Are you wondering whether oats can be given to kids or not? Are you confused about the right time to introduce oats to your little one’s diet?Well, many of us perceive oats as a great diet food and cholesterol cutting food option, that helps lose weight. However, very few of us know that oats make for a wholesome, nutritious and filling meal even for kids and are a must-include in their diet. Enriched with the energy giving goodness of carbohydrates, muscle building proteins, and digestion enhancing fibers, oats offer well balanced nutrition to your child. Here are some benefits of providing oatmeal to your kids:

• Oats are whole grains that are gluten free and are low in cholesterol and sodium.
• Oats are reliable sources of calcium that helps is building stronger bones in children.
• They are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• Oats are easy to cook and also serve as a great breakfast option to keep your child fuller for a longer time.
• Oats prevent the risk of asthma in children.
• The dietary fiber present in oats improves gut functioning and prevents constipation.
• Oatmeal can suit any age group of children.

Oats can be introduced in your child right from the start, when you are introducing solid foods, i.e after your little one is six months old. Here are seven quick oatmeal recipes that can be made at home as delightful and filling treats for children. You might also like: 21 Weight Gain Foods for Babies

#1. Oatmeal Chia Bites

These make for great tiffin time accompaniments and are filling snacks for your toddlers. These bite size delights are super nutritious and versatile to team with any fruity combination. Ingredients

• Regular oatmeal 1 cup
• Chia seeds 1 tbsp
• Milk 1-2 tbsp
• Fresh fruit of your choice

Method

• Stir the above ingredients and put it into a silicone mold.
• Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
• Top it with slices of fresh fruit.
• This can be served chilled or at room temperature.

#2. Apple Oats Porridge

This recipe makes a filling breakfast or pre-school meal for your little one. It is also a wonderful first food for your baby. Ingredients

• Powdered oats ¼ cup
• Water 1 cup
• Clarified butter (ghee) ¼ tsp
• Medium sized apple (peeled) 1 nos.
• Almond powder ¼ tsp

Method

• Add the oats and almond powder into water and boils until it softens.
• Add the sliced or pureed apple and add it into the porridge as it thickens.
• Add the clarified butter and sweetener (if needed).
• Stir well and serve as the porridge cools down to room temperature.

#3. Banana Oatmeal Scramble

If your little one loves some variety, this delightful scramble will easily become his favorite. It is a good post-playtime snack that is filling and energizing at the same time. Ingredients

• Cooked oatmeal - 1 cup
• Banana - ¼ cup
• Olive oil - 1 tsp
• Egg yolks - 2 nos.

Method

• Whisk the egg yolks and keep them aside.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
• Once heated, add the oatmeal, sliced banana and the egg yolk to the pan and fry until the eggs are cooked.
• Scramble this mixture and serve it as desired.

Also read- 10 Food Recipes for 1 to 2 years old kids

#4. Oatmeal Banana Pancakes

Who doesn’t love pancakes. This recipe is a nutritious and healthy take on pancakes and is very good for babies (12 months and above) as well. Ingredients

• Bananas - 2 nos.
• Eggs - 2 nos.
• Rolled oats - ½ cup
• Pinch of salt
• Choice of fresh fruit (mashed or finely chopped)

Method

• Blend the bananas, eggs, oats, and salt in a blender until it is smooth (as per your wish)
• Allow this mixture to settle down for 10-20 minutes until it gets slightly thick.
• Heat a nonstick pan on medium flame and fry spoonful of this batter till it turns golden brown on both sides.
• Top these pancakes with the fresh fruit of choice.

#5. Oatmeal Cookies

Perfect for school or picnic lunch box, these munchable homemade delights also make a great snack when your little one is teething. However, as it contains eggs, avoid giving to a baby below 12 months old. Ingredients

• Cooked oatmeal - ½ cup
• Almond flour - 1 cup
• Eggs - 2 nos.
• Cinnamon powder - 1 tsp
• Maple Syrup 1-2 tbsp

Method

• Mix the above ingredients well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees, place the batter onto a baking plate and flatten it as desired.
• Bake it for 16-18 minutes until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
• Serve them at room temperature or chilled.

#6. Vegetable and Oats Soup

This is a very satisfying and relaxing soupy recipe that your child will take to immediately. It also makes a nourishing introductory food for your baby (minus the salt and pepper ofcourse!). Also Read: 21 Iron Rich Foods Recipes For Babies and Toddlers Ingredients

• Cooking oil 1 tbsp
• Cabbage ¼ cup
• Carrots ¼ cup
• Oats ¼ cup
• Vegetable stalk 1 cup
• Salt and pepper as desired
• Mint leaves for taste

Method

• Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
• Sauté the cabbage and carrot until they turn golden in color.
• Add the oats and sauté again.
• Add the salt and pepper as per the taste desired.
• Top it with mint leaves for a refreshing taste.

#7. Oats And Berry Smoothie

Make a healthy smoothie for you little one to enjoy after playtime. This makes for a fulfilling evening or noon time drink. Ingredients

• Oats ¼ cup
• Apple juice 2 tbsp
• Fresh blueberry ¼ cup (you may use any berry of your choice)

Method

• Powder the oats in a blender.
• Pour the apple juice and add the berries to the powdered oats and blend them together.
• Pour the mixture into a cup or bowl and serve it chilled.

Also Read: 21 Iron Rich Foods for babies and toddlers

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