First foods database

🥛 Oat drink for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies have oat drink? Fortified oat drink can be used in cooking from about 6 months, and as a main drink from 12 months, as part of a varied diet. Choose unsweetened and calcium-fortified versions.

From 12 monthsAllergen: GlutenLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Fibre

How to serve oat drink by age

6 to 9 months

Not as a drink yet: breast milk or first infant formula is baby's main drink. You can use unsweetened fortified oat drink in cooking, such as porridge or sauces.

9 to 12 months

Still not as a main drink. Use it in cooking and baking.

12 months and up

From 12 months, unsweetened fortified oat drink can be a main drink. Make sure the rest of the diet has enough protein and energy, as it is lower in protein than cow's milk.

Choking safety

Oat drink is a liquid; offer it in an open or free-flow cup.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Choose unsweetened, calcium-fortified versions.
Oats contain gluten unless labelled gluten-free.
Oat drink is not a replacement for breast milk or formula before 12 months.

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains gluten, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce gluten

Goes well with

🥣OatsFrom 6 months · Gluten 🍌BananaFrom 6 months 🍝PastaFrom 6 months · Gluten 🫐BlueberryFrom 6 months

Recipes with oat drink

🍛Toddler tofu katsu curryFrom 12 months · Dinner · 55 min 🟡Turmeric tofu scrambleFrom 7 months · Breakfast · 13 min

Weaning with OBubba

Log first foods in seconds. OBubba spots the allergens for you.

Track every food your baby has tried, see reactions over time, and let OBubba gently pace new allergens one at a time. Free to download.

Download for iPhone Get it on Android

Questions parents ask

Can babies eat oat drink?

Can babies have oat milk?

In cooking from about 6 months; as a main drink from 12 months.

Is oat milk as good as cow's milk?

It has less protein, so check the rest of the diet with your health visitor.

Sources

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).