  Oatmeal makes a great cereal or porridge your baby. While it is another of the grains that are least likely to cause an allergic reaction, oats may be cross contaminated with wheat gluten. |
Learn all about Oatmeal for use in Baby Food Recipes - Introducing Oats and Oatmeal to Your Baby
When can my baby eat Oatmeal and Oats?
Homemade Oatmeal cereal and porridge is fine to introduce to your baby from 4 months of age. Please remember that the current recommendations for starting baby on solid foods is 6 months of age. Oatmeal cereal may be a better starter cereal than rice as it is less constipating and many babies prefer the taste of oats over rice cereal.
The Goodness of Oats and Oatmeal for Babies
Oats are high in fiber, calcium, protein and even some B vitamins. Steel cut oats are slightly healthier and more nutritious than rolled, quick cook or instant oats. Steel cut oats retain the most nutrients because they are not highly processed.
Oatmeal (one cup, regular, non-fortified & cooked) Protein - 5.94g
VITAMINS |
MINERALS |
How to select and store oats and oatmeal for homemade baby food
The EWG does not rank grains in its "dirty dozen" food list so buying organic oatmeal is a personal choice.
Whole grains may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grains in the refrigerator.
Milled whole grains, such as rice flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour and the like, should be stored in an air tight container and preferably in your refrigerator. You can store them in a cool dry place however ensure that you check on the status of the grains if you use them infrequently.
When grains are milled, the natural oils that come from the grain may become rancid without refrigeration. When purchasing any type of milled whole grain, it's always best to buy smaller quantities to ensure that your whole grains are used prior to them going rancid.
Follow the same storage methods for any rice powder, oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.
The best way to cook Oats and Oatmeal for Baby Food or Baby Cereal
You may use a crockpot, a rice cooker or the good old standby method of pot and water. If your little one needs a finer, smoother texture you may want to skip the crockpot and rice cooker as you will need to puree the already cooked oatmeal. This may or may not turn out to be pasty and unedible.
When cooking the "oat powder" for homemade baby cereal, use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of powder per 1-2 cups of water - more or less as you see fit. The key is to whisk whisk whisk as you are cooking to avoid clumping.
Totally Tasty and Nutritious Oatmeal Baby Food Recipes
Oatmeal Baby Cereal (make it Organic by using Organic Rolled or Steel Cut Oats.)
1/4 cup of ground oats (use regular or steel cut when possible), ground in blender or food processor
3/4 cup - 1 cup water
1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the oatmeal powder while stirring constantly.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
3. Serve warm.
Baked Oatmeal Apple Cereal
1 small apple
1/4 cup ground oats
3/4 cup of water
1. Peel, core and cut a small apple into small dices
2. Place in a pan with 1/4 c ground oats and 3/4 c water
3. Bring mixture to a slow boil. Simmer covered, checking frequently, until apples are soft and oatmeal is cooked.
4. Be sure to stir and mash while cooking
5. Mix in formula or breast milk or juice to thin if needed - puree if necessary
(sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the cereal if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)
Add pureed fruits and vegetables to baby's homemade oatmeal cereal as your baby likes.
Oatmeal Scramble - A yummy finger food 8 months +
Ingredients
1 cup of cooked oatmeal
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup soft cooked veggies or fruits of your choice
1 teaspoon olive oil
Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan
Peel the banana
Whisk the 2 egg yolks in a bowl
Add the oatmeal and fruits or veggies to the warmed frying pan then add whisked egg yolks
Gently scramble and fry until the yolks are fully cooked
Break the Oatmeal Scramble into small pieces that your baby will easily manage and chew. You can also offer up a fruit puree as a dipping sauce.
Foods Good to Mix With Oatmeal:
Fruits, vegetables, yogurt and meats are all good foods to add and mix with oatmeal homemade baby cereals.
Try a Homemade Oatmeal Bath to Soothe Eczema or Dry Winter Skin
Quick and Easy Method
Place 2 cups of Quick or Old Fashioned Oats into one leg of a nylon stocking; close open end by tying a knot.
Place stocking under faucet; turn water on to full force, using warm water at a comfortable temperature. When finished filling tub, "swirl" stocking back & forth through water 5 or 6 times.
Lift stocking above water and wring to squeeze water and starch out of stocking. Discard stocking -- do NOT reuse.
Soak in tub as recommended by physician or for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently pat dry. Use once or twice daily, or as directed by physician.
FOR INFANTS: Use 1/3 cup and follow instructions above. Soak infant (in infant bath tub) for 10 minutes or as directed by physician.
Blender/Food Processor Method
Place 1 cup Quick or Old Fashioned Oats into food processor or blender; grind oats into finest powder possible.
Turn water on to full force, using warm water at a comfortable temperature. Slowly sprinkle oat powder under running water.
Stir water thoroughly to avoid clumping or settling. Soak in tub as recommended by physician or for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently pat dry. Use once or twice daily, or as directed by physician.
INFANTS: Use 1/3 cup and follow instructions above. Soak infant (in infant bath tub) for 10 minutes or as directed by physician
Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.
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