Cereal is a traditional beginner food, but consider skipping rice cereal (which has some safety concerns) in favour of other nutritious grains. Classic oats are quick cooking and comforting, as well as a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals in your baby’s diet. Try swirling in a sweet fruit puree, such as prunes or bananas.
This recipe is intended for babies 6 months and up.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (1 oz/30 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 4 pitted prunes (dried plums)
Preparation
- Place the oats in a food processor and process until finely ground. In a small saucepan, stir together the ground oats and 1 cup (250 ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the oats, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Make sure the texture is right for your baby. To make it thinner, add water, breast milk, or formula. Remove from the heat and set aside. Let cool to a safe temperature.
- In another small saucepan over medium heat, combine the prunes with ¾ cup (180 ml) water. Simmer until the prunes are very tender, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Puree the prunes in the pan with an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth, adding another splash of water if the mixture seems too thick.
- When ready to serve, spoon some oatmeal into your baby’s bowl and swirl in a few spoonfuls of the pureed prunes.
- Refrigerate the oatmeal and pureed prunes in airtight containers for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. (Storage tip: Spoon into ice-cube trays for single servings that are easy to thaw.)
- Makes about ¾ cup (180 ml) oats; about ¼ cup (60 ml) prunes