Baby Oatmeal

Starting your infant on solids is an exciting milestone and this baby oatmeal is the perfect first food! It’s nourishing, healthy, and easy to customize, with a baby-friendly taste and texture.

While rice cereal used to be the go-to first food for babies, times have changed and now other grains are becoming increasingly popular. Baby oatmeal is a fantastic choice because it’s rich in fiber, gentle on a baby's developing digestive system, and less likely to cause an adverse reaction. It's also full of essential nutrients like iron, which is crucial for healthy brain development. 

Just like how oatmeal is a comfort food for adults, it’s also comforting for babies thanks to its mild flavor and easy digestion. Plus, oatmeal can be mixed with breast milk to create a familiar taste for your little one. As they grow, you can incorporate new flavors and additions to expand their palate!

Why You’ll Love This Baby Oatmeal Recipe

• You control what goes in it. As a new mom, it’s hard not to have anxiety when stories about contaminants in baby food hit the news. It makes me breathe a little easier to make things from scratch because I can vet every single ingredient.
• Easy to make. But let’s be real—most new moms don’t have a ton of time on their hands for making elaborate recipes. This baby oatmeal is super simple, and not any harder than making store-bought oatmeal.
• Customizable. You can easily add in a variety of ingredients to change up the flavor and nutritional value.
• Affordable. Making your own baby oatmeal is more cost-effective than buying pre-made options from the store. Plus, you can buy organic oats for an even healthier cereal without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Oat flour – You can make your own oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made oat flour from the store.
• Boiling water or breastmilk – Use filtered water if you choose water for your baby oatmeal.

Optional Mix-Ins:

• Banana – Banana adds sweetness and texture.
• Hemp seeds – For extra protein.
• Nut butter – Make sure you've tested nut butter for possible allergic reactions.

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are small seeds that are the edible part of the hemp plant. They're an excellent source of plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support brain development in infants. Because they have a mild flavor, they're a perfect addition to baby oatmeal that won’t overwhelm your little one's palate. 

How to Make Baby Oatmeal

• Combine. Mix together the oat flour and water or room temperature breastmilk in a small bowl. 
• Stir. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and the oat flour absorbs the water. 
• Finish. Stir in any mix-ins you’re using.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the recipe as your little one grows. You can make more baby oatmeal for bigger appetites, make it thicker, or start introducing quick oats and then old-fashioned oats as your baby reaches different stages and becomes more comfortable with solid foods. 
• Be mindful of your baby's cues. Every baby is different, and some may take longer to adapt to new flavors and textures.
• Consult with your pediatrician. As always, it's important to consult with your child's doctor before introducing any new foods. They can provide guidance on when and how to safely incorporate solid foods into your baby's diet.  

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Fruit puree mix-ins. Blend cooked apples, pears, peaches, or apricots into a smooth puree and stir it into the baby oatmeal. This not only adds natural sweetness without the need for added sugars, but also introduces your baby to new flavors.
• Vegetable additions. Boost the nutrient content by incorporating pureed vegetables like peas, butternut squash, or pumpkin. 
• Spice it up (gently). As your baby gets older, introduce flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, or vanilla to the oatmeal. Always start with a very small amount to ensure it does not upset your baby’s stomach.
• Protein boost. For an added protein boost for older babies, stir in a spoonful of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. 

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any unused baby oatmeal into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can warm it up in the microwave for just a few seconds (be sure to test it before feeding!), serve it cold, or let it come to room temperature.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

If you want to cook baby oatmeal in batches, it’s definitely freezer-friendly! Portion it into individual servings and freeze them in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the oatmeal cubes to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. You can defrost the baby oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm it before serving if desired.

More Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

• Protein Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal
• Blueberry Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal
• Blended Vegan Baked Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal