-Nut cereals. For convenience, parents can order the cereal from e-commerce websites and have it delivered directly to their homes.
Some stores offer the option to order online for in-store pickup or curbside delivery. This allows for easy integration into regular shopping routines.
Understanding Product Labels
Product labels provide crucial information for parents. The UPC code for Beech-Nut Stage 1 Single Grain Rice Cereal is 52200034705.
Labels display expiration dates, typically in a "DDMMMYYYY" format (e.g., 01MAY2022). Product codes, such as 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX, are also printed on packaging.
These codes help identify specific batches, which is important for quality control and potential recalls. Parents should check these details before purchase and use.
Nutritional information, ingredient lists, and preparation instructions are clearly stated on the packaging. This transparency helps caregivers make informed choices about their baby's nutrition.
Additional Resources
Exploring recipes and parental tips can enhance your baby's nutrition when introducing Beech-Nut rice single grain cereal. These resources provide practical guidance for incorporating this nutritious food into your infant's diet.
Healthy Recipes and Serving Suggestions
Mix Beech-Nut rice cereal with breast milk or formula for a smooth consistency. Add pureed fruits like bananas or applesauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Try combining the cereal with mashed avocado for healthy fats.
For older babies, blend the cereal with yogurt and berries for a nutritious breakfast. Create a savory option by mixing it with pureed vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
As your baby grows, use the cereal to thicken purees or as a coating for finger foods. Experiment with different textures to encourage self-feeding skills.
Parental Tips for Baby Nutrition
Start with small amounts of cereal, gradually increasing as your baby adapts. Monitor for any allergic reactions when introducing new foods.
Offer a variety of foods alongside the rice cereal to ensure a balanced diet. Include iron-rich foods like pureed meats or legumes to complement the fortified cereal.
Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues and never force-feed. Let your infant explore textures and flavors at their own pace.
Read nutrition labels carefully. Beech-Nut rice cereal is fortified with essential nutrients, but be mindful of added sugars in other foods.
Consult your pediatrician for personalized advice on your baby's nutritional needs and feeding schedule.
Brand and Manufacturer Information
Beech-Nut Nutrition is the company behind Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal. This well-established brand has been producing baby food products for decades.
Beech-Nut operates its headquarters in upstate New York, where it manufactures various infant cereals, including the rice cereal. The company prides itself on creating trusted first foods for babies starting solids.
Beech-Nut is known for its commitment to quality and nutrition. They fortify their rice cereal with iron and other essential vitamins and minerals to support infant development.
In 2021, Beech-Nut issued a voluntary recall for a specific lot of their Stage 1 Single Grain Rice Cereal due to quality concerns. This demonstrates the company's dedication to product safety and transparency.
The Beech-Nut brand is widely available through various retail channels, including online marketplaces and physical stores. Many parents recognize and trust the Beech-Nut name when choosing infant cereals.
