How to know when to choose porridge or formula
The choice between porridge and replacement is influenced by several things:
- Age of the child: If your child is under 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. If breastfeeding does not work, if you do not want to breastfeed or need to supplement breastfeeding, infant formula can be given. Our formula is suitable from birth and can be used as the sole source of nutrition for infants, or as a complement to breastfeeding. Formula adapted for children from 6 months of age is called complementary food and is given, if you are not breastfeeding, as a complement to other food. The same applies to porridge - it is adapted for children from 6 months of age and is intended to be used as a complement to other food.
- Nutritional needs: Both formula and formula for children over 6 months (supplementary food or milk drink) are enriched with important nutrients, but the content and composition differ. Formula is designed to mimic breast milk, while formula is a cereal product, which therefore contains some form of flour in addition to milk, much like porridge.
- Family routines: Cereal can be practical as an evening meal or to satisfy slightly older children, while formula is more flexible and can be used at all meals.
- Baby's preferences: Some babies prefer the taste and consistency of porridge, while others do better with formula. It may be worth trying both options to see what your baby prefers.
- Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding your child who is under 6 months old and needs to supplement with formula, it is always infant formula that applies. Complementary nutrition and/or porridge are only for children over 6 months old, and then as a complement to the increasingly varied diet.
Every child is unique – therefore there is no one-size-fits-all solution
You are probably aware that there are general recommendations from both the Swedish Food Agency and the BVC. But as always, every child is unique, and you as a parent must trust that you know your child best. Pay attention to your child's signals, growth curve and general well-being. If you are unsure, never hesitate to discuss with your BVC nurse for some more personal advice.
When is gruel best suited?
Välling is a Swedish phenomenon that has survived since the days of farming (now in a refined form), and is almost non-existent in the rest of the world. Välling is actually porridge that is diluted with more water so that it is drinkable, and then becomes an effective way to get a relatively energy-dense and nutritious meal. Välling is an excellent alternative in many situations:
- For children from 6 months of age as a nutritious complement to other foods
- As an iron-rich meal for children who have started solid foods but need extra energy and supplements of, for example, iron, calcium and vitamin D.
- For children who need extra calories or nutrition, for example when weight gain is poor
- As a practical and filling evening or morning meal for slightly older children
- For children who have difficulty getting enough nutrition through regular food
It may be important to remember not to overuse porridge, as it can affect the child's appetite for other foods and lead to one-sided eating where the child becomes full but does not get all the nutrition they need, and/or does not learn to appreciate other flavors and textures of real food. See porridge as a complement, not a replacement for a varied diet.
When is compensation best?
Formula is developed to mimic breast milk. The term formula often includes all products that are designed for that purpose (to replace breastfeeding), but there are different products for different ages, and they actually have different names - infant formula, follow-on formula and milk drink. The composition and content of formula is strictly regulated and controlled to be safe for use as the sole source of nutrition for infants during the first 6 months, if necessary, and to replace breastfeeding as a complement to more and more solid food after 6 months up to one year. Both infant formula (0-6 months) and follow-on formula (6-12 months) are regulated in EU Regulation 2016/127.
- There is no food other than infant formula that can replace or supplement breastfeeding during the first six months.
- Replacement can be a good option if after 6 months or later you want or need to phase out breastfeeding.
- For children with special nutritional needs or, for example, a milk protein allergy, a specially adapted substitute may be recommended or prescribed by a doctor.
- Formula is preferred over porridge by some parents who may not want to give a cereal product in a bottle
- Because formula is similar to breast milk, it may be easier for young children to like, compared to cereal.
- In other countries, compensation is what is normally given to children in a baby bottle, sometimes as long as up to school age, as a meal in the evening for example.
Can you combine porridge and formula?
Yes, it is absolutely possible and sometimes beneficial to combine porridge and formula.
- If you as a parent want your child to switch from formula to porridge after 6 months of age
- To vary your child's diet and introduce new flavors and textures
- To adjust nutritional intake as the child grows
- When combining porridge and formula, it is important to pay attention to the total nutritional intake so that the child receives a balanced diet. Please consult with the BVC!
Frequently asked questions about porridge and substitutes
Can you switch from formula to porridge directly?
If you want to introduce porridge, it can be smart to do it gradually from around 6 months of age, at the same time as solid food is introduced. The same actually applies if you have been breastfeeding so far. A sudden transition from breast milk/formula can be stressful for the baby's stomach and digestive system and create a negative experience of new food. Start by replacing one meal of breast milk or formula with porridge and then gradually increase over time.
When is it time to introduce porridge?
Porridge can usually be introduced from 6 months of age, but it is not a must. Follow your child's development and appetite. Some children are ready earlier, while others may never get the hang of porridge. Some children like porridge but not porridge, even though it tastes very similar. Experiment and see what consistency your child prefers.
How much replacement or porridge should you give?
The amount should vary depending on the child's age, weight, and other food intake. As a general guideline:
- Baby 6-12 months: 500-600 ml per day, including porridge if used
- Over 1 year: Up to 500 ml per day, but the need decreases as the child eats more solid food.
- Always follow your child's hunger and satiety signals and consult with the BVC for individual advice.
What do the experts say?
If breastfeeding works, it is the best source of nutrition for an infant. If you do not want to or cannot breastfeed, or need to supplement breastfeeding, infant formula is available as a complete alternative to breast milk from birth up to 6 months. According to the Swedish National Food Agency, porridge can be introduced as a complement to other foods from 6 months of age, but it is not a must for a complete nutritional intake.
The importance of introducing solid foods from around 6 months of age is emphasized to stimulate the child's development and prevent allergies. Formula can be part of this process but should not replace a varied solid diet.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding as a complementary food for the entire first year or longer.
So when should you choose porridge or formula?
It is individual and depends on your child's unique needs and your family's situation. Both options can be excellent choices in the right context. The most important thing is that your child receives a balanced and nutritious diet that supports their growth and development.
Remember that:
- Be sensitive to your child's signals and needs
- Listen to the recommendations from BVC and the Swedish National Food Agency
- Be prepared to adjust your choices as your child grows and develops.
- Prioritize a varied diet with different nutrients when the baby is ready for solid foods
- Whether you choose formula, formula or a combination of both, the most important thing is that your child gets the nutrition and care they need to grow and develop optimally. If you feel worried or lost about feeding, help is available. Start by contacting your child care center.
