Baby porridge

[ladyofthecake]

DD (5months old + a little precocious !) is heavily in to all the weaning foods I offer, and is currently v taken with Boots Baby porridge. However I am disturbed to see how much added stuff is in this. I would rather feed her something a little plainer. Does anyone know if I can feed a baby regular porridge if I choose a really fine milled one like Alfords oatmeal and make it up with formula milk instead of dairy?

[DoesntChristmasDragOn]

Oatmeal plus formula is fine. You can even make it up with water actually. And add mashed/chopped banana. And some spice... and it freezes (although you do usually have to add a little more liquid when it's thawed)

Ordinary porridge oats are fine too though.

[merrylissiemas]

ds was chomping on normal porridge oats by the time he was 5 mo. (i weaned at 8 weeks ) use formula and just give it a go he'll soon let you know if he doesn't like it

[DetentionGrrrl]

Can't see why not- i looked at the ingredients/nutrition on Ready Brek and it was no better or worse than the baby porridge i'd bought, but it was cheaper! My DS loves it- didn't know porridge was freezable either.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Just buy fine-milled oats, cheaper than ready brek, and available organic.

[miao]

But oats contain gluten and should be avoided before 6 months. Better to get rice or millet flakes, both of which are completely gluten free.

[ladyofthecake]

OK, so encouraged by the first 2 responses yesterday (all I managed to stay awake for before I staggered off to bed...) I proudly presented DD with Oatmeal this morning, made with water, but sweetened with pear & raspberry pure fruit spread as recommended by my friend who sold me the oatmeal. My DD, a sturdy trencherwoman, could not bring herself to eat it even though she was really hungry. Thank God for emergency Baby Rice! I tried the oatmeal and it was truly foul. Tomorrow I plan to make it again but with formula milk - any other suggestions to help?