Weaning is one of my favourite baby stages I love watching them try something new for the very first time. With my first I did more traditional weaning making my own puree and spoon feeding.

Here at K and A Baby we stock the MAM heat sensitive spoons they are great for more traditional weaning as the spoon will indicate if the food is too hot for baby’s mouth. They come in two different sizes one is slightly longer for adult to fed baby and the second one is shorter so baby can have a go themselves. As previously mentioned, I took more of a traditional weaning approach mainly because I wasn’t the only one caring for my daughter and to begin with baby led weaning is not for the faint hearted. If you’re not confident. Having worked with baby’s for years I feel confident when it comes to food time, but I do know that when they choke or gag it can be frightening. I used to make my own puree and if I was home offer finger food to. Mini was born premature and wasn’t ready when she turned 6 months to begin weaning so I waited until she started to show signs, she was ready. When I thought about it her actual age may have been 6 months but her adjusted age was 4 months.

Once Mini got the hang of chewing, swallowing and lifting food to her mouth I introduced cutlery. The Doddl cutlery was mentioned a lot on a weaning group I followed. The Doddle cutlery is fantastic. It is just the right size to encourage independent eating for little hands. Another benefit is it helps to develop their fine motor skills needed for mark making.

When you’re feeling brave enough to introduce a cup with no lid then we would recommend the Doidy cup. The Doidy cup is a slanted open cup with handles to teach children to drink from the rim not a spout or teat.

Mini was funny about touching different textures when she first starting eating and I found the Nuby nibbler was perfect for things like Banana, Strawberry and Orange she could hold the nibbler and suck the fruit through.

 Never underestimate the power of a suction bowl or plate especially when you are out in a restaurant or someone’s house. This wonderful invention allows for stress free dining for all the family. I loved Mini’s suction bowl because it came with a lid. I could load up her bowl with whatever meal or snacks we were having and transport. Then when we were ready to eat, I could stick it to the surface in front of her. Check out the Vital Baby travel suction in our feeding section. Another accessory available by Vital Baby ad stocked by us is the Trap-a-snack pot. Baby can put their hand in the retrieve a snack but when they shake it all around the snacks cannot be shook out.

The other weaning item I found useful was the Nuk masher it was perfect for mashing potatoes or Banana for Banana pancakes. Banana pancakes were a popular breakfast choice. I still use the Nuk masher now for when I make mash potato for everyone. Three years later and it is still going strong.

Banana pancakes

• 1 Banana
• 1 cup plain flour (100 g)
• 3/4 cup of plant milk of your choice (185 ml), I use Koko milk

Mash up the banana

Sieve the flour into the Banana

Slowly whisk the milk in to the four and Banana until a batter is formed.

Pour/ ladle 1/4 cup of the batter in a non-stick frying pan (or a lightly greased frying pan) and cook for about two minutes for each side.

Serve with your favourite toppings: extra Banana, dairy free chocolate drops, Blueberries.

Remember children under one years of age should not be given Honey.