10 of the best dairy-free baby recipes
From first weaning through to toddler meals, try these tasty recipes for babies with a milk allergy, a lactose intolerance or a milk-free diet
Cooking without milk for your baby isn’t always straightforward. It’s amazing how many recipes look like they’ll be fine – nothing creamy or cheesy in the name or in the picture of the finished dish – only for you to discover a sneaky splash of milk in the ingredients list.
So it’s good to have a stash of tasty, well-balanced, dairy-free baby recipes that you know you can rely on…
Here’s our pick of the best dairy-free baby recipes, suitable from 6 months+
1. Chicken with sweet potato, swede and carrot
This tasty, gluten-free casserole, with its trio of root vegetables, is a great first meat dish for a newly weaned baby. And, when your baby’s older and able to manage a lumpier texture, you can mash instead of pureeing. Suitable from 6 months.
2. Peach pudding
A tasty dessert alternative for babies who don’t do yoghurt. Made with your baby’s usual milk – whether that’s dairy-free formula or an alternative based on soya, rice or oat milk. Suitable from 6 months.
3. Aubergine and red pepper curry
A mild, veggie-packed curry that’s big on flavour. Serve with rice or fingers of naan bread. You could also adding some pureed or chopped cooked chicken to boost the protein content. Suitable from 7 months.
4. Home made haddock fish fingers
With many processed foods containing milk or milk traces, home-made alternatives are often the best truly diary-free option – and these haddock fish fingers are dead simple to throw together and make great finger food. Suitable from 8 months.
5. Lamb rice casserole
A warming, flavoursome meat hotpot (you could use pork or beef instead of lamb) that makes enough for all the family. Suitable from 8 months.
6. Pork and paprika
A slightly spicy bowl of meat-and-veg tastiness that also includes baked beans – a good source of calcium for those who are dairy-free. Suitable from 9 months.
7. Sweet and sour chicken
A colourful stir fry that’s delicious with noodles or rice. Double (or triple) the quantities and the whole family can share. Suitable from 9 months.
8. Baby dhal with pitta
A comforting, calcium-rich, mild baby curry made with lentils, onion and sweet potato. Suitable from 10 months.
9. Slow-cooked beef stew
A tender meat-and-veg one-pot stew, with bay leaf, thyme and parsley, that will simmer away while you get on with your day. Delicious served with mashed potato or rice. Suitable from 11 months.
10. Cod creole
This tasty fish stew includes mild spices – and combines tomatoes with tinned pineapple for a sweet-and-sour touch. Suitable from 11 months.