Cornmeal (Polenta)

Cornmeal may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Corn that is dried and finely ground up has many names: grits, masa harina, and polenta, to name just a few. The preservation technique has roots in Central and South America, where people living in the region learned to cultivate the grain long before the arrival of Europeans, who introduced the food around the world. Cornmeal comes in different colors (blue, red, white, and yellow) and texture ranges from coarse to fine.

Yes. Cornmeal is rich in carbohydrates to provide quick energy, with a dash of fiber to help baby’s gut microbiome flourish and balance blood sugar levels. It also contains lots of folate and offers some B vitamins like vitamin B6 and niacin—important nutrients that babies need for healthy growth and development.

Yes. Cornmeal is gluten free, and it is safe for individuals with wheat allergy, celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, some prepared foods and products (such as cornbread and corn cakes) are often made from a blend of cornmeal and gluten-containing flours, so make sure to read the ingredients label.

No, cornmeal is made from corn, and corn allergies are uncommon, but have been reported, with symptoms ranging from short-lived oral allergy symptoms to anaphylaxis. Some individuals with allergy to lipid transfer proteins or chitinase may also have a corn allergy. Corn is known to cross-react with other cereal grains, especially rice, wheat, and barley. However, most individuals with corn allergy can safely consume other cereal grains, and vice versa.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity of cornmeal for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. Cornmeal presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. That said, firm or crispy preparations of cornmeal could pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve cornmeal in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Si bien una silla alta puede ayudar a crear un entorno seguro para comer, existen formas alternativas para que el/la bebé coma de forma segura, así como sostenerlo/a en tu regazo o sentarse juntos en el suelo. Para obtener más información, consulta nuestra Guía detallada de sillas altas para bebés.

¡Ninguno! Sirve los alimentos sólidos directamente en la bandeja, plato o tazón del/a bebé y luego deja que el/la bebé explore con las manos. Si lo deseas, tenga una cuchara o un tenedor disponibles para ayudarlo/a a familiarizarse con los utensilios, pero no se espera que adquiera las habilidades para usarlos hasta que sea un poco mayor.