Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
The WHO recommends introducing millet as complementary foods to infants after 6 months of age, in the form of cereals or porridges, alongside continued breastfeeding. Pediatricians widely support millets as part of healthy infant and child nutrition programs due to their nutrient density, digestibility, and gluten-free nature.
Guidelines for introducing millets to children:
Age 6 months+: Begin with soft, well-cooked millet porridges (ragi porridge, foxtail millet kheer) — single-grain first to identify any sensitivities.
Best millet for infants: Little millet — a small-grained, gluten-free cereal native to India — is packed with essential nutrients and is highly suitable for children's diets.
Ages 1–3 years: Gradually introduce finger millet (ragi), pearl millet, and foxtail millet through porridges, kheer, and soft rotis with dal and vegetables.
School-age children: Incorporate millets into rotis, idlis, dosas, and rice substitutes to boost iron, calcium, and B-vitamin intake.
Teenager nutrition: Millet-based diets address common adolescent deficiencies in iron (menstrual loss in girls) and calcium (peak bone mass development).
Preparation tips: Soaking, fermenting, or germinating millets before cooking significantly improves nutrient bioavailability and digestibility for children.
Parental guidance: Always consult a pediatrician before introducing new foods to infants, particularly for those with known food allergies.
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