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.

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.

None! Put solid food directly on baby’s tray, plate, or bowl, then let baby explore with their hands. If you like, keep a baby spoon or fork nearby to help familiarize the child with utensils, but the skills to use them are not expected until early toddlerhood.