Until six months of age, it is ideal if your baby is only breastfed, as breast milk has all the nutrients required for growth during this time. However, once your baby touches the six-month mark, she is not only ready for new foods but will also need them for proper growth and development. While parents usually lean towards fruits and vegetables for high-fibre food sources for their babies, oats also make for great food that can be introduced to your little one.
Oats are considered very good food for babies as they are rich in fibre and also easily digestible. They are also a good source of energy for your baby and are very light in comparison to rice. They are also found to have the least cases of allergic reactions among the cereals available. However, it is a good idea to consult your baby’s paediatrician before you start giving oats to your baby to rule out any adverse reactions.
You can start giving your baby oats as early as at six months of age. Simple recipes of oats porridge for babies can be given alongside fruits and vegetables. But ensure that you introduce one food at a time to your baby to gage her likes and dislikes.
Packed with nutrition, oats have many health benefits, particularly for infants. Some of them are,
Oats are packed with minerals that are essential for the development of your baby like calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Calcium and phosphorous aid in bone building, iron increases the quantity of haemoglobin in the body and potassium and sodium are known to aid in neurological functions in the body. Magnesium helps generate energy and improves dental and bone health in infants.
The presence of vitamins like folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin K and vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, make oats an essential supplement for the growth and development of your infant.
Antioxidants can lower the risk of attack by free radicals in the body and are an essential part of a baby’s diet. Along, with minerals and vitamins, oats are also high in antioxidants that are important for a baby.
Every 100 g of oatmeal provides 400 kcal of energy for babies. This energy is essential for infants in the developmental stage and also to aid their growth spurts.
Oats have a high amount of dietary fibre which is excellent for bowel movement, thus aiding easy digestion. This quality is also ideal for babies as their digestive system is still developing.
Oats are rich in nutrients vital for your baby. Here is a complete list of nutrients that oats contain
Type of nutrition | Quantity ( per 100 g serving) | Type of nutrition | Quantity ( per 100 g serving) |
Vitamin K | 4.1 mg | Energy | 399 kcal |
Protein | 13.07 g | Total Lipid (fat) | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 69.65 g | Fiber | 9 g |
Sugars | 3.8 g | Calcium | 707 mg |
Iron | 51.25 mg | Magnesium | 138 mg |
Phosphorous | 610 mg | Potassium | 420 mg |
Sodium | 4 mg | Zinc | 5.39 mg |
Thiamin | 2.805 mg | Riboflavin | 3.313 mg |
Niacin | 28.43 mg | Vitamin B-6 | 0.563 mg |
Folate | 35 ug | Vitamin E | 4.95 mg |
There are several types of oats that are safe for consumption for babies.
While your baby can eat most kinds of oats, it is best to refrain from giving her instant oatmeal or anything that is over-processed as it will be left with little to no nutrition to offer. Hence, the best move is to find steel cut or regular oats for your baby. Store oats in airtight containers and keep them in a dry place to make them last longer. If your house is warm, you can keep the container in the refrigerator.
Keep in mind the following things before you introduce oats to your baby.
If you plan on introducing oats to your baby, here’s how to make them with these simple recipes.
Oatmeal for babies is a great supplement once they are ready to try solid foods. Remember to introduce new foods to your baby gradually and after proper consultation with your paediatrician. As much as possible, try providing organic food items to your baby for the best benefits.