Can what we eat impact our sleep? Miriam Cooper from Mimi's Bowls tells us the truth behind this and what we should eat to sleep better; including these delectable homemade oat bars!

These filling and healthy oat bars, are so easy to make. The basic recipe is a brilliant one for weaning, if you are looking from some baby-led weaning ideas. This recipe is really versatile so add flavours you like; I make various versions adding different fruits and spices, depending on what I have to hand. You can sweeten these for older children with a tablespoon of maple syrup, however I prefer them unsweetened.  

Ingredients

- 100 standard oats, (not jumbo, or rolled)
- 100ml organic milk
- ½ banana, small dice
- 20g raisins, (omit for small babies)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional

Cook

• Preheat the oven to 180C fan. In a bowl then combine: oats, milk, banana, raisins and cinnamon. Mix the ingredients well until everything is combined, with the fruit spread evenly throughout the mix. 
• Take an overproof dish, or tray, line with baking paper: empty the oat mix into the dish. Flatten and push the mix to the edges of the dish using a spatula, until you have a flat oat bar. Cook in the oven for 20-25 mins until golden and toasted
• Remove from the oven and allow the oat bar to cool, in the dish, this will stop the bar cracking and help the oat bar (although crumbly) hold its shape.
• Once cooled cut into squares and enjoy. You can store in an airtight container for a couple of days also, if they last that long.

Written by mum Miriam Cooper. For more information and recipes from Miriam, you can have a look at her website, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter page!