4-Ingredient No-Bake Oat Bars - BLW Recipe
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Including Rolled Oats in Baby Led Weaning Diet: A Nutritious Addition
When it comes to introducing solid foods to your baby, incorporating rolled oats into their baby-led weaning diet can be a fantastic choice and this no-bake oat bar recipe is very quick and easy to make. Rolled oats are not only delicious, but they also offer a range of benefits for your little one's development. Firstly, rolled oats are a great source of fibre, providing essential nutrients to support a healthy digestive system. They also contain important vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and B vitamins that contribute to your baby's overall growth and development. Additionally, this versatile grain can be easily prepared in various ways, making it suitable for a wide range of meal ideas for your little food explorer.
Things to watch out for:
However, while rolled oats have numerous benefits, there are a few things to consider when introducing them into your baby-led weaning diet. It is crucial to ensure that the oats are appropriately prepared to make them easily digestible for your baby. Start by grinding or blending the oats into a fine powder or flour-like consistency to avoid any potential choking hazards. You can mix the powdered oats into yogurt, fruit purees, or even sprinkle them on top of cooked vegetables. Additionally, it's important to monitor your baby for any signs of allergic reactions, particularly if there is a family history of food allergies. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as rashes, hives, or difficulty breathing, consult with a GP immediately.
Including rolled oats in your baby's diet during their weaning journey can be a nutritious way to introduce new textures and flavours. By being mindful of preparation techniques and monitoring your baby's reaction, you can enjoy the benefits of this wholesome grain while supporting your little one's healthy growth and exploration of food.
What peanut butter should I use? When it comes to nourishing our little ones, their health and well-being should always take centre stage. That's why it is essential to opt for 100% peanut butter when choosing a spread for your baby. Unlike other peanut butter varieties that may contain added sugars, oils, or preservatives, 100% peanut butter offers pure and natural ingredients. This not only ensures that your baby receives the full nutritional benefits of peanuts, such as protein and healthy fats, but it also eliminates any unnecessary additives that may pose potential health risks. By selecting 100% peanut butter, you are making a conscious choice to prioritise your baby's health, allowing them to grow and develop on the foundation of wholesome and natural ingredients.
Should I include flaxseed in my baby’s diet? As a parent, it's natural to have questions about what foods to include in your baby's diet. Flaxseed is considered a nutritious option that can be introduced to your baby's diet after the age of six months. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants, flaxseed may have numerous health benefits. However, it's essential to consult with your health visitor before incorporating flaxseed into your baby's meals. They can provide guidance based on your baby's individual needs and ensure it fits well with their overall diet. Additionally, it's crucial to introduce new foods gradually, watching for any potential allergic reactions.
Can I serve coconut oil to my baby? Coconut oil can be a wonderful addition to a baby's diet, offering various benefits for their overall health and well-being. Firstly, coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and quickly metabolised by the body, providing a readily available source of energy for growing babies. Additionally, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, helping to support the baby's immune system and protect against infections. Moreover, coconut oil can aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D, essential for bone development and calcium absorption. Lastly, coconut oil is gentle on the baby's delicate skin and can provide relief from skin conditions like eczema or diaper rash when applied topically. Together, these benefits make coconut oil a nourishing and versatile ingredient to include in a baby's diet.
Why oat bars are a good choice for your baby? Oat bars are a fantastic choice for baby led weaning for several reasons. First and foremost, oats are a highly nutritious grain that provide a wealth of essential nutrients for growing babies. They are packed with fibre, which aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. Oat bars also contain important minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus that are crucial for healthy development. Furthermore, oat bars have a soft texture that is ideal for little ones who are just starting to explore solid foods. They can be easily held and gnawed on by tiny hands, encouraging fine motor skills and self-feeding. Oat bars can also be made with a variety of ingredients, such as fruits or nut butter, offering different flavours and textures to introduce a range of tastes to baby's palate. Overall, oat bars provide a convenient and nutritious option for baby led weaning, promoting independent eating and a balanced diet.
Ingredient information
Rolled oats - Oats are so great and I use them in so many recipes. You can use gluten free oats if your little one has a severe gluten intolerance.
Peanut butter - I have used a 100% nut butter, as this nut butter will have zero added sugar, salt or oil, which is perfect for little tummies.
Coconut oil - I have used coconut oil as a binder for the oat bars, works perfectly within the recipe for flavour. You could use melted unsalted butter too if you wanted to.
Flaxseed - I love to add a sprinkling of flaxseed to recipes to add a touch of nutrition.
Serving suggestion
The no bake oat bars are great served on their own as a high protein no bake snack! You could serve alongside a lunch for example roasted tomato soup as a warm option or a pitta pocket.
Storage instructions
The oat bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, if stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the the oat bars, you will need to get yourself a freezer bag or an airtight container. Make sure that which ever you choose are labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container. The oat bars will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To defrost the oat bars, leave in the fridge overnight to defrost and make sure it is fully defrosted, before serving.
Once the oat bars have been defrosted you will not be able to re freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Large mixing bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
16cm dish - A stoneware baking dish that I find very versatile and use in lots of my recipes. In this recipe I have used it to shape the oat mixture before cutting into bars.
Coconut oil - You could choose to use any coconut oil - I like this one as it is certified organic and doesn't overly flavour the bake with coconut.
Peanut butter - Again, you could choose to use any peanut butter but I prefer one that is smooth and salt free for including in my baby led weaning recipes.
Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes. In this recipe, it makes short work of blending oats into flour!
Recipe | No Bake Oat Bars
Ingredients
Makes 8 bars
200g rolled oats
30g coconut oil
1 tablespoon flaxseed
Instructions
Start by blitzing the rolled oats in a Nutri Bullet or food processor for a minute or so, until it is of a flour consistency.
Prepare a 16cm x 16cm dish with baking parchment.
Pop the oats, flaxseed, coconut oil and peanut butter into a large mixing bowl.
Mix all the ingredients together using a spoon, once combined place into the prepared dish, and press down with your fingers or using the back of a spoon.
Once levelled, place in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.
Cut into 8 bars and serve.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
You could use a different nut butter if you prefer, the recipe works well with almond butter or hazelnut butter. You can also just keep it simple and remove the flaxseed to make this a three ingredient recipe! Equally you could add in chia seeds, and squished blueberries if you wish!
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