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How to feed baby oatmeal


How to Get Started – The Baby's Brew

I will always remember feeding each of my babies their first foods. After months of only breastfeeding and bottles, my husband and I couldn’t wait to introduce the next milestone to each of our babies. But with the first baby at least, there was also apprehension. Our pediatrician had recommended we start with a single-grain baby cereal such as rice cereal, but I didn’t know which one to get and I wanted to make sure I fed my baby the right way!

So to get you started off on the right food with baby feeding 101, I’ve put together this guide to giving your baby cereal for the first time. And it will only get more exciting as you introduce other foods to your little one. 

Choosing a First Baby Cereal

Before you actually feed your baby, you have to choose what you want to give them from the array of cereals and other options available.

Most parents reach for the rice cereal to give their baby as their first food. I know I did as a new mom! It’s an easy choice and one that doctors suggest due to its benefits. It's easy to such as its digest, won’t trigger an allergic reaction and is tolerated well by babies who’ve only been fed breastmilk or formula. It’s also iron-fortified, which babies need as their iron stores start to deplete around 6 months of age. 

Though rice cereal has traditionally been suggested as the best first food for your baby, even many doctors may still give this recommendation, it has gotten a bit of a bad rap in recent years due to the arsenic that’s found in rice - causing parents to look at other options. (This article from Healthy Children explains how you can ensure rice cereal can be used in a healthy diet for your baby.)

If you do choose rice cereal, you’ll want to start introducing other solids to your baby shortly so that’s not all that they are getting, as recommended by the FDA.  

Other Cereal Options Besides Rice

Fortunately, if you want to skip the rice cereal completely, you can! There is no need to feel like this is the only first food for your baby. Many experts share that any iron-fortified single-grain baby cereal is a great choice, such as baby oatmeal or barley. You can even start with other pureed foods which we discuss later on in this article.

When to Start Feeding Your Baby Cereal

Several years ago the recommendation was that parents could feed their babies at four months if they showed readiness signs. But medical advice evolves and this is a guideline that medical experts have changed to give babies the healthiest start possible. 

It’s now suggested that it’s best to wait til closer to your baby’s ½ birthday to introduce solids, especially if he is breastfed. There’s really no reason to rush it!

But it’s not just age you want to pay attention to as we know that all babies develop at different rates.

Here are signs to look for that will let you know your baby is ready for solid foods:

  • able to sit up supported in a high chair
  • has proper head control
  • no more tongue thrust
  • eager to take a spoon
  • are interested in the food that you are eating

If your baby isn’t yet showing these signs, you’ll want to wait a bit longer before starting baby cereal or other solid foods. No need to worry - all babies are ready in their own time! Your baby will continue to get the nutrition they need from their breastmilk or formula so you don’t need to be concerned that they are missing out on important nutrients. If you do have concerns, it’s always best to talk to your pediatrician.

Can you give your baby cereal in a bottle?

Even though your well-meaning grandma may suggest that you mix cereal into your baby’s bottle to help fill them up so they can sleep better, this practice is actually not safe according to the CDC. In fact, they share that it won’t help your baby sleep better anyway. This practice puts your baby at risk for choking or overfeeding and also may encourage parents to start solid foods long before they are ready. 

Instead, follow the guideline to not feed your baby solid foods until he or she is at least 5-6 months in age and watch for the other readiness signs mentioned above. At this point you can feed your baby with a spoon and introduce finger foods as they are ready. 

RELATED: Starting Solid Foods With Your Baby

How to Introduce Cereal to Your Baby

Breastmilk and formula will continue to be your baby’s primary source of nutrition until the age of one, but cereal is a great way to get them started with supplemental nutrition and transition them to solid foods. So how do you go about it?

Here are the steps to follow to give your baby her first single-grain cereal:

  1. Make sure they meet the recommended readiness signs. This will not only make for a safe feeding experience for your little guy or gal, but it will also be a lot more enjoyable for you.
  2. Plan to feed your little one after they’ve had a full feeding of breastmilk or formula. This way their tummy will mostly be full which means they’ll likely be happy to try a little cereal. (If you try to introduce solids to a hungry baby they will most likely be uncooperative!) Initially you’ll only feed your baby once per day, and it’s up to you when you want that time to be. We recommend choosing a time that your baby is usually in good spirits!
  3. Follow the directions on the label of your chosen baby cereal. You don’t need much to start! 1 tablespoon of cereal mixed with breastmilk or formula until it’s a runny consistency will be plenty for those first couple of feedings. If your baby is used to drinking warm milk or formula, you’ll want to use that same temperature of milk to mix with your baby’s food. (This is why we love the Baby’s Brew portable bottle warmer...you can choose your baby’s milk temperature with the push of a button!)
  4. Be sure your baby is sitting upright. Ideally this would be in a highchair, but they could also be sitting on your lap. You’ll want them to be wearing a bib as a lot your little one’s food won’t make it into their mouth initially.
  5. Use an infant spoon to feed your baby. Do your best to get the spoon into their open mouth, but just know it’s going to be a bit messy at first as they get the hang of what’s going on. It won’t be long before they are opening wide at mealtime!
  6. Watch for cues from your baby that show that they are full (or are just are no longer interested). If your baby turns their head, is fussy or won’t open their mouth to eat, it’s time to be “all done!”

And that’s it! You can do another feeding the next day (or you can just do every other day) with the same type of cereal. Be sure to wait three - five days before introducing another food so you can keep an eye out for any allergic reactions. This is the recommendation given by the CDC. 

After a couple weeks to a month of successfully feeding your baby once per day you can move to twice per day.

Does cereal have to be your baby’s first food?

Some parents choose to start with a different food or may take baby cereal out of their little one’s diet altogether. Starting with other pureed foods instead is totally fine and may even work better for some babies. WebMD shares that both pureed vegetables or fruits are good starter foods and that there’s no rule saying that baby cereals must be first. 

Some great first foods, if you want to skip the cereal route, include:

  • Avocados 
  • Bananas
  • Blended Red Meat (great source of iron)
  • Squash
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Pears

Just remember that these all need to be pureed and made into a runny consistency that’s easy for your baby to eat. Mixing with your baby’s warmed breastmilk or formula will help to bring this to a consistency that your baby can manage. You’ll also want to avoid giving your baby any of the top allergen foods such as the ones listed here unless you’ve been given different advice from your doctor. These are best introduced when your baby gets a little older. 

Still not sure which food to start with? It can be a bit overwhelming! This is a great conversation to have with your doctor before your baby turns 6 months and they can help guide you on what would be the best option. Whatever you choose, it is sure to be an exciting time for your family as your little guy or gal begins his journey of eating "real" food!

When Can My Baby Have Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a great early food for baby, but when can you start feeding baby oatmeal? Learn the answer here, plus ways to introduce oatmeal to baby.

When can baby start eating oatmeal?

Baby oatmeal is a healthy and safe first food --- baby can start eating it as soon as they're ready for solids. But when is baby ready to start their solid food journey, and munch on oatmeal for the first time?

Typically, a baby is ready to start solids between 4 and 6 months of age. 

But baby won't automatically be ready for solids at a certain age or weight.  

Rather, readiness for solids is a developmental milestone. This means baby will be ready to eat oatmeal once they show certain development cues or signs.

What types of cues do you need to look out for?

A baby is ready for solids when they:

  • Have good control of the head and neck
  • Can hold the head and neck steady for longer amounts of time 
  • Sit upright on their own, with minimal to no support
  • Opens their mouth or leans forward when you hold food in front of them
  • Show an interest in the family's foods during family mealtimes
    • They may look longingly at food, open their mouth, or even reach for the food and try to grasp at it
  • Have a tongue reflex that no longer pushes food out of the mouth.
    • Instead, the tongue reflex brings food to the back of their mouth and swallows.

Watch this video with Nurse Dani to learn how you can tell when your baby is ready to eat solid food: 

 

Baby Oatmeal vs. Regular Oatmeal

What makes baby oatmeal different from regular oatmeal? 

And do you need to choose an oatmeal that’s specially designed for babies?  Or can you feed baby regular oatmeal (steel-cut or rolled oats)?

While some babies can handle the texture of regular oatmeal, many babies benefit from baby oatmeal, especially when they are first starting solids.

Baby oatmeal is finely blended, so it’s thinner and smoother than regular oatmeal. This is easier for babies to handle while they’re still learning to munch and chew.

If you decide to use baby oatmeal, you have a few options. 

  • You can choose a prepared baby oatmeal --- one that’s already specially made for babies’ early food needs. 
  • You could also blend steel-cut or rolled oats in a food processor before cooking them.
  • Or, you can puree cooked steel-cut oats or rolled oats in a food processor with water, to make them smoother. 

However you decide to serve baby oatmeal, be sure to choose oats with no sugar added! According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines,  babies under two years of age shouldn’t consume foods with added sugar.

And remember --- as baby gets more experience with solids, they need exposure to a variety of textures and flavors. 

  • So, as baby builds munching and chewing skills,  consider adding some regular oatmeal into baby’s diet.
  • You can also add small pieces of chopped baby-safe fruits into oatmeal.  (Keep reading for more suggestions on how to serve baby oatmeal!)
  • And be sure to feed baby a variety of other healthy foods with many other textures and flavors. After all, a diverse, healthy diet helps them build lifelong nutritious eating habits, and learn crucial munching and chewing skills.

Why is baby oatmeal such a beneficial first food?

Oats are packed with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibers. They also contain more proteins and healthy fats than most other grains. 

Some key nutrients in oatmeal include:

  • Multiple B vitamins 
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Manganese
  • Phosphorous

As baby grows and starts to eat more solids (and consumes less breastmilk or formula), eating foods with a healthy balance of nutrients becomes even more crucial.

Introducing baby to oatmeal early will help baby choose and enjoy a food with all these healthy benefits, throughout the rest of their life.

Plus, the fibers in oatmeal help keep baby from getting constipated, and the structure of oatmeal means it's easy for baby to digest.

Remember, though: When you start solids like oatmeal, breastmilk or formula should remain baby’s primary nutrition source until they turn one year of age. Even with all its nutritional benefits, oatmeal is no substitute for breastmilk or formula.

How to prepare baby oatmeal?

You can easily prepare baby oatmeal using breast milk or formula. Giving baby oatmeal prepared this way means that baby will enjoy a familiar taste along with the oats' new flavor and texture. So, it's a great introductory food for even the pickiest babies. 

And with baby oatmeal, the possibilities are endless, especially as baby continues to try more solid foods. 

  • Baby oatmeal prepared with breastmilk, formula or cow's milk is a healthy, yummy option on its own. 
  • But you can also top or mix oatmeal with practically any softened, chopped fruit. 
    • Try oatmeal with chopped peaches, chopped mango, mashed  banana pieces, cooked and chopped apples, chopped strawberries, mashed raspberries, or mashed blueberries.
  • Mix oatmeal with plain yogurt, chia seeds, or both. 
  • Spice things up with a bit of cinnamon, or another spice.
  • You can even get adventurous and mix oatmeal with veggies, like avocado, pureed carrots, or chopped butternut squash!

If you’re mixing oatmeal with breastmilk or formula, you’ll need to do this in a bowl. 

Follow the instructions on the oatmeal, or try this common recipe: 1 to 2 Tbsp. baby oatmeal mixed with about 4 to 5 Tbsp. breast milk or formula.

Do NOT mix and feed oatmeal in baby’s bottle of breastmilk or formula. This can pose a choking hazard. 

What if I’m doing baby-led weaning?

Even though baby oatmeal is a smoother first food, it can still fit into solids introduction if you’re doing baby-led weaning.

  • You can preload oatmeal on a spoon, then let baby grab the spoon and self-feed when they are ready. 
  • Or, you can prepare oatmeal so it gets thicker, and present it to baby in clumps for them to pick up with their hands. 

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All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your baby’s health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  

See the FDA Peanut Allergy Qualified Health Claim at the bottom of our homepage.

Oatmeal for children - Encyclopedia Baby food

Viktoriya Levchuk©

Oatmeal can be loved or not loved, but all children know how good it is for the body. Oatmeal is a great food for babies who continue to get introduced to solid foods. Grains are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, protein and vitamins. No doubt, oatmeal is healthy for children, but what age is suitable for complementary foods? Also, is it possible to be allergic to oats? We will answer these questions and talk about the benefits of oatmeal. nine0005

Benefits of oats for children

Table of contents:

Oats—commonly known as oatmeal or instant porridge—are one of the most nutritious grains you can buy.

Unlike many other grains that undergo extensive and destructive processing before reaching the store shelves, oats are always whole. This is regardless of whether it is cut, rolled, fast or instant.

This means that it retains all the minerals and vitamins found in the germ, endosperm and bran... and that's a lot of good! nine0016

Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, protein and B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin and B6. It also provides iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium and phosphorus.

Children should enjoy oats from a very young age, as they also play a very important role in maintaining health throughout adulthood.

When eating oatmeal, it is important to know its benefits for baby food:

  1. Gluten-free oatmeal. nine0016 Children who are allergic to gluten cannot consume grains such as wheat, rye and barley for a balanced diet. But they can eat oats, which are gluten-free and contain the same vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal helps improve the nutritional value of a gluten-free diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies in children.
  2. Oats are good for constipation. Since oats are rich in fiber, they help fight constipation. Doctors recommend making oats part of the diet when frequent constipation occurs, and this suggestion even works for babies. nine0028
  3. Oatmeal for children perfectly strengthens the immune system. Oats contain a type of sugar called beta-glucan, which boosts the production of immune system cells. Thus, regular consumption of oats can keep the immune system healthy, which is an advantage for a growing child.
  4. Oatmeal helps reduce inflammation. Oats contain compounds called avenanthramides, which can reduce inflammation from several causes, including infections and wounds. Babies with certain autoimmune conditions can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of oats. nine0028
  5. Oatmeal improves insulin sensitivity. Babies born with congenital type 1 diabetes may benefit from eating oats as the grain reduces insulin resistance. This means that the body makes better use of the injected insulin, reducing the effects of diabetes.
  6. Essential food for children with GERD. One treatment option for children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is to give them solid foods in the form of thicker purees. Oatmeal is considered a safe and healthy thickener for these children. nine0028

Benefits of oatmeal in baby food

Oats and gluten

Before 6 months of age, children should not be given foods containing gluten, as this is thought to increase their risk of developing celiac disease. Whether oats are considered a gluten-containing grain is the subject of some speculation.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a hybrid of rye and wheat). Oats do not belong to any of these groups; thus, people with gluten intolerance usually don't have to worry about gluten in uncontaminated oats. However, there are several concerns about oat consumption. nine0005

Oats contain avenin, a protein similar to gluten. In some people with celiac disease, avenin activates the same immune cells that respond to gluten. However, most people with the disease can tolerate gluten-free oats without problems.

A 2014 study found that eating 100 grams (g) of oats a day for 3 days activated immune cells affecting avenin, but only in 8 percent of participants. The authors of the study concluded that a smaller amount of oats is probably good for people with celiac disease. nine0005

The Celiac Disease Society recommends monitoring anti-tTG antibody levels before and after adding oats to the diet. This provides clear data on how eating oats affects a person.

People who try oats should start with small amounts and record any symptoms they experience. If symptoms do not appear, and the level of antibodies in the blood remains stable, you should continue to eat oats. nine0005

There is also the problem of cross-contamination, where oats can be contaminated with other gluten-containing grains with which they are grown, harvested, processed or stored. People on a gluten-free diet can only eat uncontaminated oats. A very small number of people with celiac disease may still be sensitive to gluten, an uncontaminated oat product.

It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to include gluten-free oats in their diet - some people choose not to try it. However, they understand important benefits:

  • oats add variety to a gluten-free diet
  • oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which can support gut health and help treat high cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Indeed, pure oat products are marketed as an acceptable part of a gluten-free diet in some parts of the world, especially in Scandinavian countries. However, it is still advisable to consult a doctor if you plan to administer oats to a child with a family history of gluten intolerance. nine0005

Oats

Oatmeal is a processed oat. This is what we buy in the market. But oatmeal comes in several varieties.

1. Oat flakes

When we think about oats, a picture of oat flakes comes to mind. Oatmeal is oatmeal made from whole grain oats. They are made by steaming oat grains (without the rind) and then passing them through a roller before drying. Rolled oats come in two varieties: slow-cooked and fast-cooked oats. nine0005

2. Coarse oatmeal

Whole oatmeal, not refined oatmeal, is pounded into a coarse meal filled with fiber. Baby oatmeal mix may contain oatmeal, as it mixes well with hot water.

3. Instant Oats

This is the most processed type of oats. Oat grain is boiled, rolled and then dried before being packaged. Rolled oats are semi-finished and are usually found in ready-to-eat baby cereals that can be made by simply adding hot or boiling water. nine0005

4. Whole grain oats

If oat flakes are processed, then oat grains are hardly touched. Whole grain oats, also called whole grain oats, are raw oats in their purest form with 100% of their nutritional value retained.

5. Cut oats

Whole oats that are cut into small pieces by powerful steel blades are called steel oats. They contain the same nutritional value of whole grain oats, but cook faster as the grain is broken into smaller pieces. nine0005

And now the question arises:

What kind of oatmeal should I choose for my child?

Oats, chopped, best for children as they are unprocessed, easy to prepare and retain all the goodness of whole oats. It takes a long time to cook it, then we use a mill and make oatmeal, it cooks faster, the porridge is more tender.

Oatmeal porridge can be introduced into the child's complementary foods after acquaintance with rice, buckwheat and corn porridge. The approximate age of the child is about 7-8 months. Although American pediatrics advises to introduce the baby to oatmeal from the age of 6 months, since it does not cause constipation. Many moms try introduce oatmeal much later closer to 10-12 months, because they are afraid of the reaction of a weak organism to gluten. But as I wrote above, oatmeal or oats do not contain gluten, if not contaminated.

The first oatmeal for children only dairy-free boiled in water with a small piece of butter. Oatmeal contains phytic acid, which prevents the absorption of calcium, so oatmeal is not recommended for children every day. nine0015 To benefit from the product oatmeal porridge can be given 2-3 times a week. A serving of oatmeal until the year is approximately 200 grams, after - 200-300 grams. But you should not force the baby to eat up how much he ate, which means that the body needs so much.

Introduction to complementary foods oatmeal occurs like any other new product with 1 tsp. in the morning, gradually increase the portion.

oats complementary foods

Oatmeal every day in complementary foods

The child loves oatmeal and eats only it every day. Mom is starting to panic! First you need to understand whether it is temporary? As I wrote in the article Era of Nutrition, this happens to children. Suddenly, the baby begins to love only one product and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this moment of nutrition is temporary from 2 to 8 weeks. He will pass. But encourage your child to eat oatmeal every day is not worth it, as I wrote above, it is not recommended to give oatmeal every day. Therefore, we try to give a variety of cereals for breakfast, alternating with eggs and dough dishes, for example, pancakes or pancakes. They can be made from rice or rye flour.

Life hack for moms

If oatmeal has become a favorite cereal, the child is ready to eat it at any time of the day, the mother is sure that this is not the era of nutrition, it is impossible to introduce other cereals, or everything moves so slowly that the mother is afraid, that oatmeal will do more harm than good. Then the store sells cereals of 3 cereals, 4 cereals, 5 cereals, 7 cereals of long cooking, there are even these cereals for sale by weight, usually sold on the market. Under the guise of oatmeal, the baby gets a variety. nine0005

I do not welcome this way of eating, especially if children are deceived, but when mother is in despair, mother is tired of fighting, mother does not know how to influence / persuade / beg / force a picky eater to eat something other than oatmeal, then this option as an outlet is very suitable. Moreover, the taste of these cereals is different, very suitable for a transitional moment, you can honestly admit to the baby that you will feed him oatmeal with additives, it tastes like oatmeal, but even tastier. In short, we try, and suddenly it will be an ideal solution. nine0005

Allergy to oatmeal

Baby oatmeal is a good food for children because it has a low risk of allergic reaction. However, an allergic reaction is possible as a side effect, especially if it is contaminated with wheat gluten, as discussed above. Signs that a child has an allergic reaction to oatmeal include eczema, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing. Allergy symptoms usually appear within two hours after eating. The extreme manifestation of food allergy is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), in which symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are severe. If you suspect that your child is showing signs of a food allergy, seek medical attention immediately.

How to choose and store oats for children?

Oat Selection: When choosing oats or standard oatmeal, you must select a product without added preservatives, sugar, salt or flavors. Oat flakes should be crumbly, without stale lumps and mold, as well as a characteristic musty smell. There should be a slight oatmeal smell. If we buy oats from a bag, then we choose sellers who quickly sell their goods. nine0005

Storage Location: Whole grains and oatmeal can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Oatmeal should be stored in an airtight, airtight container and preferably in the refrigerator. Can be stored in a cool dry place, but it is important to check the condition of the flour if it is used infrequently.

When grains are ground, the natural oils derived from the grains can go rancid without refrigeration. When buying any type of ground whole grain, it is always better to buy less than throw away. We use the same storage methods for homemade oatmeal. nine0005

Like any other grain, oats can be susceptible to pest infestation. Keep the storage area clean while getting rid of pests such as moths. Avoid pills or poison from pests, as they can harm the child. We buy small quantities that can be consumed within a short period of time. If we are going to store oats for a long period of time, we put them in an airtight container or a zipper bag and put them in the freezer. The low humidity and low temperature environment in the freezer helps maintain product quality. nine0005

Freezing oatmeal

Leftover oatmeal can be frozen. It often happens, they cooked it, but a lot, either you finish eating after the child, or in the freeze, it's a pity to throw it away. Where can it be used? Of course, many would advise eating later, this is a good idea, thawed and eaten, but it is more interesting to use such porridge when making cutlets, pancakes or pies, cookies. Reduces cooking time and enriches the dish with useful minerals and vitamins. Milk oatmeal can also be frozen, but we defrost it in the refrigerator in the evening in order to add spices, such as cinnamon, to it in the morning. Still Frozen Oatmeal loses some flavor, but not much.

How to freeze oatmeal

Freezing is easy and simple, the main thing is to have ice or cake molds, you can also use ordinary large plastic freezer containers. It is convenient to decompose into small forms, freeze on a quick freeze, shock, and then decompose into special zip-packages for freezing with an indication of the date of freezing. Or put a bag in a large plastic container, put the porridge in it, when it freezes, take the bag out of the mold, put a large cube of porridge in the freezer. Defrost only in the refrigerator overnight, store in the freezer for about 6 months. nine0005

And another small comparison, it is better to eat thawed oatmeal, cooked from whole grains, than to brew instant oatmeal.

How to process oats for children?

We offer several ways to prepare oats, oatmeal, oatmeal or sliced ​​oats:

Preparation of porridge from oatmeal for children over 7 months old:

Oatmeal is obtained from long-cooked oatmeal or from grain. nine0005

  • Put the water on the fire, let it boil.
  • For 100 ml of water we take 1-2 tablespoons of oatmeal.
  • Stir thoroughly so that the porridge cooks evenly.
  • Let cool after cooking. Mix with fruit and serve.
  • You can add a little milk and butter at the end if it is included in the baby's complementary foods.

Cooking oatmeal / baby oatmeal for babies over 10 months:

  • Soak oats in water for a few minutes. nine0028
  • Put on fire and cook for about 10-15 minutes or according to the time recommended on the package.
  • Add more water or milk to adjust the consistency.
  • Milk should preferably be added at the end of the boil, 5 minutes before.
  • Refrigerate. You can add fruit to oatmeal for a child.

Cooking porridge from whole and cut oats for children over 12 months old:

  • Pour boiling water over groats for 6 hours, if with cold water, then for the whole night, then in the morning it will boil faster. nine0028
  • The ratio of water and grain is 2 to 1, but here it depends on the density of the finished porridge, it will have to be determined empirically.
  • Before cooking, drain the water and rinse the grain.
  • When the water boils, reduce the fire.
  • Porridge must be stirred slowly, the faster you stir, the more it thickens.
  • Simmer the grain for about 30-40 minutes, and the cut grain is much smaller.
  • Finally add milk and butter.

Please note that the age limits are approximate, it all depends on the age at which the baby got acquainted with oatmeal, at what age he began to eat finger food. Approximately, about 1-2 months are given for one consistency, i.e. we introduced oatmeal porridge, we cook it in this form for about a month, it is clear that the child is ready to switch to oatmeal, we are transferring, we are not ready to wait yet. You can cook many other healthy and tasty dishes for children from oats and oatmeal. nine0005

Storage of cooked oatmeal

Cooked oatmeal should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours or frozen. It seems to me that oatmeal is delicious only freshly cooked, after standing for a while, it loses its amazing taste.

Contraindications

Oatmeal should not be given to heart and kidney failure, individual intolerance and allergies, and celiac patients, if the oats are not cleaned and grown inappropriately, and also in case of an allergic reaction to avenin. nine0005

Oat milk

Oat milk is a popular dairy-free milk substitute.

It is made by soaking and mixing whole grains or oatmeal with water, then straining through cheesecloth to separate the milk from the oats.

Naturally, oat milk is not as nutritious as whole oats. As a result, industrial production often fortifies oat milk with nutrients including calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and D.

Oat milk is unique in that it does not contain many of the allergens found in other milks. In addition, it contains beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that may benefit the heart.

Due to its growing popularity, oat milk can be found in most grocery stores or online. It can also be made at home.

How to make oat milk

It is very easy to prepare, but there are a lot of recipes. However, I tend to offer you 2 recipes for making oat milk. nine0005

Both recipes are prepared with long-cooked oatmeal.

First recipe: To make oat milk, simply take 1 cup long-cooked oatmeal and 4 cups of water, put in a blender, and blend for 30-45 seconds. Then strain through a clean cloth/gauze or sieve for best results.

This method produces a creamy oat milk that is ideal for adult coffee, adult and child smoothies, porridge, baked goods, muesli, and more. nine0005

The second recipe repeats the manipulations of the first except for one point. Let oatmeal stand in water for a day, but mucus is formed, which not everyone likes. You can try both methods of making oat milk and decide which is best.

If you want to make oat milk from whole grains, then the oats are first ground in a coffee grinder to the state of flour. Used according to the recipes described above. Of course, whole grain oat milk is healthier, but more effort will be required. nine0005

Oat Baby Food

Oats pair best with:

  • Milk is often the go-to choice for oats. You can make delicious porridge or smoothies.
  • Almost all types of fruit have a pleasant taste with oats. Fruits like naturally sweet bananas go well with oats without even adding sugar.
  • If you boil finely chopped vegetables with oats, you will get a delicious porridge for a child. nine0028
  • Meat can be combined with oats in the same way as vegetables. You can make delicious meaty oatmeal using just oats, meat, and water, although onions and carrots can also be added.

Oats taste great with almost all foods, which means they can be part of a child's diet.

Oatmeal Mixing Ideas to Enrich the Taste of Baby Food

*All foods must be introduced into the baby's diet. nine0028

  • Strawberry low -fat yogurt and slices of kiwi
  • Banana and vanilla degree yogurt with cinnamon
  • Seeceless peanut butter and strawberries
  • dates, walnuts and cinnamon
  • Pieces, Maple syrup and cinnamon
    • .
  • Diced dried apricots or diced dried fruits and honey
  • Pumpkin or apple puree and raisins
  • Blueberry puree, vanilla or regular fat-free yogurt and nutmeg
  • Banana
  • Apple Pie & Skim Milk
  • Brown Sugar & Apple Pie
  • Dried Figs & Ripe Banana Puree

    • Here are some more tips to help you get the most out of your oats!

    • Rolled oats or oatmeal Ideal thickener for baby purees, soups, sauces, etc.
    • Oats can be served raw - add oatmeal to baby smoothies or purees.
    • Save time in the morning by preparing oats the night before and reheating during breakfast. You can even freeze cooked oatmeal. nine0028
    • When baking muffins or bread, add a handful of oats for texture and good quality (however, instant oats are not suitable for baking).
    • We are trying to cook oats with both milk and water, which option the child will like best.
    • Soaking oats reduces cooking time and also provides additional health benefits.

    Oat finger food

    Oat finger food is a product made from oat flour or oat flakes. You can buy them or make your own at home. nine0015 The simplest example of oat finger food is baby biscuits, they are soft, crumble easily, made from a mixture of various flours, including oatmeal. And so parents can cook pancakes, pancakes, cookies, etc. and offer the child the product as a finger food.

    Oatmeal Prepackaged Baby Food

    Prepackaged Baby Food offers many oatmeal products. The list below is only a small part of the products of the modern food market. Basically, the production of baby food offers dry and ready-made oatmeal cereals, drinks, cookies, oatmeal is also often added to baby puree, sometimes just for taste and nutritional variety, and sometimes as a thickener. Therefore, if the child is not yet familiar with oats, then carefully read the composition of children's jars. nine0005

    NEMOLOKO

    • Oatmeal drink 1 liter from 3 years old
    • Specialized drink, from 8 months, 250 ml
    • Silent oatmeal with pears from 8 months, 250 ml
    • Silent oatmeal with banana from 8 months from 8 months , 250 ml

    Nestle

    • Dairy-free oatmeal porridge from 5 months 200 grams0028
    • Milk oatmeal with pear and banana from 6 months 220 grams
    • Milk oatmeal with apple from 5 months 220 grams
    • Milk oatmeal with pear from 8 months 220 grams , 200 grams
    • Milk porridge Multi-cereal apple-blueberry-raspberry from 6 months old, 220 grams
    • Milk porridge 5 cereals strawberry-raspberry-apple from 12 months old 200 grams

    Malyutka

    • Dairy-free oatmeal porridge from 4 months 200 grams
    • Dairy-free porridge 5 cereals from 6 months 200 grams
    • Multi-cereal-raspberry-banana milk porridge from 6 months 220 grams with fruit from 6 months old 220 g
    • Multi-cereal-raspberry-banana milk porridge from 6 months old 220 g

    Fleur Alpine

    • Organic oatmeal cookies from 6 months old, 150 g
    • Dairy-free oatmeal porridge from 5 months old 175 grams
    • Dairy-free wheat-oatmeal porridge with banana and apple from 10 months old 175 grams milk oatmeal with pear from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk porridge Oatmeal with goat milk from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk wheat-oat porridge with pear and apple from 10 months 200 grams
    • Milk porridge Organic Alpine Evening, from 6 months, 200 grams (Oatmeal, Barley, Wheat)
    • Porridge wheat and ohganic pieces of banana and apple, from 10 months, 175 grams

    Heinz

    • Silent oatmeal from 5 months 180 grams
    • Porridge-free wheat wheat and fruits with 6 months 200 grabs 200 times 200 grabs
    • Dairy-free porridge Ya large Oatmeal from 12 months 250 grams
    • Milk oatmeal porridge from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk oatmeal porridge with omega-3 from 6 months 200 grams0028
    • Milk oatmeal porridge with banana from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk oatmeal porridge with banana with Omega 3 from 6 months 200 grams 200 grams (wheat, oatmeal, corn)

    Frutonyanya

    • Dairy-free oatmeal porridge with apples and berries from 6 months 130 grams, pouch
    • Dairy-free multi-cereal porridge from 6 months 2000028
    • Milk oatmeal with vitamins and minerals from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk oatmeal with peach from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk oatmeal with banana from 6 months 200 grams 200 grams
    • Milk porridge with apple and banana from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk multi-cereal porridge from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk multi-cereal porridge with apple, banana and strawberries from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk multi-cereal porridge with apple, currant and cherry from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk porridge 5 cereals with strawberries and banana from 3 years 0. 5 liters
    • 5-grain milk porridge with peach from 6 months 200 grams
    • 5-grain milk porridge with prunes from 6 months 200 grams
    • Apple-raspberry-blueberry yogurt milk porridge from 6 months 200 grams gram
    • Puree apple-peach-cereals from 6 months 130 grams, pouch
    • Puree apple-banana-pear-cereals from 6 months 130 grams, pouch
    • Puree apple-berries-oatmeal from 6 months 130 grams, pouch
    • Beef and chicken puree with zucchini from 8 months 100 grams

    Bibikol

    • Milk oatmeal on goat milk from 5 months 20028
    Clever
    • Kasha is silent 7 months of 200 times 200 times. nine0028
    • Milk oatmeal with a banana from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk sweet dreams 5 cereals with a linden from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk 5 Grams 9 Grams
    Mamako
    • Possess Military with goat's milk from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk oatmeal with prunes with goat's milk from 6 months 200 grams
    • 5-grain porridge with goat's milk from 6 months 200 gram
    • 7-grain porridge with berries with goat's milk from 6 months 200 gram

    BEBI

    • Silent oatmeal with 5 months 200 grams
    • Silent oatmeal porridge with 6 months 200 grams
    • Persian puppet with 5 months 250 grams
    • Moloral oatmeal from 5 months 250 grams
    • Milk porridge 3 cereals with raspberries and lemon balm with prebiotics Premium, from 6 months, 200 grams

    Baby Sitter

    • Dairy-free Oatmeal porridge from 5 months 200 grams
    • Silent -free millet cereals with cereals from 6 months 200 grams
    • Silent cereal with 6 months 200 grams
    HIPP
    • Silent oatmeal with a banana and lemon balm from 6 months 20028
    • Castle melting mulm 6 months 200 grams
    • Oat-wheat milk porridge with apple from 6 months 250 grams
    • Oat-wheat milk porridge fruit-yogurt from 8 months 50 grams
    • Oat-wheat apple milk porridge Good night from 6 months 250 grams
    • Puree oatmeal with apricots and apples from 6 months, 190 grams

    When I grow up

    • months 200 grams
    • Mini instant biscuits 5 cereals, from 6 months 40 grams

    Bellakt

    • Dairy-free oatmeal porridge with wild berries, from 6 months 200 grams
    • milk oatmeal 5 grams 5 months0028
    • Military corn and pear from pear from 5 months 250 grams
    Winnie

    • Silent porridge 7 cereals with 6 months 20028
    • Dairy oatmeal with apple and high-rise from 5 months 220 grams
    • Milk porridge 3 cereals with mango and banana from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk porridge 5 cereals with prebiotics from 6 months 200 grams
    • Milk porridge 3 cereals with fruit from 6 months 200 grams
    • Dairy porridge 5 apple-malpan-rally from 6 months 200 grams
    Semper

    • Milk oatmeal with 5 months 20028
    • Milk Veling oatmeal with a banana and prunes from 8 months 435 grams
      • 9002 multi-cereal from 11 months 435 grams
    • Porridge-multifruit pouch puree from 6 months 120 grams
    • Porridge-apple-peach pouch puree from 6 months 120 gram
    • Porridge-pear-apricot puree pouch from 6 months 120 grams
    • Fruit-grain porridge-pear-prune pouch fruit-grain puree from 6 months 120 grams

    Nutrilon

    • Silent oatmeal from 6 months 180 grams
    • Silent multiple multislay from 6 months 180 grams
    Agusha 9000 9000
    • Milk Ovsyanny with raspberry0028
    • Milk oatmeal porridge from 5 months 200 grams
    • Milk cereal porridge pear banana 2. 7% from 6 months 200 grams months 90 grams
    • ADV BANAN-Banan-Bannik-Slaki Pauchek from 6 months 130 grams

    Kabrita

    • Porridge 7 cereals on a goat with 6 months 180 grams
    Grandmother's grapbular lumber0016

    • mashed potatoes from 6 months 100 grams
    • puree beef-bevel from 6 months 100 grams

    with a mustache

    • Porridge 5 months 0.2 liter
    • Porridge porridge pp. 6 months 0.2 liters

    Gerber

    • Puree pear-raspberry-cereals from 6 months 90 grams, pouch
    • Puree Fruit Cocktail from 6 months 90 grams, pouch-grains
      • months
    • 0 gram, pouch
    • Apple-cereal-yogurt puree from 8 months 90 grams, pouch
    • Banana-blueberry-cereal-yogurt puree from 8 months 90 grams, pouch

    Marmaluzi

    yogurt 8 months 190 grams Peek-a-Boo

    • Puree apple-Banan-Banno-Klubniki from 6 months 113 grams

    grass and spices that perfectly complement the taste of oats:

    • Koritsa,
    • Cardamom,
    • Cloves,
    • Muscator,
    • Ginger,
    • honey,
    • Vanil,
    • Parsley,
    • Dill,
    • CNOMS seeds
    • Carry, etc.

    how many months to introduce oatmeal to a child

    Published: 09.12.2019

    Reading time: 4 min.

    Number of reads: 47382

    Oatmeal is the most popular breakfast among residents of many countries. The excellent taste of this dish and the energy boost of slow-digesting carbohydrates make for a good start to the day for all family members. The word "oats" comes from the Latin avere, which means "to be healthy". Oatmeal is also known under the name "oatmeal" - after the name of the ancient Greek mythological hero, endowed with great physical strength and endurance. Oatmeal is included in the mandatory diet of not only Olympic champions, this product appears one of the first on the baby's menu in the first year of life. Let's look at why oatmeal occupies an honorable place in the pyramid of healthy eating and when to introduce this healthy product into the child's diet. nine0005

    Content: Hide

    1. Oat carbohydrates
    2. Oat proteins and fats
    3. Oat active ingredients
    4. Timing of the introduction of cereal complementary foods
    5. Oatmeal Safety
    6. Choice of porridge
    7. Bebi Premium Oatmeal

    Oat carbohydrates

    All cereals are a source of carbohydrates, primarily starch, which determines a surge of energy and a long-lasting feeling of fullness after eating porridge. This is due to the slow digestion and gradual assimilation of the product. Oatmeal is rich in starch, but compared to other cereals, its proportion is less. However, starch grains are very small, which determines its almost complete assimilation. The rest of the slowly digestible carbohydrates are dietary fiber, and oatmeal surpasses many cereals in the content of this component. Vegetable fiber is very important for the normal process of digestion and also serves as a natural food for the gut microbiome. Maintaining the numerical composition and diversity of one's own intestinal microflora is an indisputable factor in human health. Oatmeal contains unique soluble dietary fiber, which has an enveloping effect, protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. In addition, oat fiber helps to eliminate toxins and has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Products based on oatmeal are used not only in the diet of a healthy person, but also in therapeutic nutrition schemes. nine0005

    Proteins and fats of oats

    Oat groats in terms of vegetable protein content can only compete with buckwheat and are significantly superior to other cultivated cereals in this characteristic. In addition to the quantitative content, the qualitative composition of the protein is very important: oatmeal contains almost all essential amino acids in a balanced ratio. These substances are not synthesized in the human body, but are absolutely necessary for life, especially during periods of intensive growth. Among them, the content of lysine, methionine and tryptophan is especially important. These amino acids are very important for the development of the immune and nervous systems. Oat protein is easily digestible, therefore products based on this cereal are widely recommended in dietary and baby food. Oatmeal contains a fairly large amount of vegetable fats, which also determines the high nutritional value of the product. They are easy to digest, almost completely absorbed and stable to oxidation. The qualitative composition of oat oils is also important, which is characterized by the content of essential fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic) in the most favorable ratio. nine0005

    Biologically active substances of oats

    Useful properties of oat groats are connected not only with the content of essential nutrients. The restorative effect and a positive effect on the work of almost all organs and systems of the body are also determined by the micronutrients included in the composition. The high content of B vitamins (especially B 1 and biotin) has a beneficial effect on metabolism and ensures high performance. In combination with a sufficient intake of magnesium, and oats are also rich in this mineral, a person’s mental activity improves, sleep and mood normalize. Oatmeal is rich in vitamin E, which is necessary for the functioning of the immune and reproductive systems, has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. The high content of silicon and phosphorus has a beneficial effect on physical development, musculoskeletal system and linear growth. In terms of the content of trace elements such as copper and manganese, oats absolutely surpass other cereals. Copper is part of numerous enzymes that provide cellular respiration, as well as liver cells that neutralize toxins. Manganese is very important for hematopoiesis and energy metabolism. Oat grains are a natural source of flavonoids that protect cells from destruction and premature aging. nine0005

    Timing of the introduction of cereal complementary foods

    At what age can this healthy and nutritious product be introduced into the baby's diet? For the first four months of life, the baby's body can only absorb mother's milk or an adapted mixture, since the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys are still functionally immature. The process of maturation is individual, but for most infants, by the 4-6th month of life, it is already possible to introduce complementary foods. Moreover, by this age, the nutritional value of breast milk or formula is no longer enough to ensure intensive growth and development of the baby. There is a need to expand the diet. Cereal products are the most preferred choice of first complementary foods. They are distinguished by high nutritional and energy value, the content of almost all essential nutrients, as well as good compatibility with breast milk. As the first complementary food product, a baby can be offered dairy-free porridge or cooked on the basis of mother's milk. The familiar taste will allow the child to quickly adapt to changes in nutrition, which will facilitate the introduction of complementary foods in the future. nine0005

    Safety of oatmeal

    At what age can you start complementary foods with oatmeal? The introduction of cereals in the first 6 months of life has limitations associated with the possible toxic effect on intestinal cells of vegetable gluten protein. Early mucosal contact with this protein can cause serious disease. Therefore, the list of cereals that can be used for the first feeding includes rice, corn and buckwheat. The question of the toxicity of oats for the immature mucosa of the baby still remains completely unresolved. According to most experts, oatmeal is a safe protein, but oatmeal can be contaminated with impurities from other cereals. Therefore, this product is introduced into the child's diet after 5 months of life. nine0005

    Choice of porridge

    How to prepare oatmeal for baby food? This is a simple but at the same time very important practical question. Despite the apparent simplicity of home-made cereals, specialized baby food products are the preferred choice. The modern level of industrial production determines the high quality standard of finished products so that every child can get the best for healthy growth and development. Bebi Premium baby food cereals are a well-thought-out recipe that meets the needs of a child in every age period, and guaranteed quality of raw materials, at all stages of production in accordance with international safety standards. nine0005

    Bebi Premium oatmeal

    All Bebi Premium oatmeal porridges are made on the basis of cereals, not flakes, which allows you to preserve the beneficial properties of the grain shell as much as possible. In their production, a special technology of grain processing and subsequent drying is used, which makes it possible to produce cereals based on cereals, but no heat treatment is required during cooking. At the same time, a delicate taste and the necessary degree of grinding of the finished product are preserved. A great choice to start your oatmeal introduction to babies over 5 months old is Bebi Premium Oatmeal Without Dairy. In addition to the beneficial properties of oatmeal, the composition of the product is enriched with the natural prebiotic inulin, as well as a unique vitamin and mineral complex. Then the baby can be offered another tasty and nutritious product of the Bebi Premium line - “Oatmeal porridge with milk”. All Bebi Premium milk porridges contain special baby milk, which is allowed from 4 months of age. To further enrich the diet with pectins, sugars and organic acids, the menu can be expanded with cereals with fruit and vegetable components. "Oatmeal porridge with peach and milk" Bebi Premium contains 100% natural peach puree, which gives the product natural sweetness, expands the range of taste sensations and gradually prepares the baby for the introduction of fruit and berry complementary foods.

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