Weaning

There’s lots of information out there on weaning. Writing as a parent who gives B both foods for him to eat himself and purees in summer 2024, here are my top tips. For up-to-date safety and allergen advice, visit the NHS Start for Life website.

1. Have a go at cooking your usual recipes, but remove any added sugar, salt (and chilli). Use a hand blender to get the food to a puree. There is no rule against giving your child chilli, but I chose not to.

   
   

2. Refresh your memory using the Baby First Aid app from the British Red Cross, to remind yourself how to look after your child should you be concerned about choking. Practice doing this on your baby before you start giving them food to eat independently.

   
   

3. Look at smoothie and shake menus and soup recipes. Remove any ingredients that contain sugar, chilli and salt - and hey ho, you have a great baby puree! And maybe something tasty for you too.

   
   

4. Steaming vegetables in the microwave is an absolute godsend. Use a porcelain bowl, add a splash of water to your veggies, cover with a small porcelain bowl and microwave until the vegetables have softened.

   
   

5. Stay close to and monitor your baby while they are self feeding (baby-led weaning). A good friend of mine feeds her baby his puree and then watches him eat his food sticks while she eats herself. I instantly began to copy her!

   
   

6. Ella’s Kitchen ‘The Purple Book’ contains some brilliant principles for making your own purees but also has some wicked recipes. The weights and measures it uses gives you an idea of portion sizes and how long it will take to steam or boil different roots and veggies. I thoroughly recommend it.

   
   

7. If like me, you are interested in baby-led weaning, but you’re not 100% sure, give the Solid Starts app a go. Simply type in the food you wish your baby to try, and it will give you safe preparation guidelines, depending on how old your baby is.

   
   

8. Don’t be afraid to add lots of herbs and spices to your recipes. Nutmeg, cinnamon and mixed spice are good for fruity or sweeter baby foods. Go wild with your usual seasonings, such as garlic, ginger, mint, basil, turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, oregano, thyme. Get them used to lots of flavours while you can.

   
   

9. A good rule of thumb: if you think it tastes good, there’s no reason not to give to your baby. Some for you, some for baby! Just remember to remove added salt or sugar when you prepare it.

   
   

10. Make sure to thoroughly puree any vegetable with a filmy skin or fibrous/stringy content e.g. peppers, tomatoes, grapes or onions, broccoli and asparagus, particularly if your baby is starting their weaning journey.
    

11. Bibado baby weaning tools are fantastic. Their coveralls made the mess much more bearable and weaning less stressful for everyone!
    

12. B really enjoyed watching me cook. We do it together! Try explaining what you’re doing to your baby and giving them a feel of interesting textures of the food they’re going to eat. It’s one way of keeping them occupied.
    

13. Frozen fruit and vegetables are a godsend. Simply steam them in the microwave, adding flavourings (or cheese for the classic cauliflower cheese combo) and blend, and you will have a quick supply of food for your little one.
    

14. Avocados, pears and bananas are a good staple, should you be caught short. Quick to mush, these fatty and sweet fruits also work well in combination.