"Janet Baraclough" > wrote in message
...
> The message >
> from "Linda" > contains these words:
>
>> I make porridge for my toddler every morning - (just straight water and
>> oats - quite bland but she likes it that way)
>
> Good for you.My kids grew up on porridge too.

>
>
> and 12 hours later she just
>> went and had some more of it after it sitting out on the table all day.
>> I
>> would imagine it would still be fine healthwise if a little rubbery as
>> there's no milk or anything in it, but DH is concerned. I can't seem to
>> find anything helpful online about it - anyone know if porridge goes off?
>
> Traditionally, in ye olde days Scotland, a big potful was made
> overnight or early morning, served up for breakfast and the leftovers
> eaten that night... by which time it had solidified enough so it could
> be cut in slices. But houses were cold back then, and the pot would have
> had a lid.
>
> In a centrally heated house, I wouldn't leave warm, half eaten food
> out on the table all day, slowly cooling and uncovered. Those are ideal
> conditions for rapid bacterial growth (especially, if she has already
> been dabbling fingers in the dish as toddlers sometimes do). Better to
> cover it and keep it somewhere cool .
>
> Janet. (Scotland)

Thanks Janet - yeah it's not a habit I would want to encourage but she
obviously grabbed a chunk of it this morning and put it in a bowl on the
bench where she's allowed to put her snacks so they are accessible to her
all day in case she's hungry and we were most surprised to see her with it
tonight!
At any rate, it's got to be a lot better than other stuff she's put in her
mouth at various other times.