🥣 Weaning (6-12 months)
Baby's First Porridge
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Baby porridge oats are widely used as an early weaning food because they cook down soft and smooth, and the mild flavour pairs with almost any fruit purée you already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp baby porridge oats (or ground rolled oats)
- 100ml breast milk, formula, or whole cows' milk
- 1/4 ripe banana, mashed, to sweeten (optional)
Method
- Combine the oats and milk in a small pan.
- Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until thickened and the oats are soft.
- Stir through the mashed banana.
- Cool and check the temperature carefully before serving — stirred porridge can have hot pockets.
Tips
- Use gluten-free oats if you have a family history of coeliac disease and want to introduce gluten more cautiously — otherwise, standard oats are a fine early gluten introduction.
- Swap banana for stewed apple or pear purée for variety.
Weaning safety reminders
No honey before 12 months (infant botulism risk). No added salt or sugar. Cut round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes) in quarters, not halves. Always supervise your baby while they eat, sitting upright, and check food has cooled to a safe temperature.
Questions about this recipe
Is baby's first porridge suitable from 6 months+?
Yes — this recipe is designed for 6 months+. As with any weaning food, introduce one new ingredient at a time if your baby hasn’t had it before, and always supervise your baby while they eat.
Does this recipe contain common allergens?
Yes: Oats, Dairy (if using cows' milk). If introducing any of these to your baby for the first time, offer them alone in a small amount first, not combined with other new foods.
Can I freeze baby's first porridge?
This recipe is best eaten fresh and isn’t recommended for freezing.
More weaning (6-12 months) recipes
This is general information, not medical or dietary advice — every baby and child is different. For allergy concerns, a family history of allergies, or anything you're unsure about, speak to your health visitor, GP or a registered dietitian before introducing new foods. Reviewed July 2026.