Make a simple, yet satisfying baby porridge with this versatile recipe that works for a baby of any age—and can be served to big kids and adults, too. With under 15 minutes of cook time, this breakfast idea is ready to enjoy.

Baby Porridge

Warm breakfast cereal is such a great way to start the day. It’s cozy, easy to make, and satisfying for kids of all ages. You can vary the flavor by adding any fruit you like and you even have the option to make it ahead of time and simply reheat it throughout the week to cut down on cooking.

This baby porridge has a multigrain base for fiber, complex carbohydrates, and B vitamins. It can be served as a Stage 1, 2, or 3 baby food starting at around 6 months, as a baby food combination, and as a toddler breakfast.

Ingredients You Need

To make this baby food recipe, here’s what to look for at the store:

• Multi-grain hot cereal: Look for this near the oatmeal from brands including Bob’s Red Mill, Quaker, or your store’s brand. (You can make organic baby porridge by starting with organic baby cereal and using organic milk and add-ins.)
• Nondairy milk: Such as unsweetened plain or vanilla oat milk, plant milk, or almond milk.
• Cinnamon: This adds nice flavor to the cereal.
• Vanilla: I use an alcohol-free vanilla extract to add flavor to this baby cereal.
• Add-ins: You can stir in any mashed or pureed fruit, additional milk, a little peanut butter or almond butter, or crushed nuts to add flavor and nutrients to this baby breakfast.

TIP: To make your own multigrain cereal mix, you can do ¼ cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons cream of wheat, 2 tablespoons cracked bulgur, and 2 tablespoons chia seeds, hemp seeds, or oat bran. It’s usually readily available in the supermarket, but that is an option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this recipe so you’ll know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information.

1. Add the liquid and cereal to a pot. Bring to a simmer and cook.
2. Stir often until the liquid is absorbed and the cereal is very soft. Add in any optional flavorings as you like.
3. OR: To make instant baby porridge, grind the dry cereal up in a blender to make a powder.
4. Add some to a bowl, add the hot liquid, cover, and let sit until the liquid is absorbed and the cereal is soft.

The instant option tends to make a thinner cereal; the stovetop one makes more of a traditional porridge. We prefer the latter, but see what you think.

How to Store

Store cooked baby porridge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this baby food in an ice cube tray and use as many cubes as you like for future servings. Reheat, stirring often, in 15- to 30-second increments in the microwave. You may want to add more milk to thin the cereal out if it’s thickened during storage.

You can also reheat it in a pot over low heat on the stove. Stir often to prevent sticking, and add a little water or milk as needed.

Best Tips for Success

• Look for multigrain hot cereal near the oatmeal from brands including Bob’s Red Mill, Quaker, or your store’s brand.
• You can make organic baby porridge by starting with organic baby cereal and using organic milk and add-ins.
• Nondairy milk may be easier for baby to digest, so that is my recommendation here.
• Stir the pot a few times during cooking to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Add unsalted butter, coconut oil, or hemp seeds for a dose of healthy fats.
• Add flavor with a fruit puree, mashed fruit, peanut butter, almond butter, Sweet Potato Puree, or Butternut Squash Puree.
• Enjoy a bowl for yourself. You may like your serving topped with chopped nuts, honey, and milk.

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