# Baby's First Porridge Recipe (6 months+) | Clever Mum

> A simple oat porridge cooked in breast milk, formula or whole cows' milk (cows' milk is fine cooked into food from 6 months, just not as a main drink until 12

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Weaning (6-12 months)

 
# Baby's First Porridge

  
        [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)   By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — What is baby's first porridge? 

 
A simple oat porridge cooked in breast milk, formula or whole cows' milk (cows' milk is fine cooked into food from 6 months, just not as a main drink until 12 months), naturally sweetened with mashed banana instead of added sugar. A gentle, iron-fortified first breakfast.

    
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

  [ Baby's First Carrot & Sweet Potato Purée ](/recipes/first-carrot-and-sweet-potato-puree/)[ Roasted Vegetable Sticks (Baby-Led Weaning) ](/recipes/roasted-vegetable-sticks-blw/)[ Mild Lentil & Vegetable Dhal ](/recipes/mild-lentil-and-vegetable-dhal/)   

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 August 2026.

    
## At a glance

   Age 6 months+  Prep 2 mins  Cook 5 mins  Makes 1-2 baby portions  Allergens Oats, Dairy (if using cows' milk)  Freezer-friendly No     
Starting solids?

 

Not sure your baby's ready yet? Our
[weaning guide](/baby/weaning-guide-when-and-how-to-start/)
covers readiness signs, first foods and allergen introduction.