Baby porridge is essentially regular porridge made with finer grains and a softer consistency, often with added iron and nutrients, making it easier for infants to digest and swallow; while regular porridge (like old-fashioned oats) has a coarser texture and can be too chewy, baby versions are milled or instant for smoothness, or can be easily made by blitzing regular oats at home, with parents often choosing plain versions to avoid added sugars and salts found in flavored adult varieties, as shown in these results from Rafferty's Garden and lebebeplus.com.au.
Porridge oats can be introduced to your baby when you start them on solid foods around six months old.
What's the difference between baby porridge and normal porridge? 🥣 While both are made with real oats, regular porridge often comes with a thicker and coarser texture that can be more difficult for babies to manage. Baby porridge is made with a smoother consistency to help make it more appealing to your little one.
So many people ask me what type of oats are OK to serve to babies, and the answer to that is ANY! You don't HAVE to buy baby porridge, and it's totally fine to buy the oats you use for yourself and your family.
Benefits of Oats porridge for your baby High in nutrients and fiber Prevents constipation Easy to digest Has a low risk of causing an allergic reaction To sweeten the porridge you could add in a mashed banana. For babies above 1 year, honey /date syrup can be used.
“Children aged 1 year and above can eat adult foods and partake in family meals. So do not serve porridge at every meal. Even with changes in the ingredients added, the porridge will still be similar in look and taste.
Baby oats are similar to regular oats but specialized for babies for their small flake, fine texture, easily chewable qualities. Babies are introduced to solid food through healthy and soft food such as baby oats.
Traditionally, starches like cereals and soft porridge (e.g. rice porridge or maize porridge) are preferred. While these are good options, you can also try other foods like puréed sweet potato, butternut, carrots, apples, pears, pawpaw, and peaches.
If you wean your baby before they're six months old, avoid the following, as they can cause an allergic reaction or contain harmful bacteria:
Pick a time that suits you both, when you do not feel rushed and your baby is not too tired. Start offering them food before their usual milk feed as they might not be interested if they're full, but do not wait until your baby is too hungry.
One line of reasoning used to argue oats aren't healthy is that eating them can lead to spikes in blood sugar (glucose). This seems to be linked to the rising use of glucose monitors by people who don't have diabetes.
100% porridge oats are a great breakfast option for babies as they don't contain added sugar or salt. Weetabix contains a little salt but has the benefit of being fortified with lots of nutrients. Ultimately keep it varied in what you offer! Think porridge, pancakes and toast too!
There are a number of Quaker Oatmeal varieties that are appropriate for children 12 months and older. However, as always, you should check with your doctor before introducing your child to new foods.
Do not give your baby:
Breakfast ideas for babies and young children
CERELAC® Wheat with Milk is a nutritious, fortified wheat based Cereal with milk powder. Our cereal for babies and toddlers is ideal as a weaning food from their very first spoon all the way through the weaning journey, making it suitable for children from 6 to 36 months of age.
Other Supplementary Baby Foods
It's important not to introduce solid foods, like cereal or others, to your baby before they're ready. Introducing your baby to cereal too early is linked to obesity later on in their life. There is also a higher risk of allergy activation, especially with cereals that contain gluten.
Hipp Organic Creamy Porridge has been a wonderful addition to my baby's breakfast routine. It's smooth, gentle on his tummy, and made with high-quality organic ingredients that give me peace of mind. My little one absolutely loves the taste and finishes every spoonful, making mornings so much easier and happier!
SIDS is less common after 8 months of age, but parents and caregivers should continue to follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death until baby's first birthday. More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age.
The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage.
Hold your baby until they're in a deeper sleep. Babies start in 'active sleep' (with faster, uneven breathing) and move into a deeper sleep after about 20 minutes. That's a good time to transfer them into their sleeping place. Many babies don't like being put down into a cot.