Homemade Oatmeal Cereal for Babies

This easy Oatmeal for Babies recipe is made with simple ingredients and can be made really quickly. Making homemade oatmeal cereal is one of the most rewarding and easiest ways to feed your baby. And after doing it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered buying it at the store.

Why Make Oatmeal Cereal for Your Baby

• Nutrient-Rich: As a parent, making sure your baby gets all the essential nutrients is always top of mind. Oatmeal cereal is a great one to start with when transitioning to solid foods because it’s packed with important vitamins and minerals that help support your baby’s growth and development from day one. 
• Easy to Make: When feeding your baby, let’s face it, convenience is key! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making hectic mornings just a little bit easier. With a few minutes in the kitchen, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to go for your little one. 
• Versatile: I love how you can get creative with oatmeal cereal! Whether you mix it with water, breast milk, formula, or add pureed fruits or cinnamon, the possibilities are endless. It’s a blank canvas that allows you to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your baby’s diet white keeping mealtime exciting for them.
• Cost-Effective: Let’s not forget about the budget! Homemade oatmeal cereal for babies is not only nutritious and convenient but also budget-friendly (all you need is oats and water…). Compared to some other baby food options, oatmeal cereal is a smart choice that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a win-win for both your baby’s health and your wallet.

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Ingredients You Need to Make Perfect Baby Oatmeal Cereal

• Old Fashioned Oats: also known as 5 minute oats. You can use steel cut or instant in this recipe as well. More on the different types of oats below!
• Water: You could also use breast milk or formula in place of water if you want some extra nutrients.
• Optional add-ins: cinnamon, pureed fruits, or anything your baby loves

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How to Make Baby Oatmeal – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. To Make the Oatmeal Powder: Place oats in a food processor, pulse for 15 to 30 seconds or until finely ground. Store the oat powder in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer or in a cool dark place for up to 3 months.
2. To Make Oatmeal Cereal: To make 1 serving of baby oatmeal for a 5-9 month old baby,  bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of the ground oats. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, if desired. Whisk continuously for 30 seconds and then occasionally for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture is thick and creamy.

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Tips for Success

• Liquid of Choice: Use breast milk or formula in place of the water if you prefer. You can use cow’s milk if making oatmeal for a 1 year old or older. 
• Start Gradually: Begin with small amounts of oatmeal cereal mixed with water breast milk, or formula. Start with a thin consistency and gradually thicken it as your baby becomes more accustomed to solids.
• Use other grains: You can use other grains like quinoa or brown rice in this recipe if you want. Just puree into a powder the same way.

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Types of Oats

There are three main types of oats, – steel cut, old fashioned or rolled oats, and instant oats. The only difference between these three is how much the oat is processed. 

• Steel Cut Oats: Steel cut oats are the least processed of the three oat varieties and retain most of their nutrients like fiber and protein. With that said, they still have similar amounts of nutrients as rolled oats. Steel cut oats also take longer to cook and are a bit chewier than the other oats. I’d recommend steel cut oats for babies that are around 11 months or older because of this.
• Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are also known as old fashioned oats or 5 minute oats. They’re rolled flat, pre-cooked and dried. Their texture makes them a little more versatile and they also cook faster than steel cut oats. I recommend this type of oats for baby oatmeal if possible. 
• Instant Oats: Instant oats are the most processed of the three and cook very quickly. You can use instant oats for baby cereal, but these oats are much lower in fiber so I’d recommend the other two types of oats over instant for this recipe.

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Storage/Freezing Instructions for Homemade Baby Oatmeal Cereal

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, add hot water to thin out, stir and serve.

To Freeze: Spoon baby oatmeal into freezer cube tray and freeze overnight. Pop cubes out and place in a labeled freezer bag. Baby oatmeal can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits of Eating Oatmeal Cereal for Babies

Oats are a fantastic addition to your little one’s diet, offering not just one, but two types of fiber to keep their digestive system healthy and running smoothly. These grains are also bursting with a powerhouse of essential nutrients! From antioxidants to minerals like manganese, phosphorus, copper, iron, and zinc, as well as vitamin B1, oats have it all. Plus, they’re great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and supporting your baby’s developing cardiovascular health. 

Tip: Store-bought baby oatmeal is typically fortified with iron. If you want to make sure your baby is absorbing the iron in this homemade baby oatmeal cereal, pair it with a source of vitamin C like mashed berries or you could add an infant iron supplement to the finished recipe.

Ways to Flavor Oatmeal Baby Cereal

Add any of these purees to your baby oatmeal cereal to change up the flavor and add more nutrients. With this many baby food combinations you can make the best baby oatmeal every time!

• Applesauce
• Banana Pear Peach Puree
• Sweet Potato Coconut Puree
• Butternut Squash Puree
• White Peach and Pluot Puree
• Mango Apple Carrot Puree
• Kiwi Banana Puree

Next time you’re at the grocery and reach for that container of overpriced oatmeal cereal, remember that you probably already have the one ingredient you need to make it for your baby right in your pantry!