How to Make Baby Oatmeal

Did you know a bowl of baby oatmeal can be so much more than plain cereal? With a few easy tweaks, you can turn it into a nutrient-packed meal that supports your baby’s growth and helps them explore new flavors.

Oatmeal for Babies

If you’re new here, hi! I’m Min, a pediatric dietitian and mom of two, and I remember those early days of wondering what on earth to feed my babies. One of the foods I always come back to, both in my work and at home, is oatmeal. It’s easy, gentle on little tummies, and honestly such a blank canvas.

You can stir in fruit, veggies, healthy fats, or a little protein to make it a meal that’s as nourishing as it is simple!

So many families have tried this baby oatmeal too, and I love hearing your feedback.

Made this morning for my 2 year old and 10 month old baby and they loved it. I will admit I was worried about adding egg for fear of it turning it into scrambled eggs but it didn’t. I feel like the oatmeal was nice and creamy with it. Definitely be adding it in from now on.. hopefully I remember lol. Love your recipes!!

My little boy (9 months old) LOVED this oatmeal. He couldn’t stop eating it! I added flax instead of chia and mashed sweet potato. Definitely making this again 🙂

When can babies eat oatmeal?

This nutritious whole grain can be offered to babies 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 what signs to look for, be sure to grab my FREE handout by clicking below.

Which Type of Oats are Best for Babies?

Baby oat cereal is simply ground oats, and the best part is you can make it right at home with the oats you already have in your pantry. You also don’t have to stick to just baby cereal or perfectly smooth purees, unless that feels most comfortable for you.

For babies around 6–8 months, quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Steel cut oats, on the other hand, have a much chewier texture, so they’re better saved for when your little one is a bit older (around 10 months and up). Here’s how to cook steel cut oats!

Ingredients You Need

• Oats – I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats as they’re the most versatile and have the perfect texture, not too mushy or firm.
• Milk – can use breastmilk, formula, cow’s milk, or non-dairy alternatives. While milk shouldn’t be given as a drink until around 12 months of age, it is fine to add to recipes. Dairy is one of the top most common allergens, so take caution when introducing it for the very first time. Here’s a super in-depth post covering the best milk for babies after 1.
• Chia seeds – rich in omega-3 fats for brain development, plus fiber for healthy digestion. You should also try this chia seed pudding for babies.
• Egg (optional but highly recommended!) – It not only makes the oatmeal creamy and fluffy, it will also provide your baby with iron and protein! If using, be sure to whisk it really well before mixing it in with other ingredients.
• Optional Toppings/Add-ins:
  • Vegetables – feel free to add in whatever you have on hand!
  • Peanut butter or nut/seed butter if there’s an allergy
  • Fruits – mashed banana, fruit puree, unsweetened applesauce, etc.
• Spices – Such an easy way to expose your baby to more flavor!!

How to Cook Oatmeal for babies

Quick Oats – 6+ Months

1. Heat 1 cup of milk on the stove and once it simmers, add 1/2 cup of oats. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Optional: Add in whisked egg, stirring vigorously, until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Otherwise it will cook unevenly and you’ll end up with scrambled eggs. Not the end of the world, but just something to be aware of.
3. Add in the extra ingredients (I’ve included suggestions below but feel free to add whatever you wish! Pictured: sweet potatoes). Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for another 3 minutes or so until fluffy. Thin out with additional liquid as needed.

Rolled Oats – 6+ Months

1. Heat 1 cup of milk on the stove and once it simmers, pour in 1/2 cup of oats. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Optional: Add in whisked egg, stirring vigorously, until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Add in the extra ingredients. Thin out with additional liquid as needed.

Steel Cut Oats – 10+ Months

1. Heat 1 1/2 cup of milk on the stove and once it simmers, pour in 1/2 cup of oats.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to scrap the bottom to prevent the oats from sticking.
3. Optional: Add in whisked egg, stirring vigorously, until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Add in the extra ingredients. Thin out with additional liquid as needed.

You can also try overnight steel cut oats.

Cooking oatmeal with breastmilk

Heat does affect the quality and nutrient profile of breast milk. Research shows that it can break down various enzymes that aid in digestion and boost the immune system.

However, breast milk sill provides incredible nutritional value. So if you have extra milk, you can certainly use it to cook with. But if you’re able to stir it into food once it’s cooked and cooled, it’s even better.

4 Baby Oatmeal Recipes To Get you Started

1. Sweet Potato

You can use any variety of sweet potatoes – jewel, garnet, Japanese sweet potatoes, etc. My son’s favorite food when he was a baby was purple sweet potatoes so they definitely have a special place in my heart. Compared to the orange ones, they are starchier and not as sweet.

I highly recommend you to give them a try! Isn’t the color so gorgeous?! Simply cook and mash with a fork before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

You can also use butternut squash or try this easy pumpkin oatmeal!

2. Zucchini and bell pepper

Feel free to use whatever vegetables you’ve got on hand. Finely chopped cooked veggies or grated raw ones both work great.

3. Tahini broccoli

Broccoli + lemon + tahini. Remember this combination!! SOO good! Here’s How to cook broccoli PERFECTLY for baby

4. Beetroot curry

Beets + spinach + ricotta + curry powder + coconut milk. Yup. It’s as good as it sounds! Here’s how to serve beets to baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Baby-friendly Oat Recipes

3 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes

Creamy Overnight Blended Oats

No Bake Oatmeal Balls (with Peanut Butter)

Soft Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

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!