Note from Hint Mama: I have three full boxes of baby cereal sitting in our pantry (see above), leftover from days long ago when my now 19-month-old daughter would eat rice cereal or oatmeal at least once a day. However, it pains me to think that this cereal, which expires later this year, will just go to waste. Luckily, new Hint Mama contributor Laura Grice (aka Mamahacks), a Toronto-based mother of a 1-year-old son and a former communications professional, has five clever ideas for what to do with all that old cereal. Here’s her first hint.
Packaged cereal is a favorite first food for many babies, and continues to be a staple for most as they make the transition to finger foods. But as we all know (or will soon learn), once our little food critics decide they don’t want to eat something anymore, there is little we can do to convince them otherwise – unless we want to end up wearing it!
So, what to do with all that extra unused baby cereal sitting around in your pantry before it expires? Regardless of whether it’s rice, oatmeal or another variation, don’t throw it away! There are lots of ways you can use up that cereal and save a little money while you’re at it. Today’s hint is five such ways.
Rice cereal scrub ingredients. Photo credit: Laura Grice
1. Facial Scrub
This may sound strange, but it really works! Just scoop about a tablespoon of coconut oil into your palm, sprinkle in some rice cereal and mix together until it’s combined. I find it’s a bit thicker than most commercial scrubs. Gently rub it all over your face, rinse, moisturize and your skin will be as soft as your little one’s. . . well, almost.
2. Bath Soak
Many parents swear by Aveeno products to soothe their babes’ dry, itchy skin. And what’s the active ingredient? Oats! So if you have some oatmeal cereal sitting around, sprinkle some in while you’re filling the tub and swirl the water around to avoid clumping. Be warned, it does make a bit of a mess in your tub, but I’ve found that a baby wipe (or two) works great to pick up the excess oatmeal once the water is drained.
3. Finger Food for Baby
This is a great way to use up all kinds of cereal, especially if your baby still needs the iron boost that cereal provides. One of my son’s faves is mini pancakes. I’ve tried out quite a few recipes, but I never found one that was just right – which for me, meant no added sweeteners, easy to prepare and made with ingredients I usually have on hand. So I created my own. Here is the recipe I developed through trial and error:
Mamahacks Mini Pancakes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 tbsp baby cereal (whatever type you have)
¼ tsp baking powder
2 eggs
4 tbsp fruit puree (whatever type you have)
1/3 cup milk (I use whole milk, but I’m sure breast milk or formula would work just as well)
Mix the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. Whisk the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients together. To make mini pancakes, drop about 2 tbsp of batter per pancake onto a buttered or oiled non-stick pan and cook over medium heat until both sides are golden brown. Refrigerate any leftovers.
NOTE: Please ensure your baby can safely eat all of these ingredients before trying this recipe. My son had already tried milk, eggs and wheat with no issues before he had these pancakes.
4. Breadcrumb Substitute
Simply replace the breadcrumbs in recipes for dishes like meatballs or meatloaf with your old cereal. Here is a recipe from Wholesome Baby Food for baby turkey meatballs that I’ve made for my little guy, and the site has some other great finger food ideas too, as does the site The Wholesome Baby Food Guide. I’ve also heard that some mamas use baby cereal as a thickener for sauces, although I haven’t tried this one myself.
5. Give it Away
If you just want to get rid of it, give your leftover cereal to a friend who has a younger baby, or who is expecting. Or even better, consider donating it to a local food bank. Chances are, there are lots of families in your community who are in need and could benefit from your generosity.
What are your tips for using up leftover baby cereal? What are your favorite baby cereal recipes?
Laura Grice is the founder of Mamahacks and a full-time mom. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and 1-year old son. Currently taking a break from her previous life as a healthcare communications professional, she spends most of her time tickling tummies, playing with choo-choo trains and singing “The Wheels on the Bus.” Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Mamahacks Mini Pancakes! Yum!
I’m Assuming I could do a facial scrub with the oatmeal cereal as well?