When you first start weaning your baby, vegetable purees are likely to account for most of his early meals. And as he grows, meat-free and vegetable-based recipes can still play an important role in his diet, whether or not you're bringing him up as a vegetarian. Vegetables are vital for your baby's nutrition, crammed with vitamins and minerals that are needed for growth, health and development. And the sooner you introduce them, and the broader the variety you offer, the less likely he is to become fussy about eating his greens later on.
As well as being nutritious, vegetables are readily available, versatile, easy to cook and good value, meaning that even meat-loving families may want to have the occasional veggie meal. There are lots of great ways to get your baby to eat his five-a-day, from tasty purees through to filling main meals and finger food snacks. We've also included a few brilliant cheats for sneaking vegetables into even the most reluctant toddler. Happy eating!
Recipes for first weaning
Sweet potato puree
Carrot puree
Sweet potato and lentil puree
Carrot, parsnip and potato puree
Courgette and cauliflower puree
Butternut squash and banana puree
Courgette, pea and kale puree
Sweet potato and basil puree
Sweet potato and pear puree
Avocado and mint puree
Broccoli and sweet potato puree
Cheesy vegetable medley
Butternut squash and carroty mash with thyme
Carrot and cauliflower cheese with rice
Pear and swede puree
Parsnip and pea puree
Spinach and roasted carrot puree
Haricot beans and beetroot
Butternut squash and apricot puree
Butternut squash puree
Recipes for your 7-9 month old
Steamed vegetables with cucumber dip
Pasta, carrot and lentil soup
Mini jacket potatoes with ratatouille
Roasted veggie kebabs
Cheesy pasta with broccoli
Macaroni cheese with broccoli and cauliflower
Country vegetable casserole
Cheesy sweetcorn fritters
Oven roasted veggie sticks
Cheesy broccoli and cauliflower
Aubergine and red pepper curry
Sweetcorn and sweet potato pasta sauce
Mediterranean roast vegetables with cous cous
Baked sweet potato chunks
Recipes for your 9-12 month old
Baby dahl with pitta
Vegetarian sausages
Vegetarian lasagne with green lentils
Rigatoni with five-veg sauce
Spinach and parmesan spaghetti
Butternut squash and tomato cheesy rice
Wholesome bean casserole
Vegetable dip with oatcakes
Mini cheese and tomato quiches
Humous and breadsticks
Carrot and courgette muffins
Tortilla (Spanish omelette)
Superhero soup
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Secret veggie pasta sauce
Spinach and cheese omelette
Cheesy pasta with tomato
Potato, Carrot and Courgette Rosti
Cheesy sweetcorn fritters
