Baby and toddler recipes

🍎 Apple and cinnamon baby porridge

A smooth, gently spiced oat porridge sweetened only with stewed apple. A warm, filling first breakfast that brings fibre and a little iron from the oats.

From 6 monthsPrep 5 minCook 10 minFreezes wellContains: Gluten, Milk

Makes 2 baby portions

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp (about 25g) Oats (ground to a powder for younger babies)
  • 1 small Apple (peeled, cored and finely chopped)
  • 1 small pinch Cinnamon
  • 150ml breast milk, formula or water
  • 2 tbsp Cow's milk (optional, full fat, for cooking only)

Method

  1. Put the chopped apple in a small pan with 3 tbsp water. Cover and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until very soft.
  2. Mash the apple with a fork or blend until smooth.
  3. Add the oats and the milk or water to the pan and stir.
  4. Cook on a low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until thick and creamy.
  5. Stir in the cinnamon and the mashed apple.
  6. Loosen with a splash more milk if needed and cool to warm before serving.

Serving it to your baby

At 6 months, blend the oats first and serve smooth on a preloaded spoon so baby can hold it. From 7 to 9 months keep some texture with whole rolled oats. For older babies, grate the apple in raw for a fresher bite.

For the rest of the family

Make a bigger pan with whole oats and milk, then serve the grown ups' bowls with chopped nuts, seeds or a drizzle of honey after baby's portion is taken out.

Storing and reheating

Cool quickly and keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in small pots for up to 1 month. Reheat until steaming all the way through, stir well, then cool before serving. Never reheat more than once.

How to introduce gluten · How to introduce milk

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Questions parents ask

Can babies have cinnamon?

Yes. A small pinch of ground cinnamon is fine from 6 months and is a lovely way to add flavour without sugar.

Should I use cow's milk in baby porridge?

Full fat cow's milk is fine in cooking from 6 months. It should not replace breast milk or formula as a main drink until 12 months.

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).