Baby Oatmeal
Baby oatmeal is a great beginning food for infants transitioning from breast milk or formula to solid foods. Nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and simple to make, your little one will love it and you will too!
Back in the day, rice cereal used to be the go-to first food for babies, but times have changed! Now when you’re introducing solids, there are almost endless options, from baby-led weaning to purees and alternative cereals like this baby oatmeal.
I’ve been feeding this to my little one in addition to other homemade baby foods. I love that by making my own food, I know exactly what’s in it and can make sure it’s free of any impurities or fillers.
Why You’ll Love This Baby Oatmeal Recipe
- Economical. Making your own baby food is much more budget-friendly than using store-bought options.
- Nutrient-rich. This recipe uses whole grain oats, which are a great source of vitamins and minerals for your baby’s development.
- Customizable. You can mix in breast milk or water to achieve the desired consistency for your baby and also use it as a base for other purees or mix it with fruits and vegetables for added flavour and nutrients.
- Easy to prepare. This baby oatmeal cereal recipe only requires a few ingredients and it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy parents!
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Old-fashioned oats – Also known as rolled oats.
- Water – You can also use breastmilk.
- Ground cinnamon
- Pear – I use grated pear for sweetness, but you can also use grated apple, mashed banana, applesauce, or pumpkin puree.
- Coconut oil – Or almond butter, peanut butter, or seed butter of your choice.
Optional Jam, for Topping:
- Berries
- Chia seeds
Additional Topping Options for Baby Oatmeal:
- Chopped berries
- Bananas
- Sautéed apple or pear
- Applesauce
- Nut or seed butter
Can I Use Quick Cooking Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned Oats in Baby Oatmeal?
If you want a quicker option, you can use quick cooking oats instead of old-fashioned. The oatmeal will be ready in 1 minute. This may be a good option for 6-9 months old babies because the consistency of quick cooking oats is softer than old-fashioned oats.
How to Make Baby Oatmeal
- Combine. Add the oats, water or breastmilk, cinnamon, pear, and coconut oil to a small saucepan.
- Cook. Cook on medium heat, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Make the topping. For the jam, place the ingredients in a small food processor and pulse until smooth; add 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the consistency as desired. After 5 minutes the baby oatmeal cereal is ready, but you can cook it longer for a thicker consistency. If you want it thinner, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or breastmilk. Remember, younger babies will need a thinner consistency.
- Grate or mash the fruit. Make sure to finely grate or mash any fruits or vegetables added to the oatmeal, especially if you’re cooking for a baby who’s just beginning to eat solids.
- Scale up as needed. This recipe makes one serving, but it can easily be doubled or tripled for meal prep.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
I serve this baby oatmeal to my 8 month old with add-ins like prunes, which are great when you’re remedying constipation! Here are some other variations and serving suggestions:
- For a creamier consistency, mix in mashed banana or avocado with the cooked oatmeal.
- Add pureed baked sweet potato for sweetness and nutrients.
- For older babies who are ready for more texture, you can add finely chopped or mashed pieces of soft fruits and vegetables like peaches, blueberries, or cooked carrots.
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftover baby oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or breastmilk.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
You can freeze any extra baby oatmeal by spooning it into ice cube trays and freezing until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to defrost and serve when needed!
Enjoy friends! If you make this baby oatmeal, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
Baby Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats, see notes (40g)
- ½ cup water, you can also use breastmilk
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
For sweetness:
- 1 small pear, grated, or ½ apple, or ½ mashed banana, applesauce or pumpkin puree you should have about ⅓ cup
For added fat:
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil, or almond butter, peanut butter, seed butter of your choice
Optional jam for the topping:
- ⅓ cup berries
- ½ teaspoon chia seeds
Other toppings options:
- Chopped berries, bananas, sauteed apple or pear, applesauce, nut or seed butter
Instructions
- Combine ¼ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of water or breastmilk, pinch of cinnamon, one from the options for sweetness and one for added fat in a small saucepan.
- Place on medium heat and cook stirring for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes it’s ready, but the longer you cook it the thicker the oatmeal will be. If you want it thinner you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or breastmilk.
- For the jam topping, place all ingredients in a small food processor and pulse until smooth; you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to make it easier.
Notes
- If you want a quicker option you can use quick cooking oats instead of old fashioned in the same proportion. The oatmeal will be ready in 1 minute, plus it may be a good option for 6-9 months old babies because the consistency of quick cooking oats is very soft and creamy.
- To store: Any leftover baby oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or breastmilk.
- To freeze: You can freeze any extra baby oatmeal by spooning it into ice cube trays and freezing until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to defrost and serve when needed!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
