Can Babies Eat Oats?
Oat is a species of cereal grain cultivated for its seed, being suitable for human consumption, but also for feeding livestock. Oats are used rolled or crushed into oatmeal or ground into oat flour. Oatmeal is mostly consumed as porridge, but it is used as an ingredient in many baked goods and in many cold cereals, especially in muesli or granola. Oat milk is a good alternative option for vegans or for lactose intolerant people. They are also used in different drinks like in brewing beer in Britain. Oat extracts are used in cosmetics.
Oats contain carbs, dietary fibers, fats and protein. They are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Oats are also rich in manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. The protein found in oat is similar in quality to soy protein, and it is equal to meat, milk and egg protein, making oat into an excellent option for vegans to introduce protein into their systems.
Which Oats Can Babies Eat?
Giving uncooked oats to babies can cause diarrhea, because they have a lot of fiber. Homemade oatmeal cereal and porridge is safe to give to babies starting at the age of 6 months (some parents introduce them even earlier, at 4 months), they are a better starter choice of cereals than rice cereal, because they are less constipating. Rolled oats are easier to cook, while steel cut ones take longer to prepare. Instant oatmeal is a healthy and quick breakfast option for babies. Quaker oats can be also given to babies. There is a slight risk for allergies, but they are very rare.
Basic Banana Oat Baby Cookies
Ingredients: 1 tbsp chia seeds, 2 tbsp water, 350g banana, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 ¼ cup oats, ½ cup plain flour.
Place the chia seeds into the water and leave to stand for 15 minutes. Mash the banana in a medium bowl. Add the vanilla to the soaked chia seeds and stir well. Add the oats and flour and mix well. Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture and place the balls onto a baking paper lined tray. Bake at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes and let them cool.
FAQ
What are oats?
Oat is a species of cereal grain cultivated for its seed, being suitable for human consumption, but also for feeding livestock. Oats are used rolled or crushed into oatmeal or ground into oat flour. Oatmeal is mostly consumed as porridge, but it is used as an ingredient in many baked goods and in many cold cereals, especially in muesli or granola.
How healthy are oats?
They are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Oats are also rich in manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. The protein found in oat is similar in quality to soy protein, and it is equal to meat, milk and egg protein.
When can you start giving oats to your baby?
It is safe to give oats to babies starting at the age of 6 months old.
The risks of giving oats to your baby?
Giving uncooked oats to babies can cause diarrhea, because they have a lot of fiber. There is a slight risk for allergies, but they are very rare.