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Cook millet thoroughly with water or bone broth until very soft and the grains have burst open, then mix with breast milk, formula, or plain yogurt to create a thick, porridge-like consistency that binds together. Serve the porridge in a bowl for your baby to scoop with their hands or offer it pre-loaded on a baby-safe spoon for them to bring to their mouth. You can also spread a thin layer of the porridge onto a silicone mat for easier scooping practice.
Continue offering millet porridge at a scoopable consistency, allowing your baby to practise self-feeding with their hands or a spoon. You can also form the cooked millet into soft patties or balls that are easy to grasp, or serve it slightly looser as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Mix in mashed vegetables, nut or seed butters, or ground meat to add variety and nutrition.
Serve millet porridge in a bowl with a spoon, encouraging independent eating as your toddler's utensil skills improve. You can also shape cooked millet into fingers or squares that can be picked up easily, or press the mixture into moulds and bake until firm for a portable finger food. Millet can now be served alongside family meals as a nutritious side dish or breakfast porridge.
Millet is a good source of iron, an essential nutrient that supports healthy brain development and helps prevent anaemia in babies. It also provides B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus, which support energy metabolism and bone health. The grain contains small amounts of protein and fibre, contributing to a balanced diet as your baby explores solid foods.
Millet is not a common allergen and does not contain gluten, making it a safe choice for babies with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. While allergic reactions to millet are rare, introduce it as you would any new food and watch for signs of an adverse reaction.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/millet-porridge