Overnight Oats for Baby
These creamy baby overnight oats are suitable from around 6 months onwards (with a few texture adjustments), but they're also perfect for toddlers and the rest of the family too. I simply adapt the toppings and texture depending on who's eating.
If there's one breakfast that genuinely saves my sanity on busy mornings lately, it's overnight oats.
You simply whisk together ground oats, chia seeds, and water the night before, then pop everything into the fridge. The next morning, you can warm it in the microwave if you like and add your favorite toppings for extra creaminess and flavor.
If you're just getting started with feeding solids, I'd recommend having a quick read through these guides first:
- Baby-Led Weaning First Foods- a simple guide to help you get started
- BLW vs. Purées- walks you through both approaches
- Baby-Led Weaning Utensils- my favorite beginner-friendly feeding tools
Jump to:
Why overnight oats are a great breakfast for kids
- Safe from 6 months onwards when texture is adjusted for your baby's age
- Easy to prep ahead the night before for stress-free mornings
- Rich in fiber, protein and vitamins and minerals to help support growing little bodies
- Easy to adapt for babies, toddlers and the whole family
- Great for baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding alike
- Customizable with endless flavor options depending on what you have at home
Ingredients you'll need
- Whole grain old-fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats work best because they soften into a creamy texture overnight. Don't use steel-cut oats! And I also recommend skipping instant flavored oats as they often contain added sugar and unnecessary ingredients.
- Water: I used water because we'll be adding some Greek yogurt later on for texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds some additional protein. I recommend using plain, unsweetened, real Greek yogurt rather than "Greek-style" yogurt.
- Fruit puree of choice: Naturally sweetens the oats. You can use store-bought options or try my mango puree instead.
- Nut butter (optional): Adds healthy fats and extra creaminess.
Step-by-step instructions
Here's a quick step-by-step with photos so you can see exactly how it comes together. You'll find the full printable recipe card down below.
Step 1: Add oats and chia seeds to a small food processor, blender or grinder and blend until coarsely ground.
Step 2: Add oats, chia seeds and water to a glas jar, give it a good stir, seal and put in the fridge overnight.
Step 3: Add thickened mix to the microwave for a few seconds, then transfer to a small serving bowl.
Step 4: Add fruit puree, yogurt and nut butter (if using), give it a good stir and serve.
Things to consider
- Choose certified gluten-free oats if needed: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they're commonly cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains during processing. If your child has celiac disease or gluten intolerance, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- Adjust the texture for your baby's age: Younger babies may prefer smoother oats made with finely ground oats or extra liquid, while older babies and toddlers can handle more texture. If they seem too thick the next morning, simply stir in a splash of water or milk before serving.
- Introduce allergens safely: If using ingredients like yogurt, nut butter, or seeds, make sure they've been introduced individually first according to your pediatrician's guidance.
- Go easy on the puree: Fruit puree adds plenty of natural sweetness, so there's really no need for added sugar or syrups.
- Make sure nut butter is fully mixed in: When serving nut butter to babies, make sure it's smoothly incorporated into the oats and not sitting in thick clumps or large chunks, which can be difficult for little ones to manage.
Picky eaters tip
This recipe as written is suitable for 6 month olds. Toddlers usually love adding their own toppings which can sometimes really help with picky eating too. Try setting out toppings suitable for your child and let them build their own little breakfast creation.
Serving suggestions by age
One of my favorite things about these overnight oats is how easy they are to adapt depending on your child's age and feeding stage.
- For 6 months olds: This recipe as written is suitable for 6 month olds. Keep the texture very soft and smooth.
- For 8 months olds: At this stage, many babies are ready for a little more texture. You could try mashed banana instead of puree.
- For toddlers: Toddlers usually love adding their own toppings, and honestly, making their own bowl can sometimes really help with picky eating too. Try setting out toppings suitable for your child and let them build their own little breakfast creation.
Storage
- To store: Store oats in an airtight container or sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats will continue to thicken as they sit, so you can stir in a splash of water or milk before serving if needed.
- To reheat: You can enjoy the oats cold straight from the fridge or warm them slightly in the microwave before adding your toppings. If reheating, stir well and add a little extra liquid to loosen the texture if needed.
Overnight Oats for Baby (& Toddlers)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened fruit puree of choice (applesauce...)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon almond butter (optional)
Instructions
- Add the oats and chia seeds to a small food processor or grinder and blend until coarsely ground.¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1 tsp chia seeds
- Transfer the ground oats and chia seeds to container with a lid. Add the water and give everything a really good stir. Close the lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.⅓ cup water
- The next day, warm in the microwave if desired. Stir in the fruit puree of choice, Greek yogurt and nut butter if using.1 tsp unsweetened fruit puree of choice, 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp almond butter (optional)
Equipment
- 1 food processor, grinder or blender
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats if needed: Oats are naturally gluten-free but often cross-contaminated during processing.
- Introduce allergens safely: Only add yogurt, nut butter, or seeds once introduced according to your pediatrician's guidance.
- Fully mix in nut butter: Avoid thick clumps or large chunks when serving to babies.
- Picky eaters tip: This recipe as written is suitable for 6 month olds. Toddlers usually love adding their own toppings which can sometimes really help with picky eating too. Try setting out toppings suitable for your child and let them build their own little breakfast creation.
- Storage: Store the overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and enjoy cold or gently reheated with a splash of extra liquid if needed.
