Weaning Week Special🥣
+ FREE Little Dish meal voucher inside👀
It’s been an incredibly busy few weeks, packed with work in London with my team at Little Dish (check out a very exciting freebie below!!) and lots of exciting projects behind the scenes.
Weaning Week has also arrived, which always feels like such a special moment in the year for me. Supporting families through this stage is truly a big aim of mine in my work - from writing my first book, How to Wean Your Baby, to creating the many resources, recipes and guides on my website.
So, this newsletter is dedicated to all things weaning, giving you plenty of tips, blogs and practical support to help you navigate this important milestone with confidence. I’ve also included three of my favourite weaning recipes, plus a special Weaning Week discount on my weaning course if you’re looking for some extra support.
I’m also sharing even more weaning support over on my paid Substack, including live sessions, deeper dives into key weaning topics and the chance for me to answer your questions directly.
Looking ahead, half term is fast approaching along with another bank holiday, which I can’t wait for! Let’s hope the sunshine sticks around for some lovely chilled days outdoors!
What’s new?
Get a free Little Dish meal! - Little Dish’s lovely campaign featuring funny mealtime quotes from real parents (including you guys!), is back for another year and has once again landed across the London Underground. I was so excited to spot my very own Lasagnette poster featuring a quote about Raffy. Even better, Little Dish are giving away 7,000 free meals as part of the campaign on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you claim yours here while stocks last.
New guidance on plant-based drinks for young children - A new clinical statement has highlighted the importance of choosing plant-based drinks carefully for babies and young children, as their nutritional content can vary quite a lot. Experts say cow’s milk remains the preferred option for most children over 1 who can have dairy, but there are some plant-based alternatives that may be suitable in certain situations. I’ll be sharing more on this over on my socials and blog soon, so keep an eye out.
Weaning Week: My Updated Weaning FAQs - To celebrate Weaning Week, I’ve updated one of my most-read resources on SR Nutrition - my baby weaning and baby-led weaning FAQs. I’ve refreshed the guide to reflect many of the questions lots of you have been asking me recently, from finger foods and allergens to choking concerns and portion sizes. I hope this supports you through your weaning journey.
From the blog
When to start baby on solid food - Not sure when your baby is ready to begin weaning? This blog explores the key developmental signs to look out for, why starting solids at the right time is important.
Preparing and storing purees - This blog shares how to make smooth, simple purées, which foods to try first, and tips for serving those first spoonfuls. You can also prep ahead by freezing portions.
A guide to baby led weaning - Curious about baby-led weaning? This guide covers how to get started safely, suitable first foods, the differences between self-feeding and spoon-feeding, and why many families find a mixed approach works well in everyday life.
Three of my favourite weaning recipes
Basil, pea and lemon puree - Peas are naturally sweet, which makes them a great first food, and the basil and lemon add fresh new flavours right from the start. This freezes brilliantly in portions - make a big batch and you're sorted for the week.
Herby Carrot and Sweet Potato Mash - One of my absolute staples - full of flavour and so easy to batch cook and freeze. You can keep it smooth for younger babies or blend it less for a chunkier texture as they get more confident.
Baby Oatcakes - These baby oatcakes are so wholesome and nutritious, made with rolled oats and wholemeal flour. They have no added sugar or salt and provide fibre.
My 5 simple tips to start weaning
1. Get yourself prepped - you don’t need lots of specialist equipment for weaning. A few useful basics such as soft spoons, bowls, cups, a good highchair and some simple kitchen tools will go a long way.
2. Remember every baby is different – some babies dive straight into food, while others take a little longer to warm up to new tastes and textures. It’s completely normal for progress to feel uneven at times, so try not to compare your journey with anyone else’s.
3. Start with veggies. There is growing evidence showing that starting with more savoury foods (such as green veg) can help babies get used to a wider range of flavours and make it easier to introduce other foods later on in the process.
4. Introduce allergens safely - Once your baby has started solids, it’s important to begin introducing common allergens such as cooked egg and peanut alongside other foods in age-appropriate forms. For more advice, take a look at my blog, Introducing Allergens During Weaning.
5. Enjoy the experience together – weaning is about more than just food. It’s a chance for your baby to explore, play, learn and join in with family mealtimes. Expect mess, celebrate small wins and don’t forget to take lots of photos!
Get 50% off my Weaning Course
Starting solids is such an exciting milestone - but it’s completely normal to have lots of questions along the way! My Online Weaning Course brings together everything I’ve learned from supporting thousands of families to help you feel calm, confident and ready for this new stage.
You’ll get:
Up-to-date research and evidence-based guidance
Videos with real babies trying foods for the first time
Delicious recipes for first tastes right through to family meals
Printable resources and guides to continue your journey