How to cook oatmeal for babies: recipes with water and milk for children of different ages

In order for a baby to grow healthy and strong, he must receive the full range of nutrients he needs along with food. In the first 5-6 months of life, such beneficial substances are supplied to the baby through breast milk or formula. And after the first six months of life, the need to eat other, adult food increases. Vegetable purees or porridges are the first to be introduced into the baby's complementary foods. But there is one famous dish - oatmeal broth for babies. This drink is used both as a source of nutrients for supplementary feeding and as a medicinal product. Previously, it was believed that if a baby does not get enough breast milk, then he should definitely be supplemented with a decoction of rolled oats almost from the first or second month of life. However, now in such a situation, experts recommend trying to increase lactation, and not rush to introduce this and other decoctions into the baby’s diet. Why? The answer is in this article.

Oats are the healthiest grain. But in its original form, it requires long-term heat treatment, which is why manufacturers steam and flatten the purified grains. After undergoing this processing, oats turn into the familiar oat flakes. Cooking oats in this form is much faster - 5-10 minutes.

Which milk porridge is the best?

Despite the fact that many manufacturers recommend introducing gluten-free milk cereals starting at 4 months, do not rush to buy them and give them to your child in accordance with the recommended age. Remember that the first complementary feeding begins with hypoallergenic dairy-free porridge prepared with the formula that the child receives or with breast milk.
The most preferable option for packaged baby food is products with the addition of partially adapted milk formula or demineralized whey, since in this case adaptation occurs in both the fat and protein components of the milk.
It is not recommended to give milk porridges with fruit fillings to a child until complementary feeding from this type of fruit in its pure form (puree or juice) has been introduced. Recommendations for introducing fruits depending on the child’s age can be found in the table below.
For a formula-fed baby, choose a product from the same manufacturer as the formula the baby is receiving.
Milk porridge must be freshly prepared, which will prevent the proliferation of harmful microflora in it.

Timing of fruit introduction depending on the child’s age

How and when to give oatmeal to your child?

There is a lot of discussion about at what age a newborn can try oatmeal. We would like to remind you that gluten-containing cereals (semolina, oatmeal, wheat) are introduced into complementary foods for a child no earlier than 7 months. Oatmeal broth also contains gluten, so we do not recommend it for early introduction into the baby’s diet, especially if the baby suffers from allergies.

The ideal age for the first try of oatmeal broth is 7-8 months of age. Even if a child under 6 months has constipation, oatmeal broth should not act as remedy number 1. On the modern market there are many different remedies for safely combating constipation in infants. If you have problems with stool, as well as underweight and lack of milk, first of all, you need to contact your pediatrician. If you give a rolled oats drink too early, you must get the approval of your pediatrician, otherwise you risk the health of your baby!

The decoction should be introduced into complementary feeding for an infant in the same way as other products - to a completely healthy child, in the interval between vaccinations, in the first half of the day, starting with 0.5 teaspoon, observing the body's reaction throughout the day. If this is not available, gradually increase the daily dose to approximately 50 ml per feeding. It is better to find out the maximum volume from your pediatrician, because... Each child has individual characteristics.

Please note that it is advisable to give oatmeal decoction to the baby as complementary foods no more than once a day, 2-3 times a week, alternating with complementary foods from other products. And as a supplement, oatmeal broth should be given to infants only on the recommendation of a doctor!

Which porridge should I choose?

Surprising as it may seem to many parents who advocate for the most healthy and proper nutrition, in the first year of a child’s life, pediatricians recommend using commercially produced cereals to feed children. “Factory” cereals are better processed and sterilized. They are enriched, taking into account the age-related needs of children, with a wide range of vitamins and mineral salts, including iron and calcium. They do not contain preservatives, artificial colors, stabilizers or chemical additives. Another plus is that you can introduce grains that are difficult to digest at home, such as barley, corn, and rye, into your child’s diet.

Most of the baby cereals used in our country are products of foreign companies. Domestic products, unfortunately, are not so well presented, although their nutritional and biological value is not inferior to their foreign counterparts, but, unfortunately, requires cooking. Most modern porridges from foreign companies are foreign prepared, that is, they do not require cooking. They can be divided into 2 groups - dairy and non-dairy. To prepare the first, you only need water. There is no need to add salt, sugar, butter, and especially milk. Only for special indications and on the advice of a doctor, children with decreased appetite and difficulty gaining weight can add 2-3 g of butter per serving of porridge to improve the taste and increase the energy value of the product.

Dairy-free porridges are reconstituted with specialized milk for baby food. It can also be diluted with water if, for example, the baby does not tolerate milk, but keep in mind that the nutritional value of the product will decrease.

The whole difficulty is that porridges come not only with or without milk, but also with additives. Many companies produce cereals with natural additives. These are fruits, vegetables, honey, hazelnuts and berries, banana, caramel and even chocolate. There are such interesting combinations as buckwheat and quince, buckwheat-apricot, chocolate-nut, banana with honey and rice. Some companies also produce mixed porridges. For example, cereal-vegetable porridge made from rice, wheat, pumpkin, leek, spinach or porridge from 5 grains. These porridges are often healthier and tastier than regular ones, however, when using them, one must remember about the possibility of allergic reactions.

When choosing porridge, be guided by your financial capabilities, your child’s preferences and, of course, the advice of your pediatrician. However, when purchasing, the following nuances should be taken into account: the contents of cereals should be written on their packaging in Russian, so that buyers can find out the amount of all nutrients of the ingredients, and, therefore, evaluate the quality of the product; Manufacturers also indicate the detailed composition of ingredients per 100 g or 1 serving

This detailed information will help you determine how complete and balanced a given product is; When purchasing, pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions. And, of course, you should strictly follow all the cooking rules indicated on the label.

Don’t make porridge by eye. Otherwise, your child will eat “approximately.” Pediatricians recommend buying porridge in specialized baby food stores, pharmacies and clinics. You should not do this through advertisements, on the market or in other places not intended for this. You need to be wary not only of counterfeits, but also of improper storage conditions.

Cook it yourself or buy ready-made porridge?

Today there is an urgent issue about harmful additives that can be found in various products. Cereals are no exception. That is why parents often find themselves faced with a choice: buy special baby food for their baby or prepare meals themselves. Doctors cannot come to a consensus and say that one or another option is definitely correct. Therefore, each mother decides for herself how to organize the baby’s nutrition.

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On store shelves you can see a huge number of cereals from different manufacturers, which are intended for children in their first year of life. They have their advantages:

composition (industrially produced baby food is enriched with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the baby’s body, as well as probiotics and prebiotics that help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract);
ease of preparation (does not require cooking, just dilute with water or milk);
liquid consistency (just what babies who cannot chew need);
quality control.

Photo gallery: oatmeal for first feeding from different baby food manufacturers

Despite the huge selection of baby food, many parents prefer to prepare porridge for babies themselves. The child’s digestive system cannot yet accept food in pieces, so the oatmeal must be chopped before or after cooking. Porridge made independently also has certain advantages:

parents can be sure that the dish does not contain any impurities or harmful substances;
Whole grains contain more vitamins and minerals than processed baby foods;
You can choose different types of oatmeal or flakes.

There are porridges with added fruit and oat flakes of different sizes on sale: large, medium and small. Small ones (for example, “Clear Sun”) are more suitable for feeding a baby.

Table: types of oatmeal

Type of oatmeal	Treatment	Characteristic	Calorie content in uncooked form per 100 g	Is it suitable for breastfeeding?
Uncrushed	oat grains from which the hull has been removed	contains a lot of gluten and little starch	303 kcal	This type of cereal contains the most nutrients and vitamins, however, it needs to be cooked for about two hours, which is not very convenient. More often used for preparing dishes for older children.
Flattened	grains that have undergone mechanical processing twice	high in vitamins and minerals, but less fiber compared to whole oats	340 kcal	Cooking takes 40 minutes, and the vitamin content does not decrease during heat treatment. Suitable for babies.
Cereals "Hercules"	thick flakes of refined grains	contains a lot of fiber, suitable for children who have digestive problems	352 kcal	They do not contain as many useful substances as cereals, but they are prepared in no more than 20 minutes. Can be given to infants.
Cereals "Extra"	prepared from whole and crushed cereals	there are three types: large; average; small.	386 kcal	Only small flakes are suitable for babies. After 15 minutes of cooking, the oatmeal will be ready, and the dish will turn out tender and airy. Suitable for babies.
Oatmeal	flour from grains that have previously been steamed, dried, fried, cleaned and ground	retains a large amount of B vitamins, amino acids, iron	369 kcal	Oatmeal cooks quickly: you need to pour boiling water over it and wait 2-3 minutes. Useful for children who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.

Which porridge will bring more benefits to a child under one year old?

Pediatricians recommend giving preference to instant oat products. Finely ground Hercules and Extra flakes are best. However, Hercules contains more vitamins and microelements.

How to choose the right cereal

When buying cereal, you must adhere to the basic rules:

a quality product has a yellowish-cream color and a slight oatmeal smell;
the packaging must be sealed with the correct expiration date;
High-quality porridge does not contain food additives.

After purchasing, oatmeal should be stored in a cool and dry place at a temperature of about 10 degrees (it loses nutrients in heat). It is best to pour the cereal into a container, close it tightly and put it in the refrigerator.

For babies who do not yet know how to chew solid food, finely ground flakes are more suitable

Benefits and composition

From porridge, the child receives vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, as well as dietary fiber, vitamin compounds, various trace elements and minerals. All these substances are important for the normal growth of babies.

Rice porridge is rich in calcium, potassium, various vitamins, amino acids, lecithin and zinc. It is considered easily digestible and hypoallergenic, characterized by a pleasant taste and consistency.
Buckwheat contains a lot of iron and vegetable proteins, so this cereal is recommended for nutrition with low hemoglobin and insufficient body weight. Most children like buckwheat porridge, it rarely provokes allergies, and is rich in magnesium, copper, calcium, vitamins B1, PP and others.
Corn porridge contains a lot of vitamin A, calcium, selenium, amino acids, iron, and dietary fiber. Its use reduces bloating and prevents fermentation processes. The polyunsaturated fats present in corn grits have a positive effect on the development of the nervous system.
Millet porridge is rich in magnesium, B vitamins, manganese, iron, silicon, fluorine and copper. This dish is good for the cardiovascular system and liver.
Oatmeal contains a lot of vegetable proteins, unsaturated fats, mineral salts, and B vitamins. This porridge is a healthy source of fiber.
From barley and pearl barley, the child will receive potassium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamins, essential amino acids, choline, calcium and other substances. Such porridges are nutritious, relieve constipation, stimulate digestion and increase the body's defenses. But due to difficult digestion, they are not recommended to be given before 1.5-2 years.
Semolina has a lot of starch and protein, but less dietary fiber and vitamin compounds than other cereals, so it is usually offered from 1 year of age. However, semolina porridge is perfectly digestible and provides energy, so it is recommended for low birth weight children. A wonderful alternative to semolina is couscous porridge. It is quickly digested and is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.

About the beneficial properties of oatmeal

Oatmeal is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which are vital for a baby's growing body. In this regard, porridge is usually eaten in the morning to get a supply of energy for the whole day. In addition to this, cereals also contain a lot of valuable components:

magnesium and potassium - necessary for the full functioning of the heart muscle, the activity of the nervous and respiratory systems;
phosphorus and calcium are indispensable for the normal development of the baby’s musculoskeletal system;
iodine – plays a vital role in the course of metabolic processes;
iron – necessary to maintain normal blood composition;
B vitamins – participate in digestion processes and have a positive effect on children’s skin;
fiber – regulates intestinal motility;
antioxidants – increase the body’s immune strength, protect it from negative external factors;
amino acids – promote the removal of toxins, tissue regeneration, and are responsible for the full functioning of the endocrine system;
inositol – participates in hematopoietic processes.