Semolina (Sooji / Rava / Semovita) for babies
Semolina (known as sooji or rava in South Asia and often prepared as semovita in West Africa) is a coarse flour made from durum wheat. It is used to prepare a variety of dishes, i…
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Semolina (known as sooji or rava in South Asia and often prepared as semovita in West Africa) is a coarse flour made from durum wheat. It is used to prepare a variety of dishes, including savoury upma, sooji halwa, and West African “swallow” served with soups such as vegetable, okra, or bean-based soups. When cooked, semolina becomes soft and smooth, making it a suitable texture for weaning.
Nutritional Information
Semolina is a good source of carbohydrates that provide energy for growing babies. Many semolina products are fortified with iron, which supports brain development. It also provides some protein and B vitamins.
How to serve semolina (sooji / rava / semovita) by age
Baby-Led Weaning
From 6+ months, you can make a thick semolina porridge that baby can scoop with their hands. Let it cool and set, then cut it into soft finger-food shapes. For West African families, semolina can also be prepared very soft as semovita and served with mild vegetable or bean soups so baby can practice dipping and self-feeding.
6–8 months
Smooth, thin porridge
Toast semolina lightly and cook with water, breast milk, formula, or milk until it forms a smooth, thin porridge. This can be mixed with vegetable purée, fruit purée, or mild soups for flavour.
9–11 months
Thick porridge or very soft swallow
Cook semolina to a thicker consistency so it holds together. You can add finely chopped, soft-cooked vegetables for a simple upma, or prepare very soft semovita served with mild vegetable, lentil, or bean soups.
12+ months
Upma, halwa, or soft swallow pieces
Serve as savoury upma with vegetables, lightly sweetened halwa using fruit purée instead of sugar, or small soft pieces of semovita with mild soups.
18+ months
Regular texture
Can be served as part of family meals, including semolina dishes such as upma, halwa, or swallow with soups.
Choking hazards & safety
Ensure semolina preparations are soft and moist, not thick, dry, or sticky for younger babies. Allow food to cool before serving. Semolina contains gluten, so it should be avoided for children with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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