Oats For Babies: Health & Benefits

Oats are considered suitable for babies as they are rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber. They are a good source of energy and aid digestion. They are easy to digest and lighter in comparison to rice. Oats are one of those foods that are least allergic to babies and children. However, it is always good to consult your doctor before starting oats for your baby to rule out any adverse reactions.

When to start giving Oats to a baby?

Start with a simple oat recipe like oats porridge. You can start giving oats to your baby after the age of 7 months but it preferred starting baby turns 1 year or 2 years to prevent fullness of stomach and gas/bloating. Once you see that your child is comfortable with oats porridge, start adding flavors by adding fruits and veggies. However, ensure you add only one veggie/fruit at a time to gauge his likes and dislikes, and to check for allergies, too.

Health Benefits of Oats to Babies

Oats are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for babies’ overall growth and development. Here are some of the benefits:

• Bone Development and Neurological Functioning

Oats contain minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, essential for developing bone and the neurological system.

• Enable Healthy Growth

The consumption of oats supports the healthy growth of the body. It has vital nutrients like folate and vitamins that promote healthy development.

• Provides Energy

Scientifically speaking, every 100g of oatmeal provides 400 kcal of energy to a baby. This energy is vital for the development of the baby.

• Eases Digestion

Oats are rich in fiber and good for proper bowel movement. Oats aid digestion without putting any strain on the digestive system of your baby.

Things to Remember While Feeding Oats to Your Baby

Before introducing oats to your baby, ensure a few things to get the most benefits of this food item.

• Only start solids after six months of regular breastfeeding to avoid any adverse reactions to the food. Though it is hypo allergic but due to its high fibre it’s preferred starting age is post 1 year ideally.

• Select the right kind of oats that are semi-processed or steel-cut.

• Boil the oats properly for about 20 to 30 minutes or a little longer till they are soft enough for the baby to digest them easily.

• Give your baby plain cooked oats the first time to check for any allergic reaction. If you see no allergic reaction, you may give your child oats pudding by adding fruits to it. However, if there is any reaction, consult the doctor immediately.

#childhealth #childnutrition