A Guide To Weaning Your Baby & 3 Delicious Baby Recipes

Weaning your baby is an exciting milestone in their development, as they transition from a diet solely composed of breast milk or formula to incorporating solid foods. The weaning process typically begins when your baby is around six months old and ready to explore new flavors and textures, but there are some signs you should look out for to know if baby is ready to start eating solid foods. We’re explaining what weaning is and how to start this journey. We’re also sharing two nutritious weaning recipes to help you and your baby enjoy the process!

What is weaning?

Weaning is the gradual process of introducing your baby to solid foods while reducing their dependency on breast milk or formula. This journey is significant for both you and your baby, as it marks the first steps towards independence and a diversified diet.

Getting started with weaning

Before getting started, remember that weaning is not an abrupt change; it should be a gradual process. Initially, replace one milk feed with a solid meal, and gradually increase the number of solid meals.

Here are some other important steps and considerations to keep in mind as you start weaning:

What age should baby start wearing?

Most babies are ready to start weaning around six months of age. Consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is developmentally ready, and look out for signs that your baby is ready to eat solid foods.

Signs that your baby is ready to start weaning:

• Can baby sit up and hold their head? Sitting upright helps baby to eat and swallow safely. If baby cannot stay in a seated position or hold their heads safely, they are not ready for solid food. 

• Hand-eye-mouth coordination is also important so that a baby can eat independently. According to the NHS, if baby has good hand-eye-mouth coordination they are more able to develop the skills they need to feed themselves and swallow. 

• Your baby should also be able to swallow food rather than simply spitting it back out. Some babies will learn this quicker than others, and it’s ok to let them do it at their own pace. 

Is it normal for a weaning baby to gag?

Yes, at the beginning of the weaning process, your baby may gag on food, and that’s quite normal as they learn how much food they are able to chew and swallow at a time. 

What to buy for weaning:

As you start weaning, it can be a good idea to onvest in the right baby-friendly equipment, like a high chair, baby bowls, and soft-tipped spoons.

How to make baby food

• Pick up organic produce and wash the fruits and veg as thoroughly as possible

• Trim, peel, or chop as needed and cook (either through baking or boiling) until softened

• Let the food cool then pop in the blender or use an immersion blender and puree until smooth

• Add water or strain as needed to create a smooth, easy-to-digest consistency

It's best to start with simple one-ingredient purees - using things like apples, pears, squash, banana, sweet peas, or lentils. We've got a classic carrot puree for you, as promised, plus three additional recipes that introduce solid foods to your little one over that first year of life

Now, let's explore three delicious weaning recipes to make this transition enjoyable for both you and your little one.

Simple weaning recipe: Pumpkin Puree

Suitable for ages 6 months+

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin

• A little sunflower oil

• A dash of breast milk or formula

How to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the insides.

3. Cut the pumpkin into wedges or slices, coat with a little sunflower oil, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until tender. You can peel the skin off either before or after baking.

4. Allow the baked pumpkin to cool and then add your baby's usual milk (either formula or breast milk).

5. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth puree consistency.

Bonus: You can save some pumpkin aside to prepare a delightful pumpkin spice latte for yourself. Find out how to make our Pumpkin Spiced Latte here.

Simple weaning recipe: Broccoli & Cheese Pasta 

Suitable for ages 9 months+

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 3/4 cup small pasta shapes

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

How to make it:

1. Steam the broccoli for 4-5 minutes or until tender.

2. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions.

3. Allow the broccoli to cool, then transfer it to a jug or blender. Add 2 tbsp of pasta water and blend until smooth.

4. Add cream cheese and grated Parmesan to the broccoli puree, blending or stirring until well combined.

5. Strain the cooked pasta and mix it with the sauce.

Simple weaning recipe: Baby (and parent) friendly shakshuka!

Suitable for ages 12 months+

This recipe is a great way to introduce new flavors to your baby and is loaded with fiber and essential nutrients. Eggs are especially great for babies because they contain choline which supports brain development and memory function. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup zucchini, finely diced

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 red onion, finely chopped 

• 1 cup potato, peeled and finely diced

• 1 clove crushed garlic

• 2 cans chopped tomatoes 

• 1 tsp tomato puree

• 1 tsp thyme, chopped

• 1/4 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp ground coriander 

• 2 eggs 

How to make it:

1. Heat oil in large frying pan

2. Add onion, potato, pepper and zucchini and fry until they start to become tender.

3. Add in garlic and spices 

4. Add the tomatoes, thyme and puree. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on low for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the sauce has reduced.

5. Make one or two holes in the mixture, crack the eggs into the holes - continue to simmer until the egg whites are cooked but the yolk is still runny.

6. Serve and enjoy it with your baby!

Let us know if you have questions about weaning in the comments and get more weaning recipes here.

---