Benefits of oats for infants and protecting them from diseases

Many mothers wonder about the right time to introduce oats into their children's daily diet, for fear of introducing it at an early stage that may negatively affect their health. In this report, we will review the appropriate age to introduce oats to infants and its benefits, according to the Dalili Medical website.

The nutritional value of one cup (156 grams) of oats cooked with water contains the following:

- Calories: 145 calories.

- Fat: 2.5 grams (of which 0.5 grams are saturated fat).

- Sodium: 6 milligrams.

- Carbohydrates: 27 grams.

- Fiber: 4 grams.

- Sugars: 1 gram.

- Proteins: 6 grams.

**Benefits of oats for children**

Oats contain many essential minerals and vitamins, including:

- Calcium: 26 milligrams.

- Iron: 1.7 milligrams.

- Magnesium: 96 milligrams.

- Phosphorus: 180 milligrams.

- Potassium: 146 mg.

- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.4 mg.

- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.1 mg.

- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.5 mg.

- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.1 mg.

- Vitamin E: 0.5 mg.

**Can oats be given to infants at 4 months of age?**

At this stage, the baby may not need any other foods other than breast milk, as it contains all the nutrients necessary for his growth.

**Does oats increase the weight of the infant?**

Oats contain many essential nutrients that support the growth of the infant. It is preferable to provide 3 to 9 tablespoons of oatmeal daily, divided into two meals. It is important to consult a pediatrician to determine the appropriate amount, especially if the infant is overweight, as the needs of each child are different.

**Is it permissible to give oats to infants in the fourth month?**

Oats can be given to infants when they reach 4 to 6 months, when signs of the child's readiness to eat solid foods appear. It is usually recommended to mix a tablespoon of oats with 4 tablespoons of breast milk (either natural or artificial). It is preferable to feed the child while sitting in his seat at the dining table using a teaspoon, at a rate of 1 to 2 times a day, after breastfeeding.

**What is the permissible amount of oats for an infant?**

Infants at the age of 4 to 6 months can eat between 1 to 4 tablespoons of oats, at a rate of 1 to 2 times a day.

Is oats good for infants?

Yes, oats are considered one of the beneficial foods for infants, as they contain a group of essential nutrients such as proteins, healthy starches, and healthy fats, in addition to being rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Oats can be considered one of the best options to add to the infant's diet at the age of 4 to 6 months, due to its thick texture that helps coat the lining of the stomach and intestines, which enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria and helps them obtain the necessary nutrients, which improves the digestion process and supports the health of the digestive system.

When should oats be introduced to infants?

Introducing oats to the infant's diet is an important step in diversifying his food, and it is usually introduced when the infant reaches the age of 4 to 6 months. At this stage, the infant's digestive system is able to handle solid foods.

The best types of oats for babies

1. **Whole Oats**: It is considered the least processed type of oats, and it takes longer to cook and has a rubbery texture.

2. **Steel-Cut Oats**: Also known as Irish or Scottish oats, it is whole oats that have been cut into smaller pieces, and is characterized by its slightly rubbery texture.

3. **Rolled Oats**: This type is steamed and then pressed into flat flakes. It cooks faster than steel cut oats and has a softer texture.

4. **Quick or Instant Oats**: This type is pre-cooked, dried, and then gently rolled to be faster cooking, but may be less nutritious due to the additional processing.

**Benefits of Oats for Infants**

**Developing Bone Growth**  The benefits of oats for infants appear in promoting bone growth, as calcium and phosphorus contribute to maintaining a strong bone structure. Oats also contain magnesium, which plays an important role in the development of teeth and bones in infants.

**Stimulating the Growth Process** Oats help stimulate infant growth thanks to their content of a group of vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin K, and vitamin E, in addition to folic acid, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin. Magnesium in oats also provides energy to infants, as 100 grams of oats contain about 400 calories, which supports their growth stages.

**Fighting free radicals** The benefits of oats are evident in their antioxidant content that fights free radicals, making them an ideal choice for infant meals.

**Promoting digestive health** The dietary fiber in oats contributes to improving bowel movements, which enhances the digestive process in general without straining the digestive system, which is still developing in infants.

**Reducing constipation** Oats are effective in treating common cases of constipation among infants, thanks to their dietary fiber content. Doctors recommend giving oats to infants suffering from constipation as a treatment to relieve symptoms.

**Preventing gluten sensitivity** Oats are a good option for infants suffering from gluten sensitivity, as grains rich in gluten such as wheat and barley can be replaced with oats, which do not contain gluten.

**Reducing insulin resistance** The benefits of oats help reduce insulin resistance in infants with type 1 diabetes, as studies have shown that eating oats regularly can reduce this resistance, which contributes to improving the child's health.

**Enhancing the health of the immune system** Oats play a role in enhancing the health of the immune system thanks to sugar

Beta-glucan, which stimulates the production and growth of immune cells, which positively affects the health of infants.

**Reducing gastroesophageal reflux** The benefits of oats appear in preventing gastroesophageal reflux, as its dense texture makes it a suitable choice for infants suffering from this condition.

**Reducing inflammation** The benefits of oats for infants are evident in its content of avenanthramides, which contribute to reducing the risk of infection, regardless of the underlying causes. Children suffering from autoimmune diseases also benefit from eating oats.

**Maintaining skin health** Oats help infants have soft and smooth skin, and also contribute to reducing itching, rashes, eczema and other skin infections that may affect them.

**Treating anemia** The benefits of oats for infants include its content of iron, which plays an important role in maintaining normal hemoglobin levels in the blood, which helps in treating cases of anemia.

**Reducing cholesterol levels** Oats help reduce harmful cholesterol levels, which helps prevent the risk of heart disease in infants.

**Building muscle** The benefits of oats help build muscle and increase healthy weight for infants, thanks to their protein and fat content exceeding that of whole grains, in addition to their sodium and potassium content.

**Reaching the satiety stage** The benefits of oats appear in facilitating reaching the satiety stage quickly, allowing mothers to provide one meal of oats per day to infants without worrying about the health of the digestive process.

**Improving nervous functions** The benefits of oats contribute to improving the functions of the nervous system and brain in infants, thanks to the role of potassium and sodium in maintaining the health of the brain and nervous system. Oats also contain a high percentage of fiber that enhances the digestive process and reduces the possibility of constipation.

**Essential nutrients** Oats contain large amounts of protein, which is necessary for building tissues and strengthening muscles, in addition to a group of vitamins and minerals important for healthy growth and development, such as vitamin B, folic acid, zinc, and magnesium. It also contains a good amount of calcium, which promotes healthy bones and teeth, in addition to iron.

**How ​​to prepare oats for infants**

When your child shows signs of readiness to eat solid food at the age of 4 months, you can offer him oats in this way:

**Cerelac Oats for Infants**

1. Grind the oats well.

2. Add water to a large pot and place over medium heat.

3. Then, add the ground oats to the water and stir the ingredients well until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.

4. Pour the oats into the feeding bowl designated for infants and leave it to cool slightly before offering it to the child.

Make sure that the temperature of the oats is appropriate to avoid burning the infant's mouth. The oats should also be soft and easy to swallow, and if they are hard, you can use an electric blender to make them softer.

**How ​​to prepare oats for children aged 6 months**

You can add mashed fruits to the oats, such as bananas or apples, and you can also add finely ground nuts.

**How ​​to prepare oats with dates for infants**

1. Place the oats and water with fruits such as apricots, pears, apples or dates in a small saucepan.

2. Bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat and leave on low heat, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.

3. You can use an electric blender to turn the mixture into a smooth mixture.

You can add half a tablespoon of finely ground nuts to the mixture.

**Oatmeal recipes for one-year-olds**

Oatmeal can be used to prepare healthy and delicious meals for children. Here are some ideas for preparing healthy meals:

**Oatmeal porridge with fruits and nuts**: Oatmeal porridge for children can be prepared in two ways:

1. Mix the oats with milk and cook, then add your child's favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, ground nuts or a drizzle of honey.

2. Mix the oats with yogurt and milk, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the ground fruits or nuts for an easy breakfast option without cooking.

**Oatmeal Pancakes**: Mix oatmeal and use it as a base for healthy and delicious pancakes.

**Oatmeal Cookies**: Healthy cookies can be made using oats, nuts, dried fruits and honey. A little butter or vegetable oil can be added to improve the texture.

**Oatmeal Pancakes for Kids**: Healthy pancakes can be made using oats, eggs, milk and honey. The flavor and nutritional value can be enhanced by adding dried fruits and nuts.

- 1 cup ground oats

- 1 banana

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/4 cup yogurt

- 1 egg

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

- Butter or cooking oil

In a large bowl, mix the oatmeal with the baking powder well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract until combined.

Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat, then add a small amount of butter or oil.

Use a measuring cup to pour the batter into the pan, and cook until the edges begin to dry out and the bottom is golden, then flip and cook the other side until golden as well.

Repeat this step with the rest of the batter, adding more butter or oil as needed.

You can serve these waffles with fresh fruit, honey, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to increase the protein content. As for the oatmeal waffle recipe, you can use oats, eggs, milk, and bananas.

Here are the steps to prepare a delicious oatmeal recipe for kids:

Put 2 tablespoons of oats in a saucepan, then add 120 milliliters of milk.

Place the pan over medium heat and stir until

The mixture will thicken slightly, then reduce the heat.

Leave the mixture on a low heat for 2-3 minutes until the oats are cooked.

Cut a quarter of a banana into sticks.

Add 10 grams of fresh or frozen berries to the oat mixture.

You can add more milk if you like.

Pour the oat mixture into a medium bowl and add a spoonful of yogurt.

Then add the banana sticks to the bowl of oats and it is ready to serve.

**Oatmeal with Assorted Vegetables Recipe**

- 1/4 cup carrots, cut into cubes

- 1/4 cup zucchini, cut into cubes

- 1/4 cup potatoes or sweet potatoes, cut into cubes

- A small piece of meatballs

- 1/4 cup oats

- 1 sprig of thyme (optional)

- 1 cup of water

**How ​​to prepare oatmeal with vegetables:**

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the water with all the vegetables and fresh thyme, and leave them on the heat until the vegetables are fully cooked.

Then add the oats and stir the ingredients continuously for 8 minutes until the mixture thickens.

You can mash the mixture using a potato masher to get a coarse texture, or use a hand blender or food processor to get a smoother texture.

**Oatmeal with Peaches:**

Oatmeal can be eaten with a variety of fruits, including peaches. The oatmeal and peach recipe is prepared according to the following steps:

**Required ingredients:**

- A cup of oatmeal.

- A cup of low-fat milk.

- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon.

- Half a cup of peaches.

- A teaspoon of honey (except for children under one year old).

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Mix the oatmeal with cinnamon, peaches and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Place the bowl in the microwave for a minute, then stir the mixture.

3. Return the bowl to the microwave for an additional minute.

4. Garnish the dish with cinnamon and honey and serve.

**Banana and oatmeal dish:**

Bananas are a fruit rich in nutrients, and adding them to oatmeal enhances the value of the dish. To prepare the banana and oatmeal dish, follow these steps:

**Ingredients:**

- A quarter cup of oatmeal.

- A cup of water.

- A mashed banana.

**How ​​to prepare:**

1. Cook the oats with water until soft.

2. Add the mashed banana to the oats, then serve after it cools.

**How ​​to prepare oatmeal pudding for infants:**

To prepare different types of oatmeal for infants over five months old, follow these steps:

1. Grind the oats in a food processor or blender until they become smooth like flour.

2. Boil half a cup of water, then add two tablespoons of ground oats.

3. Stir the mixture continuously for 30 seconds, then leave it on the fire, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes.

4. The oats are considered cooked when they become thick and rich like cereal.

Remove the oats from the heat and leave them to cool.

You can add breast milk or formula.

To prepare oatmeal puree for babies, you will need the following ingredients: ¼ cup (50 grams) oats, ¾ cup (180 milliliters) water, and 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) breast milk or formula. The method of preparation is as follows: Place the oats in a food processor and grind them until smooth. Then add the water and leave them to boil. After that, add the ground oats and stir constantly for 15 minutes. Then add the milk and stir well, then serve it to your baby. As for the oatmeal and banana pudding for babies, oatmeal is an excellent food for babies, especially when adding new flavors to make them happy. Oatmeal has gentle properties on babies’ stomachs, and is rich in fiber, magnesium, iron, and zinc, and is a natural laxative that helps treat constipation. Here are the ingredients for banana oatmeal pudding and how to prepare it:

- Medium banana

- Ready-made or ground oatmeal

- Breast milk or formula

- Water if necessary

Slice the banana and mash it with a fork. Then cook the oatmeal on the fire in half a cup of water for 5 minutes. Then add the milk and banana to the oatmeal and stir well.

**Blueberry, cinnamon and vanilla oatmeal recipe:** While the oatmeal is cooking, add a handful of frozen blueberries with milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, in addition to vanilla extract.

**Carrot and flaxseed oatmeal recipe:** Add a handful of grated carrots to the oatmeal while it is cooking. Then, pour the oatmeal with milk and carrots into a bowl and sprinkle with ground flaxseed or ground walnuts and raisins.

**Oatmeal, Apple and Raisin Puree Recipe for Infants:** To prepare this recipe, you will need: a cup (250 ml) of water, half an apple peeled and cut into cubes, half a cup (100 grams) of oatmeal, a tablespoon (12.5 grams) of raisins, two tablespoons (30 ml) of breast milk or formula, and a pinch of cinnamon. Preparation method: Place the water, apple, oatmeal and raisins over medium heat for 20 minutes. Then put the mixture in a food processor and puree it well. Add the cinnamon and milk and mix well, then serve it to your baby. **Oatmeal and Vegetable Puree Recipe with Egg Yolk for Infants:** This recipe is suitable for children from eight months of age. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (375 ml) of water, ½ cup (100 g) of oats, ¼ cup (50 g) of chopped zucchini, ¼ cup (50 g) of chopped carrots, ¼ cup (50 g) of peeled and chopped potatoes, and two boiled egg yolks. Preparation: Boil the water, then add the oats, zucchini, carrots, and potatoes, and leave the ingredients on low heat for 15 minutes. Then, put the mixture in a food processor and add the egg yolks, mash it well, and serve it to your baby. **Oatmeal, Pear, and Apricot Puree Recipe for Infants:** Ingredients: 3/4 cup (180 ml) of water, 1 small peeled and chopped pear, 4 chopped dried apricots, ¼ cup (50 g) of oats, and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of infant milk

M or formula. Preparation method: Boil the water, then add the pears, oats and apricots, and leave them on low heat for 15 minutes. Then, put the mixture in a food processor and mash it well. Add the milk and stir well, then serve it to your baby.

**Oatmeal, Date and Banana Puree Recipe for Infants:** Required ingredients: A small banana, half a cup (100 grams) of oats, five pitted dates, three-quarters of a cup (180 milliliters) of water, and three tablespoons (45 milliliters) of breast milk or formula. Preparation method: Boil the water, then add the oats and dates, and leave them on low heat for 15 minutes. Then, put the mixture in a food processor and add the bananas, and mash it well. Add the milk and stir well, then serve it to your baby.

**How ​​to prepare oatmeal and strawberry puree for infants**

- A cup (180 milliliters) of water.

- Half a cup (100 grams) of oats.

- Half a cup (100 grams) of strawberries, cut into cubes.

- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of breast milk or formula.

1. Place the water in a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Add the oats to the boiling water, then reduce the heat and leave for 15 minutes.

3. Transfer the mixture to a food processor, then add the strawberries and mash the ingredients until smooth.

4. Add the milk and stir well, then serve to your baby.

**How ​​to prepare oatmeal, avocado and spinach puree for infants**

- Half a cup (125 milliliters) of water.

- A quarter cup (50 grams) of oats.

- A quarter cup (50 grams) of spinach leaves.

- Half an avocado, peeled and cut into cubes.

- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of breast milk or formula.

1. Place the water in a pot and leave it to boil.

2. Add the oats and leave it on low heat for 10 minutes.

3. Add the spinach leaves and leave the mixture for an additional 3 minutes.

4. Transfer the mixture to a food processor, then add the avocado and mash it until smooth.

5. Add the milk and stir well, then serve it to your child.

**Oatmeal with Apple**

- A quarter cup of regular oats.

- A cup of water.

- A grated or mashed apple.

1. Boil the oats with water, stirring constantly until cooked and firm.

2. Add the grated apple to the boiled oats and leave it for a few minutes, then serve it to your child after it cools.

3. You can replace the mashed apple with bananas, carrots or potatoes, following the same steps.

**Oatmeal Smoothie with Berries**

- A quarter cup of uncooked oatmeal.

- A quarter cup of blueberries or any type you prefer.

- Two tablespoons of apple juice.

The method of preparation is easy and fast, as follows:

1. Mix all the ingredients in an electric blender.

2. Pour the ingredients into a cup designated for the child.

Oatmeal and pineapple dessert is a recommended recipe for children, due to its high nutritional value.

The required ingredients are:

- Half a cup of oats.

- Half a cup of mashed pineapple.

- A tablespoon of butter.

- Half a cup of milk.

- Half a cup of water.

- A tablespoon of sugar.

To prepare the recipe, you can follow the following steps:

1. Heat the pan over the fire and add the butter, then the oats.

2. Leave the oats on the fire until they turn light brown.

3. Add the mashed pineapple, sugar, milk, and water.

4. Mix all the ingredients well, then serve them cold to the infant.

**Oatmeal allergy in infants**

Some infants may be allergic to oats, although this is a rare condition. Symptoms of oat allergy in infants appear in several forms, including:

- Itching.

- Swelling and redness of the skin.

- Diarrhea.

- Constipation.

- Vomiting.

If you suspect that your child may have an allergy to oats, it is recommended to stop giving it to him or her and contact a doctor to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.

**Harms of oats for infants**

The harms of oats for infants include the following:

- **Allergy**: Some children may show allergic reactions to oats, so it is important to introduce it gradually and monitor any negative effects.

- **Gluten**: Although oats are naturally gluten-free, they may be contaminated with gluten during processing. If your child suffers from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is preferable to choose certified gluten-free oats.

- **Choking risk**: For younger children, make sure to cook oats well to have a smooth texture, which reduces the risk of choking.

**How ​​to prepare oats to gain weight for children**

Oats are a food rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and can be used to gain weight in a healthy way when eaten in the right way. Here are some tips for preparing oats to gain weight for children:

- **Choosing whole oats**: It is preferable to choose whole oats that contain fiber and nutrients that are beneficial to health.

- **Adding milk**: Milk can be added to oats to gain weight, as milk contains proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats that promote weight gain.

- **Adding nuts**: Healthy nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts can be added to oats to increase calories and proteins.

**Adding honey**: Honey can be used as a natural source of healthy sugars, as it contributes to weight gain.

**Eating oats as a snack:** Oats can be eaten as a snack between main meals to increase calories and proteins.

**Dividing meals:** It is preferable to divide meals into smaller meals and eat them frequently throughout the day, with oats included as an ingredient in some of these meals.

**Signs of a child accepting solid foods:**

- The child's ability to control the movement of his hands and neck, while sitting in an upright position.

- The child grows normally and gains weight in a healthy way, as his weight doubles when he reaches the stage of eating.

- The disappearance of the reverse swallowing process,

The child is able to taste and swallow automatically without pushing the food out.

- The child shows feelings of hunger and desire for food, or satiety and staying away from it.

- The infant's sleep process is regular, with him getting enough rest and relaxation.