Do you have a baby who is six months old? You don’t know what to start its diet on? No worries, because we created this article for you.
If you have already decided on the range of foods your baby needs and you haven’t placed oatmeal as a part of its diet, you should probably do so; we will tell you why but before we talk about how to make baby oatmeal, let’s know what oatmeal is.
What Is Oatmeal?
For those of you who could be asking, simply put that oatmeal is a porridge type of cereal, where the oats have been dehusked, steamed, flattened, then either milled or steel-cut. So you don’t have to worry about a piece of oat trying to choke your baby.
Oatmeal is nutrient-packed with iron, fiber, and B-vitamins, all of which help your baby’s digestive tract, so you don’t worry about a tummy ache from the child.
Preparing an Oatmeal
Now that we’ve laid out the basics, it’s still not enough to convince you, is it? Then what if we told you that it is one of the simplest things to make on the go. It’s almost like breathing in air, stress-free and straightforward. Your baby gets to enjoy every single bite alongside it, and mind you, it’s not the same oats we eat as adults; the difference between the oats we eat as adults and your baby’s oats is the texture of the oat, and its fine quality.
It has to be fine for it to be cooked evenly and flattened appropriately, while adult oats don’t need to be that fine in detail since our bodies can process every fiber we take in. The texture of your baby’s oat is so detailed that it would be super easy for your baby to swallow, so you don’t need to worry about any of that.
Oatmeal and Indigestion
You may ask: “Does it somehow cause indigestion?” We understand your question, and to be honest, every question counts; you’re not wrong to ask, but to answer your question, we have to go back to the text above.
“It is a detailed well-processed cereal” in other words, it doesn’t cause indigestion; it prevents indigestion. Another reason to place oatmeal on your baby’s diet right now is if you have a six months old baby and if you haven’t before.
You may also ask: “Does it cause constipation?” Again no, it prevents constipation because it’s a fiber food; it helps the intestine perform good bowel movements and helps digestion in general, so your baby is safe on all rounds. For those who have heard about oatmeal cereal, you may ask questions like “Rice cereal or oatmeal cereal? Which one is better for my baby?” Again, we listen to you, and our answer is simple.
Oatmeal is proven to be better food for the child to swallow with no worries of constipation or indigestion affecting the child. Rice cereal, on the other hand, has consequences like constipation, and seeing your baby hurting is something that isn’t a good sight to see. Technically oatmeal is a wise choice.
Preparing Your Baby’s Oatmeal
Now that we have told you the facts, we will share with you how to make baby oatmeal step by step! We’re excited, and sure you are too, given all the facts we have laid bare at your feet.
First, it’s essential to know that you have a good processor. You may ask: “Why?” Well, you want it to be smooth, don’t you? So take a measured amount of the oats suitable for your child and pop that into an excellent processor to finely even all the oats. Use the food processor till you get a smooth, almost like powder with no clumps, lumps, or uneven oats.
Then cook the oats according to your specified type of oat, of which your options are quick oats, old-fashioned oats, or steel-cut oats. Whichever one you choose would have its description on its pack, and whichever one you choose still ends up being good for your baby.
Servings
Cook the oats by adding water and breast milk or baby formula. Cook with no lumps and with low heat to arrive at a creamy consistency, after which the oatmeal has been prepared well enough when it turns golden brown, and when all the liquid will be absorbed completely, leaving it creamy to the touch.
Before serving the meal to your infant, check to see that it has cooled down correctly, but do not allow it to become too cold. If you believe that this should be your baby’s first meal, then it is perfectly acceptable to leave it that way. However, if you want to add some additional nutrients, you can do so by adding a bit of vegetable puree, a bit of melted fruit, or cinnamon for a little spice, but either way, you would be correct.
Conclusion
It’s healthy, it’s easy to digest, and you can make it with breast milk or baby formula, so you don’t have to worry about how the taste would seem to your child; your baby would have the familiar feel of breast milk or baby formula, and that would leave your baby smiling up at you every day as often as you use oatmeal.
The oatmeals are an excellent choice for your baby’s first meal. We have given every fact, and as we’re sure when you saw this, you had questions, but now, you’re convinced! So whip up some well-cooked oatmeal for your baby, and have your mind gladden that your baby would have all the nutrients it needs and still smile every time you serve up oats and as often as you serve it.
Follow through on the guidelines laid out on how to make baby oatmeal and you’ll be fine.
Enjoy your cooking!
