Baby cereal vs stage 1

Kate

My little one is 19w we got the ok from pediatrician to start him on baby cereal. He said the soul purpose was to teach him how to eat. Once he does well he recommended starting stage 1 baby food.. my question is, is it necessary to start with oatmeal or can we go straight to stage 1 baby foods? I understand baby cereal contains no nutritional value and that’s why I’d prefer to skip that step all together. He was born premature if that matters. Thanks mommas!