5 Surprising Benefits Of Oatmeal For Infants

Ah, the rollercoaster ride of parenthood is filled with sleepless nights, adorable giggles, and some big decisions. One of the most nerve-wracking yet exciting milestones? Introducing solids to your little one.

The initial 6 months of breastfeeding little ones are the most memorable moments for new mothers. However, as your child grows, their nutritional needs also grow with time.

Many parents depend on fruits and vegetables for their toddlers, but giving them only fruits and vegetables might bore your kids. Like adults, they need variety too. One of the safest and healthy food options is oats for babies. Oats baby food contains plenty of essential nutrients required for the child’s growth. So, stay tuned till the end to find the answer to - is oats good for infants?

Table Of Contents:

Are Oats Good For Infants?

At What Month Can Babies Start Eating Oatmeal Or Oats?

Benefits Of Oats And Oatmeal For Babies

Oatmeal Vs Rice Cereal: Which One Is Best For Babies

How To Make Oatmeal In Home For Babies?

Best Organic Oats For Infants

Conclusion

Are Oats Good For Infants?

It is normal to be worried about your little ones being a new parent and whether is oats good for infants or not. Oats are considered an excellent food option for babies as they are rich in various nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. 

If your baby struggles with bloating, gas or any other digestive issues, then oats are a perfect food for them. Oats mix contains a special form of fiber called beta gluten, which is one of the amazing benefits of eating oats, and it is very good for gut and immune health. 

Daliya has been a trusted staple in many Indian households for generations, especially when it comes to introducing solids to babies. It's wholesome, nutritious, and easy to digest—no wonder it's such a favourite! However, oats have also made their way into the spotlight as a great alternative. 

Both options are fantastic, offering different nutritional benefits. Oats digestion time is much less than other baby food options. 

So, if you are still thinking, “Are Oats Goods For Infants?” Absolutely yes! Oats for infants are packed with healthy carbohydrates and zinc, which are important for the baby's growing needs. 

However, it is best that you consult a paediatrician before you feed something new to your little one's diet to avoid any adverse effects. 

There are plenty of benefits of eating oats that are not only for babies but also for adults, because of the high nutrients present in the oatmeal.

Bonus Tip: Oats are a rich source of magnesium. When purchasing instant oatmeal, you don't have to limit yourself to items promoted only for infants. Regular rolled oats mix is also suitable for babies and can give a variety in textures than infant cereals.

At What Month Can Babies Start Eating Oatmeal Or Oats?

To start giving your baby solid food is a BIG step in their life, and we don’t want it to mess it up. As parents, it comes naturally to take care of every little thing for our babies. 

“What month can my baby start eating oatmeal or oats?” is a common question among newborn parents.

According to nutritionists, babies can generally start eating oatmeal or oats after six months of age. This is the time when babies start developing teeth and are ready to begin their journey from breast milk to solid foods. 

Oatmeal for infants, whether rolled oats, quick oats, or oatmeal cereal, is an excellent food for little ones to start from six months of age. Trying out new foods like these helps them explore different tastes and textures. 

One of the key benefits of eating oats is that they are high in fiber, which prevents constipation in babies, which is a common issue when babies start eating solid foods. 

When giving oats as baby food, mix them with breast milk or formula to get a thin and smooth consistency. This makes it easier for the babies to transition from liquid to solids during the 6th month. 

Oatmeal for infants is not just a healthy option, it’s a great way to introduce them to the world of wholesome foods! Little ones often love the natural, slightly sweet taste of oats (and let’s be honest, what’s cuter than watching them enjoy their first bites?). 

By giving your baby oats early on, you're not only offering them something nutritious, but you're also helping them develop a love for healthy foods from the very start.

Benefits Of Oats And Oatmeal For Babies

Oats for infants are a favourite among parents and have been approved by all paediatricians because they help infants grow healthy and strong. Here are the top 7 benefits of oatmeal for babies.

High In Iron: 

The baby’s nervous system and brain need iron to function properly. Nerve cells require iron to send signals from the brain to all over the body and react and respond to surroundings after the brain processes them. 

This means the baby needs iron for:

• Learning
• Improving motor skills
• Social-emotional growth
• Developing language skills
• Overall brain development and performance

Oatmeal for infants is high in iron, so feeding a baby with oats is an easy way to develop a healthy brain. 

Good Magnesium Source:

Oats for infants are not just a trendy choice; they are packed with plenty of powerful magnesium minerals. It helps in essential functions of baby’s body, such as:

• Boosts baby’s bone health by helping vitamin D and calcium work better
• Supports a healthy heart
• Helps the immune system fight off illness
• Promotes healthy sleep

Sensitive on Tiny Tummies:

While transitioning from liquid to solid foods after 6 months, it's important to choose foods that are easily digestible. The soluble fiber in oatmeal for infants is known as beta-glucan which helps regulate a baby's digestive system. 

Oats digestion time is much less than other baby food items, and the fiber present in it promotes a healthy gut by feeding good bacteria, which improves digestion and supports better gut health.

Promotes Healthy Growth:

Babies grow quickly, and oats provide plenty of nutrients to support that growth. Oats contain complex carbohydrates that provide energy for the little ones. 

Oatmeal is high in manganese, which promotes metabolism, healthy growth, and development. Plus, the protein in oatmeals for infants supports muscle, physical growth, and aids digestion.

Hidden Immunity Boosters:

Oats for infants are more than just a breakfast option. They contain antioxidants like avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 

These antioxidants help boost your baby’s immunity by making them more resistant to common illnesses. A strong immune system is crucial for babies, as their bodies are still learning to fight off germs and infections. 

Helps Baby Know Their Appetite:

The fiber content in oats for infants helps promote feelings of fullness, which is very helpful as your baby starts eating solids. This can help prevent overeating and help them to know their appetite, which contributes to a balanced diet from an early age.

Oatmeal Vs Rice Cereal: Which One Is Best For Babies

Feature	Oatmeal	Rice Cereal
Taste	Naturally sweet and creamy	Mild flavour, easily mixed with other foods
Nutritional Value	High in fiber, protein, and iron	Low in fiber, it mainly provides carbs
Digestibility	Easy to digest for little tummies	Also easy to digest, but may not be as filling
Allergy Potential	Rarely causes allergies	It can be more allergenic for some babies
Versatility	Great for mixing with fruits and veggies	Usually enjoyed plain or with milk
Feeling Full	Keeps babies full longer	May leave babies hungry sooner
Preparation	Can be cooked quickly in minutes	Instant or quick-cooking options

Hence, both oatmeal cereal and rice cereal can be the best choice for your baby’s first food. The best choice depends on your baby’s nutritional needs and recommendations from a paediatrician. 

How To Make Oatmeal In Home For Babies?

Making oatmeal for infants at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can control the ingredients and create a nutritious meal for your baby. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make oatmeal in home for babies.

 

Basic Baby Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick oats
• 1/2 cup water, breast milk, or formula

Instructions:

1. Combine the oats and liquid in a small pot.
2. Cook over medium heat, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
3. Stir occasionally and cook until the oats are soft and have absorbed the liquid (about 5-10 minutes for rolled oats, 2-3 minutes for quick oats).
4. Cool to a safe temperature and blend if needed to achieve a smooth texture.

Note: This basic baby food recipe is a great starting point. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less liquid based on your baby’s preference.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick oats
• 1/2 cup water, breast milk, or formula
• 1/4 cup pureed apple (fresh or unsweetened apple sauce)
• A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine oats and liquid in a pot, and cook as described in the basic recipe.
2. Stir in the pureed apple and a pinch of ground cinnamon once the oats are cooked.
3. Simmer for an additional minute to blend flavours.
4. Cool and serve. Blend if necessary for a smoother texture.

Note: Apples are rich in vitamins and fiber, making this oatmeal baby food both nutritious and tasty for your baby.

Banana Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick oats
• 1/2 cup water, breast milk, or formula
• 1/4 cup mashed banana (about half a small banana)

Instructions:

1. Combine oats and liquid in a pot, and cook as described in the basic recipe.
2. Stir in the mashed banana once the oats are cooked.
3. Mix well and let it cook for another minute to combine flavours.
4. Cool and serve. Blend if desired for a smoother texture.

Note: Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium to the oatmeal baby food, which is great for your baby’s growth and energy levels.

Carrot Pear Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick oats
• 1/2 cup water, breast milk, or formula
• 1/4 cup pureed carrot (steamed and blended)
• 1/4 cup pureed pear (fresh or canned without added sugar)

Instructions:

1. Combine oats and liquid in a pot and cook as described in the basic recipe.
2. Add the pureed carrot and pear once the oats are cooked.
3. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to blend flavours.
4. Cool and serve. Blend if needed for a smoother texture.

Note: Carrots and pears are baby foods that provide important vitamins and minerals while adding natural sweetness and flavour.

Best Organic Oats For Infants

 

When selecting the best organic oats for infants, it is important to choose brands that do not compromise on nutrition and safety, like AsmitA Organic Farms, one of the leading organic brands in India. 

Organic oats are grown without any chemicals or synthetic fertilisers, which are the best and safest choice for your babies. There are different types of organic oats available in the market; let’s choose the best organic oats for infants: 

Instant Oats:

These oats are pre-cooked and dried oats that cook quickly. They often have a finer texture but may contain added sugars or preservatives, so it's essential to choose baby food oats options without these added ingredients.

Quick Oats:

These oats are similar to instant oats but are less processed. Quick oats cook faster than rolled oats and have a softer texture. They are suitable for babies but might not provide the same creamy texture as rolled oats, but it also help babies to improve digestion.

Rolled Oats:

Made from steamed, flattened oat groats, rolled oats cook up to a nice, chewy texture. They are less processed than quick oats and instant oats, retaining more of their natural nutrients and fiber.

Related Article : Rolled Oats Vs Regular Oats 

Steel-Cut Oats:

These are whole oat groats chopped into pieces. They take longer to cook and have a coarser texture, which might not be ideal for younger infants who are just starting to eat solids.

Hence, rolled oats are a fantastic option for infants as they have a good balance of texture and nutritional value. 

The steaming process used in rolled oats helps preserve fiber. You can try rolled oats with the recipes mentioned above and make your baby’s growth journey full of health.

Conclusion

Hey there parents! Oatmeal is convenient but it might be packed with added sugar or preservatives. We don’t want you to choose between health and convenience, because you and your baby deserve both. 

That’s why we offer 100% Organic Oatmeal for babies, it has no added sugar or preservatives, making it a healthy choice for your baby. 

No matter where you are in India, AsmitA Organic Farms provides the best, safe, and most nutritious rolled oats for your baby. You can order oats online from our website and just watch your baby grow stronger and make plenty of memories with them.