I have been making a version of these “oatmeal fingers” since Jonah was 6 months old. We mostly did Baby Led Weaning with him, instead of spoon feeding him baby mush. He wouldn’t stand for baby food puree, even homemade, and has never really enjoyed those convenient pouches. He doesn’t even really like smoothies! He prefers to chew his food, drink water, and of course drink a lot of breastmilk. 🙂
I make these Banana Hemp Oatmeal Fingers for Jonah almost every morning, or sometimes for an afternoon snack if he didn’t have them for breakfast. I love that they are fast, cheap and easy to make. They are also incredibly healthy and I love that I can sneak in some hemp seeds for some added protein and healthy fat.
Some of my other favorite baby/toddler breakfasts are:
Whole grain toast with almond or peanut butter
Healthy homemade pancakes or waffles
And of course, lots of fruit. His favorites are frozen wild little blueberries, grapes, apples, pears, and strawberries.
The trick to get these oatmeal fingers to be firm enough that baby can pick them up easily is simply to let them sit for about 5 minutes after you cook them. You could let them sit up to a half an hour after cooking; they will still be good. I hope your baby enjoys these as much as mine does!
Baby Banana Hemp Oatmeal Fingers
Ingredients
- 1 small hunk banana, about 1/6 of a whole banana
- 1/4 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/4 cup soy, almond or coconut milk
- 1-2 tsp hemp seeds
- sprinkle cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- First, get a cereal sized bowl out and mash the banana in it.
- Add the quick cooking oats, milk, hemp seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if using. Mix well with a fork or spoon, scraping the sides down as good as you can.
- Place the bowl in microwave and cook for 2 minutes.
- Let sit for at least 5 minutes before cutting into about 4 "fingers". Make sure they are not too hot for baby, and serve!
Could ground flaxseed be used in place of the hemp?
My son and I enjoyed this recipe very much. I can’t believe he’s going to be 2 in several months. Anyways, thanks for this. It’s a keeper. I will make it often.
Hi Jules. I know what you mean about time going by so quickly! I’m so glad that you guys enjoyed the oatmeal fingers! Thank you for sharing your great feedback!
Can I use baby oatmeal cereal?
Hi! My son eats oatmeal every morning (LOVES it) , but I want to increase the number of chewable foods he eats. We don’t own a microwave so I cooked this recipe on the stove and placed it in a small pyrex bowl before cutting. Worked like a charm! Thank you for the new breakfast favorite!
Hi Victoria. Thank you for sharing!
Genius.
Thanks Angela!
I love this idea but mine didn’t stay together! Followed the directions to a T and used a cereal bowl. Any advice?
Let them cool for a few minutes, it helps!
Hi! My baby hates purees so that’s what led me to try out BLW. Your recipes are really helpful as well as your guide. But for this recipe can I used rolled oat instead of quick oats? and do we not need to cook the oats? Just mash em, mix em then microwave?
It works okay with rolled oats, they just don’t stick together as well. But yes you would not need to pre cook them. I’m so glad it helps, my youngest lived off of these for a few years!
Has anyone tried making without a microwave yet? Stove top or oven? Im not confident in my ability to adjust the cooking method on my own. Thanks!
I’ve been using this recipe since my little one was 6months. Baby Bear is now 10months and eats this pretty much every morning. Such a great way to make sure baby is getting a healthy start to the day and can master feeding themselves from the start. Also helps that it’s really easy to make. Thanks for the great idea!!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad they’re a hit!
Thisc recipe is a game changer! Me & my toddler eat this most mornings. We substitute hemp for chia seeds as it’s what we have in the cupboard. Delicious served with yogurt, berries and peanut butter.
Also, have you made with breastmilk instead?
I have not but I’m sure it would work.
Do these store well? Have you frozen them?
I haven’t frozen them, but I have kept leftovers in the fridge for a day or two. I don’t know that they would hold up in the freezer.
My little one is allergic to bananas. What do you recommend as a substitute? Thanks!
You can just leave the banana out, use a little more milk or pumpkin.
Hi,
When you refer to a 1/4 Cup can I just use any cup I use to make tea? What is a 1/4 of a cup equivalent to?
Many Thanks
1/4 of a cup measurement, you can’t just use a tea cup. 1/4 cup is equal to 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces. Hope that helps!
My 11 month old loves these. I like them a lot too. We have tried them a bunch of ways. Thanks so much for the idea!
How big of a bowl would you recommend?
A cereal sized bowl. Thanks!
Same! I don’t have a microwave. Hoping it works on the stove…
Hi. I don’t have a microwave. Can I bake them in the oven?
Hi! I’ve never tried it, but I’m sure you could if you have a small enough oven safe dish.