Can Babies Eat Oatmeal?
Yes. Babies can have oatmeal from around 6 months. Cook the oats soft with milk or water and mash any lumps. Oatmeal is filling and gentle, and iron-fortified baby oat cereal helps meet your baby's need for iron.
Oatmeal is a soft, warm first food that most babies take to easily. It is cheap, quick to cook and easy to mix with fruit. It also carries iron when you use a fortified baby cereal, which matters from 6 months. This guide covers how to make it, the benefits and a simple recipe.
What is oatmeal?
Oatmeal is a porridge made by cooking ground, rolled or steel-cut oats in liquid. It becomes soft and creamy, which suits new eaters. Baby oat cereal is a fine, quick-cooking version that is often fortified with iron.
Oatmeal is a blank base that takes on other flavours well. Stir in mashed banana, a spoon of apple puree, or some squashed blueberries for an easy breakfast.
Oatmeal nutrition for babies
Oatmeal gives fibre, some protein and slow-release energy. Plain oats hold a little iron, and fortified baby oat cereal holds much more.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (cooked) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 71 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 12.0 g |
| Fibre | 1.7 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Iron | 0.9 mg |
Values for oatmeal cooked with water. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat oatmeal?
Oatmeal can start from around 6 months. Change the thickness and texture as your baby grows:
Cook the oats soft and keep the porridge thin and smooth, mashing any lumps, so it is easy to spoon feed.
Make it a little thicker and stir in mashed fruit so your baby gets used to softer lumps.
Serve regular porridge, overnight oats or soft oat pancakes, still without added sugar.
Tip: babies need plenty of iron from 6 months. An iron-fortified baby oat cereal, or oatmeal served with vitamin C rich fruit, helps your baby take in more iron.
Health benefits of oatmeal for babies
Fibre
Oats contain a fibre called beta-glucan that supports digestion and helps keep bowel movements soft.
Iron
Fortified baby oat cereal is a useful source of iron, which babies need in larger amounts from 6 months.
Steady energy
Oats release energy slowly, so a bowl of oatmeal is filling and helps keep your baby satisfied.
Oatmeal pairs well with dairy too. Swirl in a spoon of plain yogurt after cooking for a creamier bowl and a little extra protein.
How to serve oatmeal safely
Do
- Cook the oats soft and mash any lumps.
- Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.
- Use fruit for sweetness instead of sugar.
- Try an iron-fortified baby oat cereal.
Avoid
- Serving it too hot, so stir and test first.
- Added sugar, honey or syrup.
- Thick, sticky, undercooked oats for young babies.
- Whole nuts or hard toppings.
Risks and safety
Oatmeal is low on the allergy scale and easy to digest. The main things to watch are temperature, so always test it, and texture, keeping it smooth for young babies. Oats are naturally free from gluten but can pick up traces during processing.
Iron and variety: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights iron-rich foods for babies from 6 months, so pair oatmeal with other iron sources across the week.
Easy oatmeal recipe (6 months)
Baby oatmeal porridge
Makes 2 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- 3 tbsp rolled oats
- 150 ml whole milk, breast milk, formula or water
- 1 tbsp fruit puree (optional)
Method
- Put the oats and milk or water in a small pan.
- Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the oats are soft and thick.
- Let it cool to a safe temperature, mash any lumps, then stir in a little fruit puree if you like.
Oatmeal FAQ
When can babies eat oatmeal?
Babies can have oatmeal from around 6 months, when they start solids. Cook the oats soft with milk or water and mash any lumps. Iron-fortified baby oat cereal is a good early choice.
Is oatmeal good for babies?
Yes. Oatmeal is soft, filling and gentle on the stomach. It provides fibre and some protein, and iron-fortified baby oat cereal helps meet a baby's high need for iron from 6 months.
Can babies have oats every day?
Oatmeal can be a regular breakfast as part of a varied diet. Change the toppings, such as different fruit purees, so your baby gets a range of foods across the week.
Is oatmeal safe for babies with gluten concerns?
Oats are naturally free from gluten but are often processed with wheat, so they may contain traces. If your family avoids gluten, choose oats labelled gluten-free and speak to your doctor.
Sources
- Oatmeal, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician about your own baby, and about starting solids or any allergy concerns.
