Baby Led Weaning: Overnight Oats Guide

If you’re looking for a nutritious and easy-to-prepare first food for your little one, look no further than overnight oats.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect overnight oats recipe for your baby-led weaning journey and answer some frequently asked questions about oats and baby nutrition.

With their high fiber content, low allergen potential, and soft texture, oats are ideal for introducing solids to your baby’s diet.

So read on to learn how to make the best overnight oats for your little one and watch them thrive with each delicious and nutritious bite!

Let’s get after it!

How do you make the best overnight oats recipe for baby led weaning?

The quantities you are about to see are for our 1 year old baby and an adult.

If you only want to make overnight oats for your baby, simply use a third of everything.

The first thing to do is to get a container, preferably a glass one, as it is more hygienic.

Three tablespoons of Soft rolled oats

If you are a light breakfast eater, three tablespoons of oatmeal will be enough for you and your baby. If you are hungrier, you can add up to 6 spoonfuls.

If you add more oatmeal and want to preserve the flavor and consistency, change the amounts of the other ingredients accordingly.

One tablespoon of nonfat powdered peanuts.

This is one of the extra ingredients we like to add, the peanut powder dissolves easily, blending in and adding a touch of salty flavor that we love.

Half a tablespoon of chia seeds

Great source of fiber and perfect for our digestive system.

If your baby has not tried them yet, we recommend that you make the oatmeal without them and introduce them when your baby has tried all the other ingredients beforehand.

One-third teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is the one to always use with our babies.

It adds flavor and is also very beneficial and helps regulate blood glucose. It is very good to take it daily.

Add the milk of your choice

You can use vegetable milk, avoiding rice milk because of its arsenic content.

Formula or breast milk are also good possibilities to make them more nutritious, just keep in mind the conservation and preparation of these.

Let it rest in the fridge for the night and…

The next morning, before eating them, we like to add peanut or almond cream without any extra additives, and some fruit. We love banana, but strawberry, mango, or kiwi are great too.

If they are too thick you can add a little extra milk or a touch of water.

Why are overnight oats a great food for Baby led Weaning?

Easy to prepare

In less than 5 minutes you have a breakfast for the next day for you and your baby. Super easy to make and very versatile.

Nutritious and healthy

• Because they are so full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, oats make a fantastic first food for infants.
• Babies who might be allergic to other grains can choose oats because they are a low-allergen meal.
• They are also a great source of complex carbs, which provide infants with enduring energy all day.
• Last but not least, oats are a fantastic source of protein, folate, thiamin, and iron, all of which are crucial for a baby’s growth and development.

Can be mixed with different ingredients and flavours

You can combine them with formula, breast milk or plant-based milks.

You can also add different ingredients such as nut creams like peanut or almond (make sure they are 100% pure without sugar or additives).

Finally, you can combine them with different fruits, just make sure you have offered them individually before.

High in fibre and low in sugar

The soluble fiber found in oats can help to regulate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion.

Soft texture suitable for babies

Overnight oats are easily managed by babies.

When should you introduce oats to your baby?

Oat flakes can be introduced as soon as your baby starts taking solids, around 6 months of age.

Just make sure your baby is ready for solids. 

How do you store overnight oats?

You just need a good quality airtight container. Make sure to put the coldest place inside your fridge.

What about freezing them?

It is a great idea to freeze overnight oats in order to extend their shelf life.

Freezing them will allow them to stay good for up to 6 months, although the taste, texture and quality can be affected if left for too long.

To get the best possible oats for breakfast, we would recommend eating them within 3 months.

Before you freeze the oats, it is important to make sure you have the right container to store them in – glass jars or containers with lids are preferable over plastic containers, as plastic can take in grease and smells from previous food storage.

However, a plastic bag would be a suitable alternative.

We also recommend always freezing them in individual portions.

Baby Led Weaning overnight oats FAQ

1. Can you make overnight oats with baby formula?

You can, indeed.

But bear in mind that you must accurately produce the recipe, cool it in the fridge, and then prepare the rest of the ingredients.

It is usually better to prepare formula or breast milk at night and drink it for breakfast the following morning.

If you have any questions, this chart of breast milk preservation also applies to formula.

2. Do oats cause constipation in babies?

Oats are a simple grain which is easy for a baby’s digestive system to process.

Eating them helps provide a feeling of fullness and encourages a healthy appetite, in addition to reducing gas.

When infants start to experiment with different foods, constipation can sometimes be an issue.

Oatmeal is high in fiber which works as a natural laxative, helping to prevent constipation.

The fiber in oatmeal adds volume to their stool, making the bowel movement process smoother and gentler.

3. Do you have to cook oatmeal for your baby?

You don’t have to cook it, the overnight oats are not cooked, but mixed with other ingredients to soften them.

Cooking them with vegetable milk or formula is another option if you prefer, but it is not necessary.

4. Does oatmeal make babies sleep better?

A lot of people are curious if feeding a baby cereal will let them slumber for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

It is a fact that babies usually snooze better when they are not hungry – so nursing or providing formula to a baby right before sleep can help them feel less uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, cereal will not increase sleep duration. As children become older, their growing brains and bodies make it possible for them to rest for longer periods without needing nourishment. This is an ability that develops as they age.

Encouraging this maturational skill by attempting to self-calm before bedtime will also be beneficial.

5. Can babies have chia seeds?

Yes, without a problem, starting at 6 months of age. Treat them like any other food. One at a time.

Conclusion

To sum up, overnight oats can be a great addition to your baby-led weaning menu, providing a nutritious and easy-to-prepare breakfast option for you and your little one.

With their high fiber content, low allergen potential, and gentle texture, oats are an ideal first food for babies starting solids.

Moreover, the versatility of overnight oats allows for endless combinations of ingredients and flavors, making them a fun and exciting meal option for your growing baby.

Whether you choose to mix them with breast milk, formula, or plant-based milk, overnight oats can provide your baby with a healthy and delicious start to their day.

So try this easy-to-follow overnight oats recipe and let your baby explore the joys of self-feeding and healthy eating!