Among the many benefits of oats are their high fiber, low fat, and plant-based protein content. The nutritional value of oatmeal to a baby’s digestive system is undeniable.
Minimally processed whole grain oats do not contain wheat and are free of chemical additives. As a result, there are a few side effects of oats for infants that must be noticed the first few times an infant is introduced to oatmeal.
When babies are introduced to solid foods, you can always get a reaction as your baby’s immature digestion system copes with the new foods.
Is oatmeal healthy for babies?
Definitely. In addition to providing your baby with good carbohydrates and minerals, oatmeal is a wonderful source of fiber. Also, oatmeal is a good source of iron and zinc, both of which are essential for babies. It has more fat and protein than many other grains.
When can babies eat oatmeal?
A baby can start eating oats as soon as he or she is ready to start solid foods, which is generally around 6-8 months of age. In large part, the first foods for babies were warm cereals like infant oatmeal because pediatricians recommended fortified cereal as a source of iron.
Introducing solids and new foods to the diet of your baby can be an exciting experience. However, you should only feed her foods that are easy to digest.
Are babies able to eat oatmeal that has been made with milk?
Yes. As long as it doesn’t replace breastmilk or formula, a small amount of milk can be used to cook oatmeal. Until closer to 12 months, babies should not drink cow’s milk. Baby’s younger than 12 months shouldn’t drink cow’s milk since it lacks the nutrients breast milk and formula provide, but you can use milk in prepared foods. However, remember milk can cause diaper rash.
Some parents mix oatmeal with other foods such as pureed citrus fruits.
Should you give your baby oatmeal or rice cereal?
Even though iron-fortified baby cereals are a great first food for babies starting solids, they are not a necessity. Furthermore, babies don’t need to consume primarily cereal as a source of nutrition. Starting a baby on solid food after being on a liquid diet so far.
The nutrients babies need can be found in many unprocessed, whole foods. However, if you decide to go with cereal, fortified oatmeal is a healthy alternative to rice cereal (rice cereal can cause diaper rash). Starting with regular oatmeal will give your child exposure to a bit more texture.
Does oatmeal cause stomach upset in babies?
Generally, oats are gentle to the digestive system. In spite of being a single grain infant food commonly used to improve digestion, oatmeal cereal can sometimes upset a baby’s stomach and in some cases cause loose stools or diarrhea. The reaction may have been an allergic reaction to oatmeal, though allergic reactions to contaminants are not very uncommon.
It is extremely common for children to be allergic to oatmeal. Diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting are a few symptoms of an oat allergy. Allergies to oats can also result in low nutrient density and poor nutritional and behavioral stability.
Why is my baby crying after eating oatmeal cereal?
Oatmeal cereal has been suggested as a good snack for babies with reflux. It is gluten-free, so it’s great for people who are gluten intolerant and have stomach problems. However, oatmeal is not suitable for all babies. Babies who cry after eating oatmeal are probably having problems with their stomachs or maybe something more serious.
Is it common for a baby to have an allergic reaction to oatmeal?
No. It is important to consult an allergist or doctor before introducing oats to the diet of your baby if you have a family history of food allergies or if you suspect that your baby may be allergic to solids like oats and wheat.
The very first sign of an allergy is a rash appearing around the mouth. If you notice any signs of a severe allergic response from your baby, call emergency services and seek advice from a doctor or medical professional.
Certain foods can cause a reaction which means parents should be ready to spot any symptoms if they start to appear. Stop feeding the food to your baby and talk to
Does oatmeal cause diaper rash?
It is very uncommon for babies to develop a diaper rash after eating oatmeal. Oatmeal is not a common allergen. But developing a diaper rash from oatmeal could happen. This could be a result of an allergy or the worsening of an already existing diaper rash.
Interestingly, oatmeal is actually used as a home remedy for diaper rash. Its soothing properties soothe diaper rash and other baby skin rashes like eczema. In your infant bathtub, fill some warm water with colloidal oatmeal, and watch it dispersed evenly in the water, creating a milky substance that soothes the skin. Read our full guide to having an oatmeal bath for diaper rash.
The antioxidant properties of oats make them excellent for treating skin irritations and inflammations. Moreover, oats contain saponins which are excellent for cleaning sensitive skin such as your baby’s bottom, as their saponins absorb dirt and oil.
When you notice a diaper rash starts to appear after giving your baby oatmeal, treat it right away. Applying a diaper rash cream on the diaper rash site helps because it creates a barrier against the rash. We’ve done a full series on natural remedies to treat diaper rash, and oatmeal is one of them!
Takeaway on Does oatmeal cause diaper rash?
Baby oatmeal has many nutritional benefits and is good for your little one to consume. Oatmeal is recommended for an infant’s diet around six months of age when they are ready to start eating solid foods.
One of the best cereal foods to feed infants is oatmeal. Pediatricians often recommend these foods since it is easy to digest and can help mitigate acid reflux. Breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition.
However, oats can pose a danger to infants, especially those who are allergic to whole grains. You should monitor your baby for allergy symptoms, especially when introducing new foods to a baby’s diet.
Diaper rashes are pretty common but parents still need to know how to manage and treat them.
Oatmeal cereal is a popular ingredient in baby food. But can it cause diaper rash? We’re going to find out if oatmeal causes diaper rash and other common questions about this healthy food.
