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Oats baby food age


Oats for Babies - Can Babies Eat Oats? - First Food for Baby

When can babies eat oatmeal?

Oats may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Oats are commonly cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains, rendering them no longer gluten-free, so those with celiac disease should take care and buy certified gluten-free oats. Granola, which often contains oats, is a choking hazard and may contain honey, which is unsafe for babies under 12 months.

Need more first food ideas? Our First Foods Essentials bundle has everything you need to get started.

Oatmeal vs. rice cereal

In general, oat cereal has an edge over rice cereal: rice and rice products tend to be higher in arsenic. While arsenic can be found in many grains and other foods due to contamination of the soil, oats are among the grains lower in arsenic.1 2 To reduce a child’s exposure to heavy metals, focus on products that use multiple grains, including oats. 3 Generally speaking, amaranth seed, barley, bulgur (wheat), corn, farro (wheat), or millet as main ingredients have been shown to contain the lowest levels of heavy metals compared to other grains.4 For more information on heavy metals in foods, read our post here.

Recommended Guide: 50 Fantastic First Foods for Babies

Where do oats come from?

Oats are a family of cereal grasses that are widely cultivated for the edible seeds that we call grains. Humans have been consuming oats since ancient times, and while the exact origin of the plant is unknown, historians believe that wild oat grasses may have originated in the fertile lands of North Africa and Southwest Asia. Today, the plant thrives worldwide wherever the weather is wet and cool—from the South American plains where oats are called avena, to the Northern European flatlands where the grain is known as coirce and havre. Whether it’s made of chewy groats, steel-cut oats, or instant oatmeal, oatmeal and other grain porridges have been served to babies since the days before refrigeration.

Are oats and oatmeal healthy for babies?

Yes. Oats and oatmeal are packed with healthy carbohydrates and contain a special form of fiber called beta-glucan, which is particularly beneficial for gut and immune health. They are a great source of zinc, which supports baby’s immune system, taste, and smell, with smaller amounts of other nutrients, including folate, choline, iron, magnesium, and selenium, to name a few. Oats are incredibly dense in phytonutrients— plant compounds that have a host of benefits in the human body—such as quercetin, rutin, phytosterols, alkaloids, and more.5 6 7 Many infant oatmeal products also contain added nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and sometimes vitamin C to aid in iron absorption.

★Tip: When buying instant oatmeal, products marketed for infants aren’t your only option. Regular instant oatmeal is also fine for babies and can expose them to more varied texture than infant cereals. Just take care to read labels closely and opt for products with no added sweeteners.

Does infant cereal have to be baby's first food?

No. Infant cereal, oat-based or otherwise, does not have to be a baby’s first food. Baby cereals were historically recommended as a first food because they are often fortified with iron, an essential nutrient that tends to be low in babies consuming primarily breast/human milk starting around 4-6 months of age. However, other iron-rich foods can be offered instead of or in addition to infant cereals. For a list of foods high in bioavailable iron, check out our Top 25 Iron-Rich Foods for Babies & Toddlers.

Are oats gluten free?

It depends on the specific product. Even though oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains (such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale), rendering them no longer gluten-free. 8 9 If a baby or toddler has celiac disease, be sure to read labels and opt for certified gluten-free oats.

Can babies drink oat milk?

No. Prior to 12 months, the only liquids an infant should receive are breast (human) milk, infant formula, and if the baby is older than 6 months of age, water in small amounts (about 2-4 ounces / 60-120 milliliters a day) in an open cup.10 11 If oat milk is used as an ingredient in solid food, then it is acceptable to serve before 12 months of age.

If, after the first birthday, you’d like to introduce unsweetened oat milk as a beverage, it’s fine to do so, but know that oat milk is not the most nutritious plant-based milk for toddlers; typically, fortified soy or pea milk contain more key nutrients.12 While oat milk is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, it’s often very low in protein, which is important for a growing child.13 See our Milk FAQs to learn more.

Can babies have raw oats?

It depends on the type. Most rolled oats or instant oats are typically heat-treated to kill harmful germs, so they’re technically not raw.14 15 On the other hand, steel-cut oats may not be as extensively heat-treated, so there is an increased risk of foodborne illness if this type is not cooked before offering to baby.16 In addition, uncooked oats of any kind can be harder for baby to eat and digest. If offering uncooked oats, then plain rolled or instant oats offer a better choice from a food safety perspective. As always, make sure to store oats in an airtight container in a cool, clean, dry area.17

Can babies have granola?

Yes, as long as the granola is free of honey and finely ground up. If granola contains any common food allergens (such as tree nuts and sesame), make sure that the foods have been safely introduced before grinding up the granola to sprinkle on baby’s food.

Traditionally, granola is dense in texture, requiring advanced chewing skills, and contains nuts and dried fruit which are common choking hazards. In addition, it may contain potentially allergenic foods, such as tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, and wheat. Granola can also often be high in added sugar and possibly contain honey, which is unsafe for babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. That said, when these issues are addressed, finely ground granola can be a fun topping for yogurt, cooked fruits, and more. For breakfast inspiration, see our strawberry granola or coconut granola recipes.

Can babies have oatmeal made with milk?

Yes. Once dairy has been safely introduced and ruled out as an allergen, cow’s milk can be used to make oatmeal and other solid foods. However, babies should not consume cow’s milk as a drink until closer to 12 months of age because it lacks the nutrition that breast (human) milk and formula offer and can displace the desire for breast (human) milk or formula. For more information on introducing milk and dairy to babies, see our Milk FAQs.

Can oats help baby poop?

Yes. Oats offer good amounts of fiber—beta-glucan in particular—as well as resistant starches, in addition to other qualities, which in combination with a balanced and varied diet, can help support overall digestive health and bowel regularity.18 19 20 Resistant starches “resist” typical digestion and instead travel to the large intestines, where they feed beneficial gut bacteria.21 22 23 Note that pooping patterns can vary significantly from child to child. Be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function.

Are oats a common choking hazard for babies?

No, cooked oats and oatmeal do not pose a particular risk of choking, although in theory, an individual could choke on any food. Forms of baked oatmeal, baked goods made with oats, and granola certainly can pose a risk. To minimize the risk, offer baked goods cut into age-appropriate sizes and finely grind granola. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during mealtimes. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Are oats a common allergen?

No, oats are not a common cause of IgE-mediated allergies, although reactions to oats have been reported, particularly when the grains are applied to the skin of sensitive individuals.24 Keep in mind that many foods that are prepared using oats, such as cereals, breads, and other baked goods, may contain common allergens such as dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and wheat.

Oats and other oat products are a common trigger of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a rare and delayed allergy to food protein which causes the sudden onset of repetitive vomiting and diarrhea to begin a few hours after ingestion of the food trigger. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. 25 26 Fortunately, most cases resolve completely by early childhood. To learn more about FPIES, read our post on Food Allergens and Babies.

If baby has celiac disease, be sure to read product labels and opt for certified gluten-free oats. Despite oats being naturally gluten-free, many oats and oat products can be cross contaminated with gluten-containing grains (such as wheat, barley, and rye), rendering them no longer gluten-free.27 28 Celiac disease requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet and lifestyle.29 A gluten “allergy” is typically a misnomer, often in reference to celiac disease.30

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings and watch closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future servings.

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens

How do you prepare oats and oatmeal for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: Prepare oatmeal with water, breast (human) milk, formula—or with whole cow’s milk once it has been safely introduced. Read more about cooking with breast milk. Remember, no honey until after age one due to the risk of infant botulism. To encourage self-feeding, preload a spoon with oatmeal and pass it in the air for baby to grab it. Cooking oatmeal a bit longer and uncovered helps it reach a consistency that clings to spoons more easily or can be rolled into balls, which tend to be easier for young babies to self-feed.

9 to 12 months old: Continue to offer oats as oatmeal and try serving it two ways: as a ball for baby to hold and as a porridge that baby can scoop up with hands. You can also experiment with oats in other finger foods for baby: blueberry buttermilk pancakes, grain balls, lamb meatballs, or muffins.

12 to 24 months old: By this age, toddlers may be growing tired of warm cereals if it’s been a regular meal, so don’t worry about taking a break from oatmeal in favor of finger foods like pancakes, energy balls, or meatballs. You can also get creative by offering different types of oats: for example, try using steel-cut oats in place of rice to make butternut squash risotto. When you do serve oatmeal at this age, try sprucing up the dish by adding fruits, pulverized nuts, nut butters, or even a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Cook oatmeal with the lid off until stiff, let cool, then form into balls. Oatmeal in this form is easier for babies 6 months+ to self-feed.

Mix up your mornings with ideas from our guide, 50 Breakfasts for Babies & Toddlers.

What are recipe ideas for cooking with oats?

Oatmeal is a simple way to introduce the grain to baby, and an excellent vehicle with new ingredients and textures. Experiment with alternative cooking liquids like buttermilk or coconut milk. Stir in a pinch of spice like cinnamon or walnut that has been finely ground into powder. Mix in mashed fruit to add bright color, or use oatmeal as a base to make energy balls. Or use rolled oats to make a batch of strawberry granola or coconut granola. Oatmeal is often sweetened, but it tastes delicious with savory flavors, too: try adding squash puree and warm spices like cardamom, garam masala, or mace. Or take a cue from the Scots and make skirlie, a savory oatmeal made with onions, butter, spices, and drippings from cooked meats.

Recipe: Baby’s First Oatmeal

Yield: 1 cup (240 milliliters)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Age: 6 months+

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (40 grams) dry instant oats
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) breast milk or formula (optional)
  • 1 pinch pre-soaked chia seeds (optional)

This recipe contains oatmeal, which may include wheat (a common allergen) Be sure to check the ingredient list on the label and only serve to a child after any allergens have been safely introduced. Avoid oatmeal with honey, which should not be given to babies under 12 months of age.

Directions

  1. Place the instant oats in a baby bowl.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, then pour into the bowl. Stir to combine.
  3. Let the oatmeal sit until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the breast milk or formula if desired.
  5. If you like, add pre-soaked chia seeds on top.
  6. Serve the oatmeal and let baby try to self-feed. If baby needs help, preload a spoon and rest it next to the bowl for baby to try to pick up. Alternatively, pass the preloaded spoon in the air for baby to grab from you.

To Store: Baby’s First Oatmeal keeps in a sterile air-tight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Learn more about cooking and storing foods made with breast milk.

Flavor Pairings

Oats pair well with blueberry, cherry, coconut, ghee, pear, and strawberry.

Reviewed by

J. Truppi, MSN, CNS

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP

K. Tatiana Maldonado, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, CLEC

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

Dr. S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI. Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist (allergy section)

Dr. R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP. Board-Certified General Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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  7. Raguindin PF, Adam Itodo O, Stoyanov J, Dejanovic GM, Gamba M, Asllanaj E, Minder B, Bussler W, Metzger B, Muka T, Glisic M, Kern H. (2021). A systematic review of phytochemicals in oat and buckwheat. Food Chem. 15;338:127982. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127982. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  8. Ciecierska A, Drywień ME, Hamulka J, Sadkowski T. (2019). Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 70(4):315-324. doi: 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0082. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  9. Pinto-Sánchez MI, Causada-Calo N, Bercik P, Ford AC, Murray JA, Armstrong D, Semrad C, Kupfer SS, Alaedini A, Moayyedi P, Leffler DA, Verdú EF, Green P. (2017). Safety of Adding Oats to a Gluten-Free Diet for Patients With Celiac Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical and Observational Studies. Gastroenterology. 153(2):395-409.e3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.04.009. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  10. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Healthy active living for families. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  11. National Health Service (UK). (2021). Guide to bottle feeding: How to prepare infant formula and sterilize bottles. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  12. Verduci, E., D’Elios, S., Cerrato, L., Comberiati, P., Calvani, M., et al. (2019). Cow’s Milk Substitutes for Children: Nutritional Aspects of Milk from Different Mammalian Species, Special Formula and Plant-Based Beverages. Nutrients, 11(8), 1739. DOI: 10.3390/nu11081739. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  13. Verduci, E., D’Elios, S., Cerrato, L., Comberiati, P., Calvani, M., et al. (2019). Cow’s Milk Substitutes for Children: Nutritional Aspects of Milk from Different Mammalian Species, Special Formula and Plant-Based Beverages. Nutrients, 11(8), 1739. DOI: 10.3390/nu11081739. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  14. Hingham, B. (2019). The safety of raw oatmeal. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  15. Decker, E., Rose, D., Stewart, D. (2014). Processing of oats and the impact of processing operations on nutrition and health benefits. Nutrition and Health Sciences – Faculty Publications. 31. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  16. Decker, E., Rose, D., Stewart, D. (2014). Processing of oats and the impact of processing operations on nutrition and health benefits. Nutrition and Health Sciences – Faculty Publications. 31. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  17. Nichols, J. (2017). Dry oatmeal needs careful handling. Michigan State University Extension. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  18. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019). Cereals, oats, regular and quick, unenriched, cooked with water (includes boiling and microwaving), without salt. FoodData Central. Retrieved March 30, 2022
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  20. Rebello, C. J., O’Neil, C. E., & Greenway, F. L. (2016). Dietary fiber and satiety: the effects of oats on satiety. Nutrition reviews, 74(2), 131–147. DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv063. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  21. Rasane, P., Jha, A., Sabikhi, L., Kumar, A., & Unnikrishnan, V. S. (2015). Nutritional advantages of oats and opportunities for its processing as value added foods – a review. Journal of food science and technology, 52(2), 662–675. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-013-1072-1. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  22. Higgins J. A. (2004). Resistant starch: metabolic effects and potential health benefits. Journal of AOAC International, 87(3), 761–768. Retrieved March 30, 2022
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  24. Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., Maurice-Tison, S., Perromat, M., Roul, S., Sarrat, A., Taïeb, A., & Boralevi, F. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  25. Blackman, A. C., Anvari, S., Davis, C. M., & Anagnostou, A. (2019). Emerging triggers of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: Lessons from a pediatric cohort of 74 children in the United States. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 122(4), 407–411. DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.01.022. Retrieved March 30, 2022
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  27. Ciecierska A, Drywień ME, Hamulka J, Sadkowski T. (2019). Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 70(4):315-324. doi: 10.32394/rpzh.2019.0082. Retrieved March 30, 2022
  28. Pinto-Sánchez MI, Causada-Calo N, Bercik P, Ford AC, Murray JA, Armstrong D, Semrad C, Kupfer SS, Alaedini A, Moayyedi P, Leffler DA, Verdú EF, Green P. (2017). Safety of Adding Oats to a Gluten-Free Diet for Patients With Celiac Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical and Observational Studies. Gastroenterology. 153(2):395-409.e3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.04.009. Retrieved March 30, 2022
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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.

Oats for Children - Health Benefits and Recipes

Until six months of age, if your baby is breastfed ideally, breast milk contains all the Nutrients needed for growth during that time. However, by the time your baby is six months old, not only will he be ready for new foods, he will need them for proper growth and development. While parents tend to tend fruits and vegetables to provide their children with fiber-rich food sources, oats also make a great meal for your child.

In this article

Is oats good for children?

Oats are a very good baby food because they are high in fiber and easy to digest. It is also a good source of energy for your child and is very light in comparison. with rice. They also found that they had the fewest cases of allergic reactions among the pills available. However, it is advisable to check with your child's pediatrician before giving oats to your child to rule out any adverse reactions.

When can your child start eating oats?

You can start giving your baby oats as early as six months of age. Easy oatmeal recipes for kids can be given along with fruits and vegetables. But be sure to offer the child food once so that he does not hate him.

Infant health benefits of oats

Oats have many health benefits, especially for children. some of them,

1. Rich in minerals

Oats are rich in minerals needed for your baby's development, such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and potassium, sodium and magnesium. Calcium and phosphorus help build bones, iron increases the amount of hemoglobin in the body, and potassium and sodium are known to help nerve functions in the body. Magnesium helps generate energy and improves dental and bone health in babies.

2. Good Source of Vitamins

Vitamins such as folate, vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin make oats an indispensable supplement for your child's growth and development.

3. High levels of antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce the risk of free radical damage in the body and are an important part of a child's diet. In addition to minerals and vitamins, oats are also rich in antioxidants, which are important for a child.

4. A good source of energy

Every 100 grams of oatmeal provides children with 400 calories of energy. This energy is necessary for the development of babies, as well as for accelerating their growth.

5. Easily Digested

Oats are high in dietary fiber, which is great for bowel movement, which aids digestion Easily. This quality is also ideal for children, as Digestive It is still developing.

Nutritional value of oats

Oats are rich in vital nutrients for your baby. Here is a complete list of nutrients that oats contain.

Power type Amount (per 100 g) Power type Amount (per 100 g)
Vitamin K. 4.1 mg energy 399 kcal
protein 13.07 g total fat (fat) 8 g
Carbohydrates 69.65 g Dietary fiber 9 g
Sahara 3.8 g calcium 707 mg
Iron 51.25 mg magnesium 138 mg
Phosphorus 610 mg potassium 420 mg
sodium 4 mg zinc 5.39 mg
Thiamine 2.805 mg riboflavin 3.313 mg
Niacin 28. 43 mg Vitamin B6 0.563 mg
Folic acid 35ug Vitamin E. 4.95 mg

What kinds of oats can your child eat?

There are several types of oats that are safe for children to eat.

  • Baby Oatmeal comes in flour form and should only be mixed with milk or water.
  • Natural oatmeal that can be cooked and blended into a smooth paste.
  • Instant Oatmeal is easy to prepare and pre-cut.
  • Oatmeal should first be boiled in boiling water for at least five to six minutes.
  • Oats can also be given in solid pieces. Although they are not easy to find, they are known to be very tasty.

How to choose and store oats?

While your child can eat most types of oats, it's best to steer clear of instant oatmeal or anything that's over-processed, as it's low in nutrients. Therefore, the best step is to find steel chips or plain oats for your child. Store oats in airtight containers and keep them in a dry place so they last longer. If your home is warm, you can store the container in the refrigerator.

Things to remember when giving your child oats

Remember the following before giving your child oats.

  • Solid food only Six months after Breastfeeding regularly to avoid any adverse reactions to food.
  • Choose the right type of oats that are made semi-finished or steel.
  • Boil oatmeal properly for 20-30 minutes, or a little longer for children, to make it soft and easier to digest.
  • Give your child plain oats for the first time and check for an allergic reaction. If not, you can continue to give her oats with fruit added. If she has a reaction, see a doctor immediately.

Kids Oatmeal Recipes

If you're planning on serving your child oats, here's how to make them with these simple recipes.

1. Apple Oatmeal Recipe

  • Boil ¼ cup oatmeal with 1 cup water. You can put oatmeal powder and cook to a consistency. Continue stirring regularly to prevent burning.
  • Peel and cut the apple.
  • When the oats are cooked, add the apple and mix well. You can cook the mixture further or let it cool down.
  • Serve it to your child as soon as it has cooled down.

2. Easy Oatmeal Recipe

  • Boil ½ cup oats in a cup of water and let them cook well.
  • Mix this porridge with milk and serve as soon as it has cooled.

3. Oatmeal and Banana recipe (suitable for older children as a meal)

  • Mix oats with banana AND puree.
  • Squeeze this mixture into shapes of your choice on a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes; In short, if you want it to remain chewy.

4. Recipe for banana and oats.

  • Boil XNUMX cups of oats in XNUMX cups of water until soft and desired consistency.
  • Add mashed banana and mix well.
  • Old on cooling.

Children's oatmeal is a great addition when they are ready to try solid foods. Remember to introduce new foods to your child gradually and after proper consultation with your pediatrician. Try to provide your child with organic nutrients as much as possible to get the most benefit.

Why isn't Nestlé baby food in demand?

According to Euromonitor, in 2018, the largest growth in sales in the infant formula segment came from specially formulated foods for babies who have just transitioned from breastfeeding to formula. 123rf.com

Swiss food giant Nestlé is trying to diversify its baby food range and bring innovative products to market. The prospects here are promising. However, many critics are skeptical. And they have a reason to.

This content was published on January 10, 2020 - 11:00

Jessica Davis Pluss (Jessica Davis Pluss)

In the first weeks of life, Lindsay Beeson's baby developed a rash, traces of blood on diapers, diarrhea and vomiting. Doctors diagnosed an allergy to cow's milk. Like many other mothers in her situation, Lindsey eliminated milk from her baby's diet and, in addition to breastfeeding, began to gradually introduce complementary foods with hypoallergenic infant formula. In the second year of his life, her son was switched to milk formulas specially designed for babies with allergies. “I knew that they contained a balance of proteins, fats and vitamins similar to the composition of cow's milk. And my son liked the taste,” she said in an interview with swissinfo.ch.

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For global food concerns such as Nestlé, the development and launch of new formulas for infants up to one year of age, including those suffering from allergic reactions, requiring special dietary nutrition or simply picky eaters, is another and very important abroad in expanding the range of baby food.

Speaking to a group of journalists in Lausanne, Thierry Philardeau, Nestlé's Senior Vice President of Strategic Dairy Business Development, recently stated: all babies and their mothers. " From a practical point of view, the concern's strategy is to fill the gaps that arise in the nutrition of mothers and their children, regardless of whether the children receive artificial feeding, natural breastfeeding or combination.

The Swiss concern continues to focus on the nutrition of premature babies and children with special medical conditions. And yet, in recent years, he has consistently increased investment in research and development in order to obtain new products for the nutrition of children after the age of six months of life, that is, for a particularly difficult period when breast milk alone is no longer enough to meet the nutritional needs of a child. , and a complete transition to artificial food has not yet taken place.

Artificial demand or valuable nutritional supplement?

Nestlé baby food has a direct impact on the health of millions of children around the world. More than 150 years have passed since Henri Nestlé (1814-1890) invented Farine Lactée, a baby porridge to support malnourished children. Today, Nestlé is the world's largest infant formula company. It has a fifth market share, followed by Danone in second place.

In recent years there has been a real boom in breastfeeding around the world. The profits of infant formula companies have fallen. Therefore, today these companies rely on "older babies" and on related products. According to EuromonitorExternal Link , the largest sales growth in the infant formula segment in 2018 came from specially formulated foods for infants who have just transitioned from breastfeeding to formula.

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Today in supermarkets in almost every country in the world you can find the widest range of types of milk powder, dairy product concentrates and breast milk substitutes for children under one year old. It would seem great, but not everyone is satisfied with these products. Activists such as Patti Rundall are sounding the alarm. Since the 1980s, she has served as Director of Strategic Policy for Baby Milk ActionExternal Link , an international network of baby food organizations. Since her filing, the world has experienced a number of very large litigations in connection with the production and sale of artificial nutrition from Nestlé Corporation.

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What's the problem? It turns out that, according to her, the Nestlé and Danone concerns are the main initiators of the promotion of baby food for babies and milk formulas for children aged from 6 months to 3 years and further up to the age of nine. They use the same or very similar symbols (logos) as on infant formula, so parents, when they see the brand name, believe that they have a whole product line in front of them. However, new formulas for infant formula are just a marketing ploy.

“There is nothing new in them, so all milk formulas, starting with formulas “6 months+”, as well as formulas for children from 1 year to 3 years and older, are simply not needed, they are just a way to get more money out of parents’ pockets ”, P. Randall told swissinfo. ch. “This product should be removed from the market. But the market has become so huge that no one wants to do it, although everyone knows that they are dealing with violations of the provisions of the WHO Guidelines to stop inappropriate forms of promotion of foods for infants and young children.

More precisely, we are talking about the International Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, adopted by WHO in 1981. This document sets standards for ethically responsible marketing, including restrictions on advertising, sponsorship, and giving away free samples of infant formula. The default document proceeds from the fact that, anyway, only breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for a healthy baby up to six months, which, in fact, Danone, Nestlé and their opponents agree with.

Pressure from the baby food industry

Controversy arises at the gray zone stage, when complementary foods with other foods and beverages can be introduced at about six months of age and older. You can enter, but is it necessary? And this is where the problem lies. Don't concerns create artificial demand, beneficial primarily to themselves? It is really difficult to understand this, the information received by parents from baby food manufacturers, doctors and staunch opponents of factory baby food is often contradictory.

Some scientific studies state that so-called “Third level milk formulas” for children aged one to three years are not needed, but they can be used to compensate for nutritional deficiencies, especially in cases of malnutrition or lack of certain nutrients substances in local foods”. So what's wrong with giving kids a better chance at delicious and most importantly healthy food?

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Criticism of Nestlé has a long history. About forty years ago, breastfeeding activists first vociferously accused Nestlé of using an aggressive marketing strategy that resulted in mothers declining to breastfeed in favor of infant formula. The ensuing widespread boycott of Nestlé products led to major changes in the formation of marketing strategies.

However, Catherine Watt of the Geneva group La Leche LeagueExternal link , an international public private secular organization to support breastfeeding mothers, says that many women today stop breastfeeding earlier than they should. Why? “This is happening as a result of veiled pressure from the baby food industry, which has an arsenal of advertising in favor of various types of complementary foods and infant formula,” she said. “If there are doubts about whether the baby has enough breast milk, and there is some kind of milk formula in the closet, you just try to use it. And now you are already “under the hood” of the industry.”

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In developing countries, the consequences of such a move can be most dramatic. CTO of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India BPNIExternal Link JP Dadhich is particularly concerned about the high cost of these products, their negative environmental impact and potential risks of infection.

“We can't be sure about the quality of the water that these formulas are based on, which increases the risk of diarrhea. And this is in conditions when there is now enough milk of animal origin in India. After boiling, it is completely safe, in addition, it is quite acceptable here, taking into account the cultural traditions of the country. For children, it is better to use complementary foods from quality local products, continuing to breastfeed the child after 6 months.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) is also concerned that infant formula designed specifically for babies after one year of age can shorten the duration of breastfeeding by depriving the baby of important nutrients, especially if the products are labeled similarly and are promoted as more healthy alternative to breastfeeding due to the increased content of vitamins and minerals.

The devil is in the details

All this has caused and continues to cause heated discussions between governments and food company lobbyists. “One of the challenges with regard to 'level 2' formula (after 6 months) is the need to understand whether foods for children aged 1 to 3 years should be considered specifically as 'substitutes' for breast milk, and if not, what should they be called.” Tom Heilandt of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards group, tells us this.

Some governments would like to ban these formulas so as not to completely "kill" the motivation to breastfeed, while other countries want to leave the choice to consumers. India is a country with some of the most stringent regulations. Here, any products intended specifically for children under the age of two years are categorized as breast milk substitutes and thus fall under the international “Code of Regulations” of WHO. Group NestléExternal link says it has gone further than many other players in the industry by operating under European Union rules coming into effect in 2020.

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At the same time, Nestlé opposes any additional regulation, arguing, based on studies already conducted in many countries, that any artificial nutrition alternative will still be less healthy than any mixture. “There is no point in restricting nutrition advertising for children under the age of one, especially when there are almost no restrictions on advertising Coca-Cola and other fast food anywhere,” says T. Filardo.

Always guilty?

Nestlé recognizes that it needs to proceed with caution given its history of high-profile scandals. “It’s not for you to sell chocolate, we have a huge responsibility. Every year we produce formula for 15 million children, which is equal to the population of the Netherlands,” says T. Filardo. At the same time, the company has already updated its marketing policy several times by creating a system for reporting violations and annually providing reports on compliance with its obligations.

Unlike the pre-1980s era, the company is very clear that "breastfeeding is the best feeding option." At the same time, she wants her food products for children to be almost in no way inferior in quality to breast milk. Critics say it's not enough to be "the lesser of the evils.

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