Frequently Asked Questions on Weaning by Annabel Karmel.
What are the best first foods for babies?
Root vegetables such as carrots or sweet potatoes are good for starters because they have a naturally sweet taste. Apple and pear are good first purées and a week's supply can be frozen in ice-cube containers. Banana and avocado are also useful as they can be simply mashed and eaten.
What is the best way to cook vegetables for babies?
Steaming is the best way to preserve the fresh taste and hold the nutrients in. Vitamins B and C are water soluble so can be easily destroyed by overcooking, particularly when boiled.
When can cereals such as Weetabix, Readybreak and porridge be introduced?
From six months, babies can tolerate gluten so these cereals can be introduced then. However, Weetabix shouldn't be given too much as it is quite high in fibre and too much fibre in a baby's diet prevents absorption of some nutrients.
When should meat, fish and eggs be introduced?
Meat and fish can be introduced in small quantities when a baby is six months old. Eggs can also be introduced at six months, provided the yolk and white are cooked until solid and there is no allergy to eggs in the family.
What foods can and can't be frozen?
Nearly all cooked vegetables, meat, fish and chicken purées can be frozen and used within eight weeks or so. Fruits too can be cooked and frozen and then used in combination once defrosted. Bananas and avocados cant be frozen and eggs don't freeze well either.
What sort of finger foods should be introduced and at what age?
Finger food can be introduced at about nine months. Soft fruits such as apples, banana and pear are good for starters. Vegetables such as carrot sticks, broccoli florets and cauliflower should be steamed first as they are too hard to chew and swallow.
Dried apricots, raisins and apple rings, sticks of cheese, fingers of toast and rice cakes are also good. Chilled cucumber sticks can also help to soothe sore gums.
Is is okay to give my baby juice?
The baby's bottle should be reserved for milk or water only. However, diluted (one part juice to five parts cooled, boiled water) fruit juice helps babies absorb iron from their food and should be given in a cup at mealtimes occasionally.