Top 10 recipes for weaning babies
What are the best foods to wean a baby on?
Weaning, the move from breast or bottle feeding to solids, can be a challenging time for both parents and baby.
The latest advice says babies should start to be weaned from six months old, although this is obviously very much dependent on your baby.
Parenting expert Annabel Karmel says: “Make sure your baby is ready to wean. Pushing a young, reluctant baby will make the start of the weaning process upsetting for you both.”
You can feed your baby puréed food before moving onto solids, or you can start straightaway with a mixture of solids and let the baby choose what he or she likes to eat. The latter is known as baby-led weaning.
Tips for getting started
Here are Annabel Karmel’s top tips for starting weaning:
1. Babies sometimes find the process a little clinical and become upset when mealtimes no longer involve the comfort of sucking milk. When offering your baby her very first taste or two you may find it easier to hold her on your lap, as this will help her feel loved and secure.
2. It’s a good idea to choose a spot where you’ll be regularly feeding your baby, so that she begins to associate it with mealtimes. The kitchen is probably best, as she’s bound to make a considerable mess for the first few months – or even years!
3. When babies feed from the breast or a bottle they instinctively push their tongue forwards. Now your baby needs to learn to keep her tongue at the back of her mouth. If you're feeding purée and she can’t get on with a spoon, try dipping a clean finger in the purée and let her suck your finger for the first few mouthfuls.
4. The first time you feed your baby solids can be a nerve-wracking experience. So find a relaxing, quiet place with no distractions and take it slowly, following your baby’s pace. Every baby is different; some jump at the opportunity of trying new tastes and textures while others may be more reluctant but both of you will soon get the hang of it and enjoy trying new flavours.
5. Laugh, smile, sing and taste you baby’s food at mealtimes – she’ll want to join in the fun by copying you and eating it herself.
6. Avoid feeding your baby when she’s tired, irritable or very hungry. At these times, she’ll want one thing only – milk.
7. Don’t get too hung up about portion sizes or nutrients. If the food is wholesome and fresh and she’s taking a little, you’ve done well.
8. Try to compare your baby with others. All babies develop at their own speed and take to different foods at different stages. It is no reflection on their intelligence or abilities.
9. First foods should be simple, easy to digest, and unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. Start with a single ingredient, ideally a fruit or vegetable. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potato and butternut squash are very popular first foods; they have a naturally sweet flavour and can easily be puréed to a smooth texture. As a tip, try mixing them with a little breast or formula milk to ease the transition.
Recipes
If your child's ready for weaning, here are 10 great recipe ideas to get them started on purées and solids.
Blueberry, pear and banana purée
A yummy combination of three top fruits to get baby off to a great start on purées. Recipe makes three portions.
Sweet potato, broccoli and peas purée
Annabel Karmel's recipe provides a jolly green introduction to veg. Recipe makes three portions.
Mediterranean vegetable purée
A more exotic veggie purée. Makes five portions.
Salmon, cod and spinach purée
Baby's first fish dish, also from Annabel Karmel, with added goodness from spinach and sweet potato. Recipe makes four portions.
Chicken, cheese and tomato on toast recipe
Moving into finger food now, and this could be a good first step into flavour combinations. Annabel Karmel's recipe makes eight fingers of toast.
Lentil and chicken curry
An Annabel Karmel recipe for children aged 9-12 months, although adults might well enjoy it too. Makes four to six baby portions.
Fruity porridge
Nadia Sawalha makes this for her marathon-running husband, but omit the nuts and honey and it's a perfect breakfast for babies.
Chicken casserole with dumplings
Recipe author Jo Pratt says: "This dish is perfect for all the family to enjoy whatever their age. Once cooked, cut into small bite-size pieces for little ones or serve it straight out of the pot for everyone else – it can even be puréed for babies, and any leftovers freeze really well."
Pork bolognese
Legendary chef Aldo Zilli uses pork for his version of the family favourite, which is great for babies to get stuck into. Just make sure the floor under the high chair is protected.
Swedish meatballs with pasta
Older siblings can help prepare this dish by Jessica Andersson. Just make sure the meatballs are mushed up for baby to avoid choking.
Download Annabel Karmel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler from the App Store to access more than 200 delicious recipes, or visit www.annabelkarmel.com
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