These banana overnight oats are a perfect make ahead breakfast or snack option for babies, kids, and adults alike! Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week with all kinds of toppings.
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What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are basically no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking the oats, simply soak them with milk of choice (and/or yogurt) and let them sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight - hence the name.
Texturally, it is denser and creamier than the stove-top oats with a porridge or pudding like consistency.
If you are new to making overnight oatmeal, be sure to check out my super in-depth Overnight Oats or Quinoa Post!
And if you like this make ahead breakfast, give overnight Weetabix a try too.
Overnight oats for baby
You can enjoy this recipe with your baby as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It's important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.
If you're unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!
This is seriously a wonderful breakfast idea for your baby because it allows you to:
- introduce flavor and texture to babies regardless of which feeding method you chose.
- make every bite count when not much is being eaten - especially during the first weeks of starting solids or during an illness.
- incorporate a variety of foods into their meal/snack with ease. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavor combinations and toppings. I'm sharing 6 here but you really can add whatever you fancy!
- offer choking hazards (e.g. nuts, dried fruits) in a safe way, as they will soften up along with the rest of the ingredients. Just be sure to ground or finely chop them before adding.
- offer key nutrients that are particularly important during the first years of life - iron, zinc, omega-3, healthy fats, calcium, and vitamin D, etc.
- introduce the top allergens early and often.
- practice eating with a spoon. Because the texture is pretty thick, it will make it easier to scoop.
Also check out: Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Babies
Ingredients
- Oats - rolled oats will work best but if you want a smooth creamy texture then you can use quick oats. You can also use steel cut oats but the process will be slightly different.
- Ripe Banana
- Yogurt - will make the overnight oats even creamier and adds a boost of protein and fat.
- Chia seeds - You can leave them out if you wish, but I highly recommend that you give them a try first. They will give the oats a pudding-like texture while boosting nutrition. They’re a great source of iron and fat, which are essential nutrients for babies and toddlers.
- Milk - use full-fat cow milk or any dairy-free alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash the banana in a container. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Tips for Success
- You can half the recipe if you want just one serving or double the recipe to enjoy for several days.
- After stirring in a container, you can portion into smaller containers or just store the entire mixture.
- Give it a good stir once you take it out of the fridge.
- Add the toppings right before eating - Otherwise, they will become soft and mushy. This may be good, however, if serving to your baby (see below).
Topping Suggestions
This recipe is very basic and that's on purpose! Make a large batch and you can easily incorporate more variety and nutrition throughout the week simply by switching up the toppings.
- Finely chopped or ground nuts and seeds
- Peanut or nut butter
- Grated carrots
- Mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Fruits - like strawberries, mangoes
- Granola - (try this homemade no added sugar granola)
Serving Suggestions
For babies
If you have been doing purees, overnight oats are a great way to introduce your baby to texture. If you are feeling really anxious, you can first try it with quick oats instead of rolled oats, which will give you a smoother texture.
You can also add any hard to eat toppings, like crispy fruits and raw vegetables (e.g. grated carrots), along with the rest of the ingredients so they soften.
This spoon is perfect for tiny hands. Preload and place on the bowl or hand to your baby. And if your baby would rather eat with their hands (which is most likely), let them!
Messy eating is an important part of learning to self feed.
For toddlers
They love to have a sense of control and independence! So provide options and allow them to choose what toppings they want in their overnight oats.
Is your toddler becoming picky?
Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
Frequently Asked Questions
I personally like to portion them out before refrigerating so I can easily grab for breakfast or snack.
I suggest storing in small containers or mason jars (with these reusable lids)  for toddlers.
For babies, I recommend these jars. They’re so versatile and because you can stack them they don't take up too much space in the fridge.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
While these are meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, if you're craving something warm, then either:
Microwave for 45-60 seconds or transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
More EASY breakfast ideas
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- â…” cup (60g) rolled oats
- â…” cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup Yogurt
- 1 banana, mashed
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- Optional: cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a container and stir well. You can portion into smaller containers or just store the entire mixture.Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and give it a good stir. You can add a bit more milk if it's too thick for your liking. Top with whatever toppings you wish!
Jerlyn says
My 9 month old ate it this morning and loves it. If i use formula for milk, is it only good for a day? Or can i freeze the rest?
Min says
I'm so glad! Yes you'll want to freeze after a day
Eleine says
can I use freshly breastmilk or formula instead?
Min says
You can!
Liz says
Can you use milled chia seeds?
Min says
You can!
Tammy says
Hi Min,
I want to make this for my son but just to clarify - my son is 8 months. I can make this recipe with cows milk for him?
Min says
Hi! You can! Milk is ok to add to recipes. You just don't want to offer it as a drink!
Abby says
Such a quick and easy way to get breakfast on the table! My 2 year loves it!
Tiffany says
Sooo easy and my 9 month old twins LOVED it!
Min says
I'm so glad!!
Catalina says
So easy and so delicious!
HM says
Hi,
Do you need to cook the oats for toddlers or just use them straight out of the box for this recipe?
Min says
No need! That's the beauty of this recipe ;). Hope you enjoy!
Carolina says
Just made this last night and served to my 2 picky eaters this morning. They ate it without complaints! It’s tasty as is, but obvi you can add whatever toppings, which I did—raisins! I did this to entice them, but I don’t even think I had to lol! Thanks MJ 🙂
Min says
Haha the things we do for our little ones ;). Thanks for sharing! So glad you guys enjoyed this and the hulk pancakes!
Kisayne says
These have become a staple in my fridge/freezer. It's a great way to use up extra breastmilk, old Bananas and still load on the nutrition. My 7 month old son loves them
Min says
Truly is such an easy and nutritious option! So glad he loves it so much!
A says
Thoughts on adding fresh or frozen fruit? Should I do it overnight or in the morning? Thank you!
Min says
Hi! I would add it right before serving as it will get soft, which may not be a bad thing if you are serving crunchy or not fully ripe and soft fruits, like apples, to your baby
Winnie says
Can I use baby oatmeal or instant oats instead?
Thank you.
Min says
Sure! Will be softer which may not necessarily be a bad thing
Anne Christopher says
Huge hit with my 1yo!! He ate the whole portion by himself and didn’t even care about his strawberries which are otherwise his favourite! Definitely making it again soon!
Min says
Aww makes me so incredibly happy to hear! Don't you love how easy it is to whip up too? 😉
Evelyn says
I use the base overnight oats recipe weekly with our kids. It is a favourite for everyone, even the parents.
Min says
So glad to hear! Thanks for sharing! This really is a super versatile recipe, isn't it?