By now you're a couple of weeks into baby led weaning, which means your little bubba has been trying a variety of the recommended first foods (see in below links for the best first foods to try). 

Remember the first few weeks are all about them trying out the various textures and tastes of foods. Their main source of nutrition will still be milk, either breast milk or formula. Milk should also be continued alongside an increasingly varied diet and the introduction of solid foods.

Of course every baby is unique and will be ready to increase up to 3 meals a day in their own time, usually between 7-9 months old.

Think Iron

Iron is essential for your bubba's growing body and mind. Iron is what moves oxygen around their little bodies and without it they may feel tired, have difficulty with movement or a struggle with being able to think effectively.

• 0-6 months - Breast fed babies are able to absorb iron from breast milk or formula milk fortified with iron as well as having a store of iron from birth
• 7 months plus - Iron has to be obtained through food and it is recommended that this happens daily 

 Iron Rich foods

• Wholegrain cereal products - Pasta, crackers etc
• Iron fortified breakfast cereals
• Pulses - Lentils, beans, chickpeas etc
• Red meat - Beef, lamb, liver etc
• Dark green leafy veg - Spinach, kale
• Dried apricots/dates
• Egg yolk
• Tofu 
• Nuts

Pairing the veg iron foods with Vitamin C foods works great, as the Vitamin C helps your little chomper absorb the iron.

Vitamin C rich foods

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges and orange juice
• Peppers
• Strawberries
• Blackcurrants
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Mango 
• Papaya
• Kiwi fruit
• Potato

A balanced diet

Just like us adults, our little ones need a variety of foods. So what are the best types of meal to offer your bubba and what foods should you avoid ?

Breakfast (7-9 months)

• Porridge - You can beat a warm breakfast especially during the colder months. Check out our kick start porridge which packs a healthy punch! - https://www.bubbachomp.co.uk/pages/berry-porridge
• Cereals - single grain, fortified with iron, using whole milk
• Wholemeal toast - buttered (try adding avacado)
• Eggs are a great source of protein and you can make try them in a variety of ways - hard boiled, omelette or scrambled
• Fruit - sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, chopped up kiwi fruit, melon
• Banana or oat pancakes - add some chopped fruit for a delicious treat 
• Bagel - topped with mushed avocado
• Weetabix - use whole milk and some fruit on the side
• Baked apple donuts - https://www.bubbachomp.co.uk/pages/apple-doughnuts 

Breakfast (10 months+)

By this stage your little chomper will have started to master the pincer grip (using their thumb and finger to hold onto items). Their strength improves, along with hand-eye coordination and other motor skills. 

• Pincer grip means Cheerios ! great practice for your bubba to pick up and tasty too - try various other cereals to mix it up ie: Shreddies, Rice Crispies
• Boiled egg, sliced with Wholemeal bread soldiers
• Cheese on toast, french toast, English muffins
• Fruit chunks
• Blueberry whole wheat pancakes
• Sausages cut into small pieces
• Oats and Apricot
• Thin slices of cheese and/or ham

Foods to avoid in the first year

There are some foods for babies under a year to avoid

• Honey
• Raw fish and Shellfish
• Raw/under cooked eggs without the 'red lion' stamp
• Foods with a lot of added colours, preservatives or additives (E numbers)
• Foods containing caffeine such as tea, coffee, energy drinks etc
• Unpasteurised milk & cheeses
• Rice milk

Look out for our next blogs on 'fussy eaters' and 'allergenic food introduction' as well as great lunch and dinner meal ideas

External Links:

Best first foods - https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/around-6-months/