What's maltodextrin and should I be giving it my baby?

[catski]

I live in sweden and am weaning my son (6.5 months). Everyone here gives baby porridge and something called välling (basically very watery porridge - the direct translation is 'gruel') when they start to wean. I've bought some but haven't used them yet as maltodextrin is listed in the ingredients. I gather it's some kind of additive but don't really know what it is?

Is it something best avoided in small babies, or am I being a bit PFB?

[Bienchen]

Cat - it's a type of sugar.

Up to you how you feel about it but bear in mind that many products contain sugar naturally. Maybe check what the percentage of maltodextrin is per 100gr of product?

[FrannyandZooey]

No need to give special 'baby' products, you are right to hesitate about giving stuff that isn't good fresh unprocessed food IMO

your son could have ordinary porridge and I bet it would be much cheaper!

[catski]

Thank you. Problem with giving him ordinary porridge here is that it isn't fortified (that means extra vitamins and iron added, doesn't it??). I will have to get my mum to send me an emergency box of ready brek! Tried to get it from the english shop here but they're not going to get it for another month - booo!

[FrannyandZooey]

why does it need to be fortified? He's having milk and stuff, isn't he?

[callmeovercautious]

I would stick to plain oat porridge and pureed veg and fruit to start with. Or have a look at Aitches Blog all about Baby Led Weaning.

As long as lo is having Milk the Vitamins should be covered.

Having said that Ready Brek is yummy!

[chocolateshoes]

I read that Maltodextrin is what they use as a thickener on the back of stamps!!!

[catski]

I thought I read somewhere that it was best to give fortified breakfast cereals - but he is still having milk so you are right, he should be covered. Maltodextrin on the back of stamps? Right, that's it - they're stricken from his diet as well!

[catski]

I thought I read somewhere that it was best to give fortified breakfast cereals - but he is still having milk so you are right, he should be covered. Maltodextrin on the back of stamps? Right, that's it - they're stricken from his diet as well!