Avo Banana Oats Porridge

Why This Porridge Is Great for Babies 

Oats are a wonderful source of fibre, which aids digestion, and they provide complex carbohydrates that give your baby a steady source of energy. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, vital for healthy brain development and overall health.

Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are crucial for your baby's brain development and growth. It also contains fibre, vitamins like A, C, E, and K, and important minerals like potassium, all of which support your baby’s immune system, skin health, and bone development.

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps with muscle function and maintaining a healthy heart. They also provide natural sweetness and are easy to digest, making them a great choice for babies just starting to explore solid foods.

Additionally, the porridge can be customised with milk (breast milk, formula, or whole milk), adding extra protein, calcium, and vitamins needed for bone and muscle development. 

The combination of these ingredients makes this porridge not only nutritious but also easy to eat. Its smooth, creamy texture is gentle on a baby’s digestive system. It’s also versatile and can be adapted as your baby grows, making it a long-lasting staple in their diet.

Avo Banana Oats Porridge Recipe

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup rolled oats.
• ½ ripe avocado.
• ½ ripe banana.
• ¼ cup milk (breast milk, formula, or whole milk).

Instructions

1. Cook the Oats: Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the oats and reduce the heat to low. Let the oats simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove from the heat and allow the oats to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Ingredients for Blending: While the oats are cooling, peel and pit half an avocado. Cut it into chunks for easier blending. Peel the banana and break it into pieces.

3. Blend the Porridge: Transfer the cooked oats, avocado, banana, and ¼ cup of milk into a baby blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until you achieve the desired consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk, depending on your baby or toddler’s preference.

4. Serve: Let the porridge cool to a safe, comfortable temperature before serving it to your baby.

Tips for Success 

To make this recipe a success, you can start by ensuring the oats are cooked consistently. Simmering them on low heat will prevent them from becoming too lumpy, making it easier for your baby to digest. 

The avocado will add healthy fats that are great for your baby’s development, so be sure to use a ripe, creamy avocado for the best texture. When adding the banana, remember it should be soft and ripe, as this will ensure it's naturally sweet and easy to blend. 

As you blend the mixture, don’t hesitate to adjust the consistency by adding extra milk, whether breast milk, formula, or whole milk, based on your baby’s eating stage. 

Finally, always check the porridge temperature before serving to avoid burns, and ensure it’s warm enough for your little one to enjoy safely. For added variety, you can mix up the fruit combinations, like trying pear or peach, as your baby gets used to new tastes.

Recipe Substitutions and Additions 

You can customise this porridge based on your baby’s preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients.

Substitutions

If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use instant or steel-cut oats, though the cooking time will vary. Instant oats will cook much quicker, while steel-cut oats need longer simmering. 

Instead of a banana, you could use other soft fruits like a pear, an apple (steamed or cooked), or a mango, which are also mild and easy to digest for babies. If your baby is sensitive to dairy or you're avoiding milk for other reasons, you can substitute with a non-dairy option like coconut or almond milk (ensure it’s unsweetened and suitable for your baby’s age). 

Additions

For an extra nutritional boost, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, which is gentle for babies and adds a mild flavour. Ground flaxseeds or chia seeds could also be incorporated, providing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, though you should introduce them slowly to monitor for any digestive reactions.

If your baby is ready for more texture, small, soft pieces of steamed fruits like peaches or berries can be stirred in after blending. You could also add some unsweetened yoghurt for added creaminess and probiotics, which are good for gut health.

Lastly, a drizzle of honey is not recommended for babies under one year old, but once your baby is older, a little honey can enhance the flavour if desired.

Serving Suggestions 

You can serve the porridge in a small bowl with a soft baby spoon, allowing your baby to eat comfortably. If your baby is ready for self-feeding, you can serve it in a slightly thicker consistency, making it easier for them to scoop with their hands or a spoon. 

You could also offer the porridge in a baby-friendly suction bowl to minimise spills. If your baby is a bit older and more accustomed to chewing, try adding small, soft fruit pieces like diced bananas, berries, or peach chunks on top of the porridge to add texture.

If you're preparing the porridge as part of a meal, you could serve it with a side of soft finger foods like steamed carrot sticks, sweet potato cubes, or small pieces of soft toast to encourage independent eating. 

Another great way to serve the porridge is to make a mini ‘meal platter,’ pairing it with other baby-friendly options like scrambled egg or small cubes of soft cheese for extra variety.

How to Store

To store Avo and Banana Oats Porridge for babies, it's important to keep it fresh and safe for later consumption. Once the porridge has cooled to room temperature, you can transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1-2 days. 

Since both avocado and banana can oxidise quickly, it’s best to store the porridge as soon as possible after preparation.

If you'd like to store the porridge for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled porridge into ice cube trays or small silicone moulds and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the individual portions into a freezer-safe bag or container. This will allow you to thaw only the amount you need. 

When reheating, be sure to warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring well. Always check the temperature before serving to avoid burns.

Be cautious when storing leftovers containing bananas and avocado, as their texture and flavour may change slightly after being stored. It’s always best to serve fresh if possible.

Equipment 

• Small saucepan
• Baby blender or food processor
• Baby suction bowl
• Airtight containers 

Nutrition Guide

Suitable from 6 months 

• CALORIES: 120KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 21G

• PROTEIN: 2G

• FAT: 4G

• SODIUM: 10MG

• POTASSIUM:230MG 

• FIBRE: 3G

• SUGAR: 6G

• VITAMIN A: 80IU

• VITAMIN C: 6MG

• CALCIUM: 35MG

• IRON: 1.2MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.