28 Baby-Led Weaning Recipes to Switch Your Munchkin to Solid Foods | Baby Journey

28 Baby-Led Weaning Recipes to Switch Your Munchkin to Solid Foods

Chances are you know all about baby-led weaning by now.

From talks with fellow moms to science-backed articles, you know what it takes to urge your baby to reach for a bite-sized carrot cube instead of waiting for the weaning spoon.

But, one thing that still bugs you is coming up with yummy recipes that your little one can’t get enough of.

If that’s the case, these 28 baby-led weaning recipes will not just swoon your munchkin’s taste buds but will also help you ace her nutrition game.

Winning at Baby-Led Weaning – What to Keep in Mind

We hate to be the ones to tell you this, but heading into the kitchen and whipping up a meal for your baby is NOT your only concern when it comes to baby-led weaning.

Prepping the ingredients properly and keeping up with your infant’s changing nutritional needs also play a huge role in successful baby-led weaning.

Equipping your kitchen with the right tools can also go a long way. So, if you want to take the steps the right way, here’s what you need to do.

Prepping Like A Pro

From boiling to finely slicing, there are various ways to prep your baby's food with safety in mind.
From boiling to finely slicing, there are various ways to prep your baby’s food with safety in mind. Image: theculinarycook.com

Following a recipe to the tee is one thing. But, whipping up a baby-friendly meal is a whole ‘nother story, especially when you’re making something that your baby will shove down her throat.

With that in mind, always make sure to boil or steam the ingredients until they are fork-tender. One way to check whether they are soft enough is to push them against the roof of your mouth. If they smash, they are good to go.

Another thing to keep in mind during prepping is to slice the ingredients (veggies, fruits, meat, etc.) into bite-sized pieces to prevent your little one from choking.

Lastly, always provide your baby with foods that are at least as long as her fist. So, cut them accordingly before they reach her high chair.

Ever-Changing Nutritional Needs

While the first six months of a baby’s life are all about breast milk, things change a bit when that infant hits the 6-month mark(1).

Now, it’s finally time for her to turn to solids in order to get a variety of other nutrients (see: minerals) which are crucial for her cognitive and physical development.

That’s where baby-led weaning steps in. This popular self-feeding method introduces your little one to all the foods that matter at the right age.

Don’t know which foods are appropriate for a baby of 6, 7 or 8 months old? The following round-up will help you navigate this common conundrum by providing you with age-appropriate recipes.

Move Up A Gear With These Tools

From helping with food prep to minimizing the mess, having an array of baby-led weaning tools at your disposal can also help your munchkin transition to solids smoothly.

The three most essential tools to use during this stage include a reliable baby food processor for prepping meals efficiently, silicone plates to keep your baby from injuring as she feeds herself (opt out for a BPA-free model, no matter what) and water-proof bibs to prevent her from making a huge mess.

28 Nutritious Baby-Led Weaning Recipes For Every Step of the Way

1. Recipes For 6-Month-Old Babies

Reaching 6 months of age is a huge milestone for any baby (and her momma).

At this point, your little one is physically capable of standing upright, slightly chewing and swallowing. So, introducing her to solids seems like the right choice.

Some of the first foods you can scatter across her high chair include apples, avocados, bananas, peaches, pears, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, zucchini, green peas, baby cereal, rice, barley, and oats.

1. Let’s Start Slow With A Simple Avocado-Apple Puree

Loaded with nutrients, avocados and apples are must ingredients for your baby's first purees.

Loaded with nutrients, avocados and apples are must ingredients for your baby’s first purees. Image: organix.com

This easy-to-make recipe takes less than 10 minutes to whip up and contains all the healthy fats (thanks, avocado!) that your baby’s brain needs to develop.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and chopped
  • 1 medium-sized apple, peeled
  • A little bit of water

Instructions:

  1. Add the apple in a colander and steam by placing it on top of a pan with simmering water. That will take about 20 minutes.
  2. Then, transfer the apple and avocado in a baby food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to add some water, depending on the consistency of your preference. 

2. Upgrade Snack Time With These Delicious Sweet Potato Bites

Who said baby snack time should be boring?

Who said baby snack time should be boring? Image: momtastic.com

Packed with vitamin A and C, this nutritious snack will help boost your baby’s immune system as she slowly swaps breast milk for everyday foods.

PS: To keep the recipe on the healthier side, skip the brown sugar and let cinnamon do all the “sweet” work instead.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup sweet potato, mashed
  • 1 tbsp homemade applesauce
  • 1 cup baby cereal
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. In a bowl, add the sweet potato, water, and oil and mix well.
  3. Then, stir in the cinnamon and brown sugar (optional).
  4. Add the baby cereal, applesauce, and flour and mix well until you form a dough.
  5. Using your hands, shape small balls with the dough and place them on a cookie sheet.
  6. Bake for about 15 minutes. Make sure the bites are rather chewy instead of crunchy.

3. Sweeten Your Baby’s Menu With These No-Bake Apple-Oat Bites

Apples and oats are rich in fiber, increasing your baby's energy as it grows.

Apples and oats are rich in fiber, increasing your baby’s energy as it grows. Image: mykidslickthebowl.com

Associated with a healthy gut, fiber(2) is one of those nutrients that your baby so desperately needs, but often doesn’t get enough of.

To prevent that, add these delicious apple-oat bites to the menu and let the health benefit roll in.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup apple puree
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup raisins

Instructions:

  1. Add the apple puree, peanut butter, and raisins to a baby food processor and blend until smooth.
  2. Then, add the oats and pulse until they are evenly combined.
  3. Using a spoon, form small balls with the mixture and place it on a freezer-safe tray.
  4. Refrigerate for half an hour and serve.

4. Add Some Color to the Mix With These Carrot and Sweet Potato Fries

Baby food was never more nutritious!

Baby food was never more nutritious! Image: healthylittlefoodies.com

From vitamin A to potassium, carrots and sweet potatoes contain just the right ingredients to up your baby’s nutrition ante.

Plus, this oven-baked version tastes so good that your little one will ask for seconds which means more nutrients.

Friendly tip: Skip the paprika from the original recipe ’cause your baby’s 6-month-old stomach is not up to par yet.

Ingredients:

  • 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375oF.
  2. In a bowl, add the sweet potato and carrot fries and toss them with the olive oil until they’re coated.
  3. Place them on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Make sure to turn them halfway through.

2. Recipes For 7-Month-Old Babies

Now that your baby is familiar with a lot of new flavors, her once-vulnerable stomach has evolved quite a bit.

So, at 7 months old, it’s finally ready to get acquainted with new foods which can increase her development even more.

These new foods include various types of meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, etc.), nut butter, tofu, eggs and unsweetened dairy.

1. Shake Things Up With This Banana-Tofu-Pear Puree

Who said tofu is just for adults?

Who said tofu is just for adults? Image: babyfoode.com

Tasting a lot like a banana milkshake, this puree is going to be your baby’s new favorite meal.

The best part? It’s rich in protein, calcium and manganese thanks to the tofu, keeping your baby overall healthy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana, peeled and cut in half
  • 1 pear, peeled and cut into chunks
  • ½ cup tofu, cubed

Instructions:

  1. Squeeze the tofu and remove any excess liquid.
  2. Add the banana, tofu, and pear into a baby food processor and puree until smooth. You may need to add some water to thin the mixture’s consistency depending on your liking.

2. Revolutionize Brunch Time With This Wholesome French Toast Recipe

Your little foodie will go gaga over this delicious combo.

Your little foodie will go gaga over this delicious combo. Image: netmums.com

Loaded with protein, vitamins and healthy fats, the egg is a baby-friendly superfood.

If you want to help your munchkin’s brain develop, even more, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Psst… It’s also delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp of breast milk or formula
  • 1 slices of bread, no crust
  • ¼ tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, add the eggs and milk and beat until they are evenly combined.
  2. Dunk the bread into the mixture and make sure it’s coated.
  3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan and fry the bread until it turns golden on both sides.
  4. Set it aside to cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.

3. Beef Your Baby Up With This Healthy Beef Stew

This recipe will warm (and nourish) your baby from the inside out during the cold months of winter.

This recipe will warm (and nourish) your baby from the inside out during the cold months of winter. Image: blenderbabes.com

It’s no secret that beef is a rich source of protein, vitamin B12, and zinc.

All these nutrients play a huge role in the muscle and DNA development of a baby, helping your little one grow stronger by the day.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup lean beef
  • ¼ cup carrots, peeled
  • ½ cup potatoes, peeled
  • ¼ cup peas
  • ¼ cup onions, peeled
  • ¼ cup celery
  • ¼ cup filtered water

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients in a saucepan and let them simmer over medium heat until they turn soft.
  2. Once cooked through, transfer them to a food processor and blend until smooth.
  3. If needed, add more water to thin the consistency.

4. Boost Your Baby’s Muscle Development With This Protein-Filled Pork Stew

Your baby + this pork stew = muscle, muscle, muscle

Your baby + this pork stew = muscle, muscle, muscle Image: madeformums.com

From protein to selenium to phosphorous, pork has it all.

So, the popular meat is not just a tasty addition to your baby’s menu; it will also help up her nutrient intake in a jiffy.

Ingredients:

  • 1/5 cup lean pork mince
  • ½ apple, peeled and chopped
  • ½ courgette, chopped finely
  • ½ sweet potato, peeled and chopped
  • 1/5 cup apple juice
  • 1/5 cup water
  • 1 splash cooking oil
  • A pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a pan, saute the mince to remove any excess fat.
  2. In a separate saucepan, add the remaining ingredients and simmer until they are fork-tender.
  3. Drain the juices from the apple/courgette mixture and add the meat.
  4. Mash to the desired consistency and serve.

3. Recipes For 8-Month-Old Babies

The stakes are pretty high by now. Your baby doesn’t just stand upright on her own, but her eyesight is as good as an adult’s.

That means that presenting her with an eye-catching, colorful dish is as important as making it uber delicious.

Also, note that your little one can now eat a variety of new nutrient-dense foods which include quinoa, legumes, broccoli, spinach, spices, raisins, cauliflower, berries and chia seeds.

1. Broc & Roll Your Baby’s Palate With These Vitamin-Rich Broccoli-Cheddar Patties

Broccoli always tastes better with cheese.

Broccoli always tastes better with cheese. Image: littlegrazers.com

There’s a reason we are told to eat our broccoli, and that’s vitamin C.

Containing massive amounts of the antioxidant vitamin, this green vegetable is the best way to boost your baby’s immune system.

Plus, the cheddar will make the veggie irresistible. It’s a win-win situation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup broccoli
  • 1 ½ cup sweet potato, cubed
  • 1/3 cup cheddar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add the sweet potato in a colander and place it on top of a pan with boiling water. Let it steam until it’s fork-tender. Remove and set aside.
  2. Now, add the broccoli to the colander and steam until it’s fork-tender as well.
  3. Transfer the sweet potato, broccoli, cheddar and black pepper to a bowl and mash until they are evenly combined.
  4. Preheat the oven to 400oF.
  5. Beat the egg and add it to the broccoli mixture and form small patties with your hands.
  6. Place them on top of a greased baking tray and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden on both sides.

2. Bring In The Healthy Fats With These Yummy Peanut Butter Balls

Spead the peanut butter love.

Spead the peanut butter love. Image: onehandedcooks.com.au

From boosting her energy to improving muscle development to enhancing her brain function, peanut butter is one of those foods that can help your baby take things up a notch.

The chia seeds in this recipe also load her body with much-needed fiber (buh-bye constipation!).

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • ¾ cup dried dates, pitted
  • ¾ cup desiccated coconut
  • ¼ cup quinoa puffs (opt for gluten-free)

Instructions:

  1. Add the dates and coconut into a baby food processor and blend until they are finely chopped.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse once again until they form a fine crumb.
  3. Transfer to a bowl and form bite-sized balls with your hands.
  4. Refrigerate for some hours and serve.

3. Fortify Your Baby’s Health With These Blueberry Oat Bars

You can’t help but fall in love with this recipe from the berry first bite. source: tastingpages.com

Containing lots of fiber, vitamin C, and K, blueberries are a must-eat superfood for any 8-month-old baby.

This juicy fruit will up your baby’s antioxidant(3) intake, helping her fight against viruses, germs, and other harmful bacteria.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cup oats
  • 1 punnet of blueberries
  • 1 cup almond milk (or better yet, breast milk or formula)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/3 maple syrup (we recommend you skip that)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Meanwhile, add all the ingredients to a baby food processor and blend until they are evenly combined.
  3. Spoon the mixture to a greased baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Let it cool and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

4. Help Your Baby Build Strong Bones With These Cheesy Spinach Bites

Let's follow Popeye's lead. He always knows best.

Let’s follow Popeye’s lead. He always knows best. Image: redkitchenette.com

It turns out that Popeye was right all this time.

By eating enough of the green leafy vegetable, he provided his body with enough vitamin K which is vital to a healthy bone development.

We think that your baby deserves the same treatment, and these spinach bites are a great place to start.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cup spinach, frozen
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar and parmesan will do)
  • 1 tsp of dried thyme, oregano or dill

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Using a towel, squeeze the spinach and remove all excess water.
  3. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well.
  4. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven, set aside to cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

4. Recipes For 9-Month-Old Babies

At this point, your baby’s first teeth are finally popping out.

Your little one is now capable of chewing a bit harder and handling bigger bites of anything.

Grown-up foods such as pasta are entering the scene, making her menu all the tastier.

1. Lighten Up Breakfast With These Delicious Banana Pancakes

Your baby will go bananas for this pancakes – literally!

Your baby will go bananas for this pancakes – literally! Image: myfussyeater.com

Made with baby-proof ingredients, this pancake recipe is everything your banana-loving munchkin could ask for. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so less work for momma.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup milk
  • Unsalted butter

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mash the banana and stir in the eggs and milk.
  2. Add the flour and mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat and pour 2 tablespoons of the batter.
  4. Cook for a couple of minutes on both sides until they turn brown.

2. Create Cozy Memories With This Comforting Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

If you didn't introduce your munchkin to mac-n-cheese, did you actually do the whole baby-led weaning thing right?

If you didn’t introduce your munchkin to mac-n-cheese, did you actually do the whole baby-led weaning thing right? Image: supervalu.ie

Nothing says “yum” quite like a bowl of mac-n-cheese. This baby-led weaning recipe helps you introduce your baby to this comfort food classic in the healthiest way possible.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of macaroni
  • ½ cup breast milk or formula
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package’s directions.
  3. Add the egg, cheese, milk, and butter to a baby food processor and pulse until they are evenly combined.
  4. Add the macaroni and blend for another 30 seconds until the pasta is finely chopped.
  5. Spoon the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with black pepper and bake for about 20 minutes or until it turns golden.

3. Soothe Your Baby’s Sore Gums With These Nom-Worthy Biscuits

Help your baby's first teeth pop out without so much as a whine.

Help your baby’s first teeth pop out without so much as a whine. Image: superhealthykids.com

A teething baby can be hard on any momma.

But, what if we told you that there’s an easy way to keep your little one from whining all while nourishing her body?

These nutritious teething biscuits can do just the trick while promoting your baby’s self-feeding habits.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oats
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Add the oats to a baby food processor and blend until it turns into a fine powder.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and and pulse until you form a dough.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they turn brown. Make sure they are not crunchy.

4. Keep Your Baby’s Gut Healthy With These Fruity Yogurt Melts

These melts taste so good they'll make you forget all about ice cream.

These melts taste so good they’ll make you forget all about ice cream. Image: hankyshappyhome.com

Packed with probiotics, yogurt is one of the easiest ways to keep your little one’s gut in tip-top condition.

However, make sure you steer clear of sugar-laden products which may do more harm than good.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup banana
  • ½ cup fruit of your choice (the recipe calls for blueberries, strawberries, and mango)

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients in a baby food processor and blend until they are evenly combined.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Spoon small dots of the mixture onto the paper and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

5.Recipes For 10-Month-Old Babies

Wow, your baby is growing so fast! She’s now 10 months old. Sure, that’s a good thing, but her personality is beginning to show.

Since raising a picky eater is not an option, it’s high time you pulled out the big guns and made sure everything you throw her way is uber delicious.

PS: You can now add more foods to her menu including tomatoes, fish, ground nuts, and yams.

1. Build Healthy Eating Habits With These Quinoa Beef Meatballs

Be rest assured that your baby will reach out for seconds. We know we would.

Be rest assured that your baby will reach out for seconds. We know we would. Image: buonapappa.net

Between quinoa’s mineral potential and beef’s iron and protein abundance, these meatballs are a total nutritional powerhouse. Ready to show your baby what it means to eat healthily?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of ground beef
  • 3 cups quinoa, cooked
  • 1 large Fuji apple, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste, no added salt
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Add all the ingredients in a bowl and knead with your hands.
  3. Once everything is combined, form small balls with the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Boost Your Baby’s Vision With This Tomato-Avocado Scramble

It's easy to make, it's delicious, it's packed with nutrients – this scramble is your baby's new favorite breakfast!

It’s easy to make, it’s delicious, it’s packed with nutrients – this scramble is your baby’s new favorite breakfast! Image: babycenter.com

Both tomatoes(4) and avocados(5) contain potent antioxidants which play a huge role in your munchkin’s eyesight development.

But, this recipe doesn’t end there. It’s also rich in muscle-building protein thanks to the egg.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp of ripe tomato, finely diced
  • ¼ avocado, peeled and diced into small pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp water

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, add the tomato, water, and egg and whisk well.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the egg mixture. Keep stirring so that the egg doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  3. Moments before the scramble is set, add the avocado and cook for a while longer.

3. Enhance Your Baby’s Brain Power With These Yummy Fish Cakes

Move over, beef. There's a new nutritious treat in town!

Move over, beef. There’s a new nutritious treat in town! Image: mylittlegourmet.com

Fun fact: The human brain(6) consists of 60% fat.

That means that your growing baby is in desperate need of healthy fats to fuel this mighty organ on a day-to-day basis.

Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids which basically do all the work.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fish, deboned (preferably salmon)
  • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and boiled
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup breast milk or formula
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, add the milk and the fish and bring to a boil. Simmer until the fish is cooked through.
  2. In a bowl, combine the potato, butter, black pepper, parsley and lemon zest and mash them.
  3. Stir in the fish little by little along with ¾ of the egg and the green onion.
  4. In a plate, add the remainder of the egg and the breadcrumbs.
  5. Flour your hands and form small patties.
  6. Then, coat them with the breadcrumb mixture and transfer to a heated pan.
  7. Fry on both sides until they turn golden brown.

4. Break Free From The Breakfast Rut With This Sweet Potato-Carrot-Apple Hash

Oh, yes! Hashes can be that nutritious.

Oh, yes! Hashes can be that nutritious. Image: blwideas.com

Coming up with nutritious baby-led weaning breakfast recipes can be tough.

But, this delicious (and easy-to-make) hash gives your baby a break from boring oat porridges and bland purees.

Who’s excited for breakfast meals once again? *raises hand*

Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into thin slices
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
  • ½ apple, peeled and sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt (you’d better skip that for now)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in a pan over low heat.
  2. Add the sweet potatoes and carrots and cook for a minute.
  3. Stir in the cinnamon and cover with a lid. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the cover and simmer until the sweet veggies are cooked through (approximately 15 minutes).
  5. Then, add the apple and cook for 5 more minutes until all the ingredients are fork-tender.
  6. You may need to add more oil along the way.

6. Recipes For 11-Month-Old Babies

From tomatoes and blueberries, your baby has tasted it all by now.

So, it’s finally time to put these nutritious foods together and create easy, delicious meals.

Your only concern at this point? Start checking your baby’s reactions to specific allergens such as nuts, eggs, bread, dairy, etc.

1. Healthify Your Baby’s Snack Time With These Decadent Veggie Tots

You can't go wrong with a tot-inspired snack.

You can’t go wrong with a tot-inspired snack. Image: beckysbestbites.com

Being one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, cauliflower is the epitome of eating healthy. So, sneaking it into your baby’s menu seems like a reasonable choice.

Friendly tip: Skip the red pepper in the original recipe ’cause your baby’s digestive system may not care for it.

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, riced
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400oF.
  2. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well until they are evenly combined.
  3. Scoop one tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a rectangular stick.
  4. Place the veggie tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden.

2. Make Cooking A Cinch With These 4-Ingredient Turkey Meatballs

Cause working moms shouldn't spend hours and hours in the kitchen.

Cause working moms shouldn’t spend hours and hours in the kitchen. Image: workingmother.com

At just 4 ingredients, these marble-sized meatballs will be your go-to lunch option for those days when you need to sneak more nutrients into your baby’s body but don’t have the time to cook a fancy meal.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ pound ground turkey
  • 3 tbsp sweet potato, pureed
  • 3 tbsp oat cereal
  • A pinch of garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well.
  2. Form small balls with your hands and place them on a greased baking tray.
  3. Bake at 350oF for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.

3. Up Your Baby’s Antioxidant Intake With These Yummy Zucchini Slices

Sneaking veggies into your baby's meals was never easier!

Sneaking veggies into your baby’s meals was never easier! Image: foodbabieslove.com

Thanks to their low-carb content, zucchinis are a light option for any baby meal; not to mention that they are packed with vitamin C, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants(7).

Ingredients:

  • 2 zucchinis, grated
  • 2 slices of bacon, rind removed and finely chopped
  • ½ onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • ½ cup cheese, grated
  • ½ cup self-rising flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Add the zucchini, cheese, onion, and bacon in a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, add the oil, flour, and eggs and mix well.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the zucchini mixture and blend them well until they are evenly combined.
  5. Transfer the dough to a baking tray, even it out and bake for about 30 minutes or until it turns golden.
  6. Remove from the oven, allow to cool and cut into rectangular pieces.

4. Let Your Baby Indulge In These Delicious Risotto Balls

Who said babies can't eat gourmet bites?

Who said babies can’t eat gourmet bites? Image: pennyledweaning.co.uk

Nothing says cozy and must-eat quite like a bowl of warm rice, and this easy-to-follow recipe makes sure your baby gets in on the action.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/5 cup rice
  • 1 cup prawns, chopped
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • A handful of frozen peas
  • 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 low-salt vegetable stock cube
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • A knob of low-salt butter
  • Splash of cream

Instructions:

  1. In a deep saucepan, saute the onion and celery until soft.
  2. Stir in the butter, rice, and garlic.
  3. Meanwhile, dissolve the stock cube in 1 ½ liter hot water and add to the pan. Simmer over low-medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the peas, prawns, cream, lemon juice and zest and simmer for a while longer until the risotto turns al dente.
  5. Set the pan aside, let the risotto cool down, form balls with your hands and serve as is.

7. Recipes For 12-Month-Old Babies

At this point, your little munchkin can eat just about anything. Except for juices, cow’s milk, oranges and salt – they’re still out of limits.

That means that you have a wide array of options to work with and are capable of producing drool-worthy meals 100% of the time. Ready to head into the kitchen?

1. Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday With This Sugar-Free Carrot Cake

You simple carrot live without this recipe.

You simple carrot live without this recipe. Image: homemade-baby-food-recipes.com

Swapping raisins, applesauce, and sultanas for sugar, this carrot cake recipe is the equivalent of a warm hug, but with a healthy twist.

If you are ready to introduce your little one to the magic of cakes, this is definitely the way to get started.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup carrot, peeled and grated
  • ½ cup sugar-free applesauce
  • ¾ cup raisins
  • ¾ cup sultanas
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 ¼ cup water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375oF.
  2. In a bowl, add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder and combine.
  3. In a saucepan, pour the water and add the raisins, sultanas, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, add the carrots and the raisin mixture and stir well.
  6. Then, add the applesauce and the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 1 hour or until the cake is cooked through.

2. Regulate Your Bbay’s Glucose Levels With These Drool-Worthy Chickpea Patties

Chock-full of protein and fiber, these chickpea patties are a must-eat for every healthy baby.

Chock-full of protein and fiber, these chickpea patties are a must-eat for every healthy baby. Image: savvymom.ca

A rich source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are part of every healthy baby’s menu. How come?

This yummy legume helps regulate glucose and insulin response(8) which are crucial aspects of the development of a 12-month-old baby.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup flour
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup green onions, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp rosemary leaves, minced
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients except for the breadcrumbs and flour and pulse until they are evenly combined.
  2. Then, add the flour and the breadcrumbs and pulse once again.
  3. Form small patties with your hands and place them on a tray.
  4. Chill in the fridge for half an hour.
  5. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the patties on both sides until they turn golden.
  6. Place them on top of a paper towel to remove any excess oil and serve.

3. Go Pasta-Crazy With This Baby-Friendly Bolognese Recipe

Yes, baby bolegnese is a thing, and your infant should have a bite ASAP.

Yes, baby bolegnese is a thing, and your infant should have a bite ASAP. Image: annabelkarmel.com

Babies love bolognese – that’s nothing new. However, if you want to offer your little one with a healthier version of the pasta favorite, this recipe is just the way to go.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup lean minced beef
  • 1/3 cup baby pasta shells
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • ½ celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • ¼ tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • ¾ cup tinned tomatoes
  • 1 tsp tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • ¾ cup unsalted beef stock

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Saute the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.
  3. Add the beef and saute until brown. Stir occasionally.
  4. Add the beef stock, thyme, tomatoes and tomato puree and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package’s instructions.
  6. Combine the beef mixture into the pasta and serve.

4. Sneak Veggies Into The Mix With These Baby-Proof Frittatas

These frittatas are baby breakfast goals in all their glory.

These frittatas are baby breakfast goals in all their glory. Image: babyledfeeding.com

Feeding your little one all the right foods is not always easy when they grow up.

This recipe eliminates this issue by hiding heaps of iron-rich spinach into a cheesy frittata.

Making your kid eat her veggies was never easier!

Ingredients:

  • 2 handfuls fresh baby leaf spinach, roughly chopped
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/5 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 red pepper, finely diced
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 12 basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan and saute onion, garlic, and pepper until they turn soft.
  3. Stir in the spinach and basil leaves and heat until they wilt.
  4. In a bowl, add the eggs and black pepper and whisk.
  5. Pour the egg mixture on top of the veggies and sprinkle with the cheese.
  6. Spoon the mixture into a muffin tin and bake for 12 minutes.

The Takeaway

Sure, baby-led weaning is not always as easy as it seems.

But, you’d be surprised at just how smooth things can get if you have a bunch of delicious recipes within reach on a daily basis.

So, what do you think? Will you add any of these recipes to your baby’s weaning menu?

If so, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below and -why not?- share this roundup with fellow moms who face the same issue. #mompower

References:

  1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-and-your-life-stages#lp-h-1
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331556/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632771/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12134711
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882728/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537869/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188421/

5 thoughts on “28 Baby-Led Weaning Recipes to Switch Your Munchkin to Solid Foods”

  1. This is just what I was looking for! My little guy is getting bored with the same foods all the time. I’m excited to try some of these tomorrow. Thank you!

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