First foods database

🍶 Rice drink for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies have rice drink? No. Rice drinks (rice milk) are not suitable as a drink for children under 5, because they can contain inorganic arsenic. There are good alternatives at every age, so you do not need it.

From 5 yearsLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Carbohydrate

How to serve rice drink by age

6 to 9 months

Not suitable. Breast milk or first infant formula is the main drink, with sips of water from an open cup at meals. For cooking, use whole cow's milk or an unsweetened, fortified oat or soya drink.

9 to 12 months

Not suitable. Keep breast milk or formula as the main drink and offer water with meals. Plant drinks should not replace breast milk or formula before 12 months.

12 months and up

Not suitable as a drink until 5 years. From 12 months, whole cow's milk or an unsweetened, calcium-fortified oat or soya drink can be the main milk. From 5 years, rice drink is fine occasionally.

Choking safety

Rice drink is not a choking risk. The concern is inorganic arsenic, which rice absorbs from soil and water, and drinks are taken in large volumes by small bodies.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Goes well with

🥛Oat drinkFrom 12 months · Gluten🥛Soya drinkFrom 6 months · Soya🥛Cow's milkFrom 6 months · Milk💧WaterFrom 6 months

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat rice drink?

Can babies have rice drink? No. Rice drinks (rice milk) are not suitable as a drink for children under 5, because they can contain inorganic arsenic. There are good alternatives at every age, so you do not need it.

Can toddlers drink rice milk?

Not before 5 years, according to UK guidance. Unsweetened fortified oat or soya drinks are better plant options from 12 months.

Why is rice milk not recommended?

Rice takes up inorganic arsenic from soil and water. Small children drinking it regularly could take in more than is advisable.

Is it a problem if rice drink was used in cooking once?

No. A small amount occasionally is not a worry; the advice is about drinking it regularly.

Sources

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).