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BABY'S FIRST OATMEAL | 6 mos+ |đ„đȘđ©
Updated: Jan 30, 2023
Your baby doesn't need a boxed baby oatmeal! Instead, make this simple nutrient-dense oatmeal in less than 10 minutes. This oatmeal is perfect for babyâs first bite or added into their favorite fruit or veggie puree. It can also be offered as a finger food for baby-led weaning. This recipe is great for babies starting solids and beyond!
DISCLAIMER: Each child has their own development timeline and specific needs. The content below is general information and for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional one-on-one advice. You are responsible for supervising your childâs health and for evaluating the appropriateness of the information below for your child. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding support or advice for your child's well being and health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
>>Download the FREE Quick-Start Guide to Solids to learn WHEN, HOW, and WHAT to feed your baby when starting solids.
What makes this oatmeal so good for your baby?
This oatmeal is so easy to prepare (less than 10 minutes), with one main ingredient, plus 2 easy add-ins. It's also budget-friendly â less than 2 cents per ounce. You can serve it as a baby food puree or for baby-led weaning.
Oats are a great source of two different types of fiber, which help keep baby's digestive tract going strong. Oats are also packed with antioxidants, manganese, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and vitamin B1.
Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, omega 3-fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium and are a good source of protein and calcium. They promote digestive health, healthy and strong bones as well as overall heart health. We are going to add a little of these amazing seeds to this recipe, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
Hemp seeds are a good source of protein and fiber and are also high in healthy fats, manganese and vitamin E. Hemp seeds also promote digestive health and a healthy heart. You can leave these out if you prefer or add in ground flax seeds instead.
âYou can give your baby a safe start to solid foods! This on-demand workshop will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to wean well.
BABY'S FIRST OATMEAL
Make this simple nutrient-dense oatmeal in less than 10 minutes. This homemade oatmeal cereal is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals for a growing baby!
Download and print recipe by clicking below âŹïž
Course: Breakfast Prep: 2 min Cook: 2-10 min Servings: 2
Ingredients
œ cup oats (of your choice)
1 cup water, breast milk, formula milk, or cowâs milk (use as much as needed)
1/4 tsp hemp seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp chia seeds (optional)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional)
Preparation Steps
1. Cook oats.
Stove: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water (or other baby-friendly liquid of choice) to a boil. Add oats along with the chia seeds, hemp seeds, applesauce, and any spices you are using. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook the oats for 3-10 minutes (depending on the type of oats, check package instructions), stirring occasionally, or until all of the water is gone and the oats are soft. Let cool.
Microwave: Add the oats, water (or other baby-friendly liquid of choice), the seeds, applesauce, and any spices you are using in a microwave safe bowl. Stir to combine. Microwave on High for 2-5 minutes (depending on the type of oats, check package instructions). Stir to fluff the oatmeal. Let cool. If the oats are drier than you prefer, add a little more liquid until you get the desired consistency.
2. Once the oatmeal is cool enough you may serve it to baby in a suction bowl to encourage hand scooping or serve by the spoon. You may also try cooking the oats a little bit longer than instructed on the package so you get a thicker consistency, which will make it easier to stick to the spoon or to shape for your baby to hold it.
3. If you desire a less lumpy, more thin oatmeal, then transfer the oats to a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes, adding water (or other baby-friendly liquid of choice) in 1/4 cup increments if needed, until completely smooth. The oats will continue to absorb liquid as they cool, so add more water, breast milk or formula as needed. Offer to baby by the spoon.
Notes
Suitable: for the whole family from 6 months old.
Age up: If offering this recipe to an older child (2+ years) or an adult you may add a little sweetener like honey, sugar, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that it is recommended to avoid honey for babies under 12 months, and added sugar for children under 2.
Flavor up:
If you want to make your baby's oatmeal tastier and more exciting to eat, try one of these spices - cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, chai spices, pumpkin pie spices.
Boost nutrition:
Cooking your oatmeal in milk instead of water will also increase the fat and protein content. Other great solutions include adding in nuts, seeds, protein powder, and Greek yogurt. You could even make your oatmeal savory by adding some bacon bits or a fried egg on top! And you can offer this oatmeal alone or with babyâs favorite puree, fruits or veggies.
Involving your children:
Under 6+ months: have them watch you prepare; show them how you mix all the ingredients together. Tell them the names of the ingredients as you add them to help build baby's vocabulary.
18+ months: show them how and let them try to measure the ingredients, add it to the pan, and all the ingredients together. show them how to and let them try to measure the spices. Tell them the names of the ingredients as you add them to help build baby's vocabulary.
â Focus on offering single ingredient foods or very simple recipes (1-3 ingredients) at the early stages - the first 1-2 months of starting solids. You may offer more elaborated recipes on a more occasional basis for babies beginning to eat. This will help your baby get familiar with the natural taste of foods but still getting it "pimped-up" in recipes every once in a while. It will also allow you to expose your baby to a few different foods, and make it easier for you to rule out some possible food allergies or intolerance before you start offering preparations with several ingredients regularly.
Looking for more resources to help you raise a healthy and happy little eater? Try our FREE FOOD LIBRARY for inspiration of first foods to offer to your baby!
đȘ- this recipe contains iron-rich food. We recommend including an iron-rich food at each meal.
đ„ - this recipe contains high-calorie food. We recommend including a high-calorie food at each meal.
đ© - this recipe contains food that helps prevent or treat constipation.
As always, discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. This post and this site is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. The materials and services provided by this site are for informational purposes only.
Recipes Symbol Legend
Here in our Food Library we use some symbols or emojis to make it easier for you to find what you need. Listed below are the symbols we use and what they mean.
đ„ - this recipe contains high-calorie food. We recommend including a high-calorie food at each meal.
đȘ - this recipe contains iron-rich food. We recommend including iron-rich food at each meal.
đ - this recipe contains colorful food. We recommend including a fruit and/or a vegetable at each meal.
đ„ - this recipe contains foods that are a great choice for baby's first food.
đ± - this recipe is a great choice for plant-based babies.
đ© - this recipe contains food that helps prevent or treat constipation.
đ„ - this recipe contains contains peanuts, a common food allergen.
đł - this recipe contains egg, a common food allergen.
đ - this recipe contains cow's milk, a common food allergen.
đŸ - this recipe contains contains wheat, a common food allergen.
âłïž - this recipe contains contains soy, a common food allergen.
đź - this recipe contains sesame seed, a common food allergen.
đ° - this recipe contains tree nuts, a common food allergen.
đ - this recipe contains fish, a common food allergen.
đ€ - this recipe contains shellfish, a common food allergen.
â ïž - this recipe contains a common choking hazard. Make sure to follow age and preparation guidelines.
â - tips, tricks, and hacks.
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