The question of the best food for infants often arises for many mothers, with common queries like "Can my baby eat X?" or "What should be my baby's first food?" Oats, specifically, is one of the most frequently asked-about foods! While there are foods that aren't suitable for children, many both young and old enjoy oats. That's why doctors and specialists share the best ways to use it and what to pay attention to when buying it.
Why is oatmeal good for children?
There are many reasons why oatmeal is an excellent first food for babies, such as:
It's affordable.
Rich in nutrients.
Provides high energy.
Easy to pack and readily available in markets.
Tasty, loved by both children and adults.
Packed with vitamins and minerals.
Does my baby need baby cereal?
You don’t have to buy baby cereal—regular oats that you use for your family can work just fine! Baby cereals tend to be much more expensive than regular oats, and your baby might get less variety in flavor and texture compared to regular oats. For first foods, it's also beneficial to focus on mashed vegetables to help your baby explore new tastes. Additionally, some foods, like ground oats, have extra benefits. Ultimately, it’s great to introduce foods your family enjoys, so you can all share meals together.
Why is oatmeal so nutritious?
Whole oats are natural whole grains, meaning they contain all three parts of the grain—endosperm, bran, and germ—along with all the nutrients in those parts.
Oats are a great source of fiber, containing about 8 grams per 100 grams, which makes them a fiber-rich food. While too much fiber isn’t ideal for children, having it in their diet is still beneficial. Specifically, oats contain beta-glucan fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Oats also provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, which help the body release energy from food, as well as folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium—essential for young children. It’s a great way to provide your child with vitamins and minerals, especially in the morning!
Additionally, oats contain protein, helping children feel full and release energy slowly, which is perfect for kids who need a lot of energy for their busy mornings!
How to introduce oats to my baby?
One of the best things about oats is their versatility! You can use them to make porridge (of course), but you can also add a handful of oats to your child's breakfast cereal if they don't enjoy porridge, helping boost the nutritional content of their meal.
How to add oats to my baby’s meals?
Here are some favorite ways to use oats, including some recipes:
Make porridge – It's one of the favorite breakfasts for many kids.
Add oats to smoothies – Makes them more filling.
Use leftover porridge to make porridge bars or sticks – Easy to prepare the night before for a quick breakfast or snack.
Use it in cakes – Sprinkle oats as a topping or mix it inside.
Add it to yogurt with some cut fruits.
Make oat cakes – Perfect for on-the-go snacks.
Try carrot pancakes or peanut butter oat pancakes, or even banana-oat pancakes.
Make muesli or granola with oats.
The importance of introducing oats to solid foods from 4 months
Oats can be a great introduction to solid foods starting around four months of age, as it’s easy on the stomach and nutrient-dense.
Should I buy organic oats?
There's a lot of buzz around organic oats, especially due to concerns about glyphosate, a herbicide often used in oat farming. While glyphosate has been a topic of concern due to its possible carcinogenic nature, many global safety organizations, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have determined that glyphosate is safe to consume at the levels typically found in food.
If you wish to avoid glyphosate (especially if you’re introducing oats to your baby regularly), choosing organic oats can be a good option. While some organic oats may still contain trace amounts of glyphosate, studies show these levels are much lower than those in non-organic varieties. That said, regular oats are still a perfectly healthy option.
Oat Recipes for Babies Over 6 Months
Mothers often prepare oats and milk without specific measurements, making it difficult to calculate exact quantities. It’s okay to adjust amounts—if the mixture is too thin, add more oats, and if it's too thick, add more milk. The following recipes give you a flexible idea of portions.
Oat Porridge
Ingredients:
50 grams of oats (30-60 grams is sufficient)
90 ml of milk (80-120 ml is suitable)
A large handful of blueberries (can be chopped or mashed)
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
A sprinkle of seeds to top
Instructions:
Add oats and milk to a pan, then heat over medium while stirring.
Add the washed blueberries once the mixture begins to thicken.
Once it thickens further, stir in peanut butter.
Once it becomes smooth and sticky, serve in a bowl and top with seeds (if your baby is over one year old).
Adjust the consistency with more milk or oats as needed.
Fig Porridge Sticks
Ingredients:
60 grams of dried figs
60 grams of oats
1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter
A small splash of water (add more if the mixture is too thick)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Press the mixture into a greased mold.
Bake at 180°C for 20-30 minutes or until the top turns brown.
Cut into sticks once cooled.
Oat Cakes
Ingredients:
110 grams of ground oats (preferably organic)
30 grams of whole wheat flour
A pinch of baking powder
35 grams of butter or vegetable fat
30-40 ml of hot water
Optional additional ingredients for flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Mix the ground oats with baking powder and flour.
Rub in the butter or fat until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Gradually add hot water to form a dough.
Roll the dough out to about 1 cm thick and cut into shapes.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
These oat-based recipes offer nutritious, tasty meals that are easy for your baby to enjoy at various stages of their solid food journey!
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