When your baby touches the mark of six months and is ready to wean, you could be surrounded by questions like
- What to feed your baby?
- What has all the required nutrients?
- What food would contribute to the baby’s overall growth and development?
- Would it suit the baby?
And the list goes on. Well, the answer to all these questions is Oatmeal. It is packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, proteins and antioxidants. According to a study, it is the only cereal that least number of children are allergic to.
To start off, you can opt to steel-cut oats as they’re least processed and contain the same nutritional value as a whole grain. Boil them with finely chopped vegetables or fruits and milk. Ensure that it turns a puree so that the baby can easily swallow it.
Here are 5 amazing benefits of including oatmeal to your little one’s diet-
Eases constipation: Babies may experience constipation when you introduce them to new foods. But oatmeal is rich in fibre which aids in smooth bowel movement. It also adds bulk to the stool and acts as a natural laxative, thus, preventing constipation.
High in nutrition: Oatmeal contains mineral like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, folate, vitamin B1 & B5 which contribute to healthy teeth, bones, nails, brain and muscles of the baby. It is gluten-free and has the same vitamins and minerals as essential grains.
Boosts immunity: Oats contain a high amount of protein and other healthy ingredients that boost immunity and improve the appearance of skin and hair. They are rich in beta-glucans that stimulates the production of immune cells.
Reduces inflammation Oats have a healthy amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals. A compound called avenanthramides present in oats reduces inflammation caused due to infections or wounds.
Provides energy: Cooked oatmeal breaks down to become energy that is slowly absorbed by the baby’s body. 100g of oatmeal provides 400 kcal of energy to the babies. This energy aids in the overall development of your baby.
These were the few reasons for feeding Oatmeal to babies. Nevertheless, remember to introduce new foods gradually to the baby and consult a paediatrician before the start of the weaning process.