quinoa as a first food?

[mmom]

C is just over 6 months and started solids 1 month ago.  We have been offering veggies and fruits alternating between the 2.  He is totally ready for more.  C is grabbing at my food and when I am feeding him his purees, it seems like he would take more than I am offering.  I would like to offer something more substantial and I am not interested in rice cereal.  I know quinoa is a gluten free grain and I am wondering if anyone has offered it this early. 

[deb]

I think it can be used safely but I also think it's a good idea to soak it first. Helps make it easier to digest. It can have a somewhat bitter taste, so we usually mix it with other grains when we use it. We used millet as one of the first grains too, another gluten-free one I think. Just soak it overnight, then cook it up in the morning, or soak for 8 hours or so before cooking and processing. Millet does tend to get pretty lumpy in whole-grain form especially so we only make what we're going to use that meal or mix it with other grains (like quinoa).

[~inbalance~]

wholesomebabyfood.com says to introduce it 8-10mos although some babies can tolerate it earlier.  http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/quinoababyfoodrecipes.htm
If it were me I would probably give it a try.  And I think I will! 

[mmom]

Thanks ladies.  Martina, I read the same thing there and the woman says she gave it to her baby at 7 months.  I didn't know if I am pushing it by offering it this early.  I found this too: http://www.becoming-mom.net/2009/03/26/quinoa-baby-cereal-recipe-keen-who/

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

I think I used it starting around 7mo without any issues.  Haven't done it lately, though, thanks for the reminder!