Rise and shine, busy parents and hungry little munchkins! Mornings with a baby can be a whirlwind, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on nourishment or flavor. Welcome to our latest blog post: “6 Quick and Easy Baby Led Weaning Breakfasts.” We understand that starting your day off right is essential, so we’ve rounded up a collection of fuss-free breakfast ideas that are not only baby-friendly but also dietitian-approved and designed to make your mornings smoother than ever.
From playful pancake stacks to delightful yogurt parfaits, get ready to dive into a world of scrumptious options that’ll have your baby giggling with joy – and you, well, rejoicing in the beauty of simplicity. Let’s banish breakfast stress and embrace the deliciousness, one bite-sized piece at a time!
Before we get started, are you looking to become more confident in starting solids with your little one? Be sure to check out our Back to Basics with Baby Led Weaning Bundle complete with meal plans and recipes from 6 months to one year!
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Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning for Breakfast
Baby-led weaning isn’t just a playful approach to mealtimes; it’s a game-changer, especially when it comes to breakfast. Imagine your little one discovering the world of food through their senses. By allowing your baby to independently engage with their morning meal, you’re setting the stage for a host of benefits. From honing fine motor skills as they grasp those soft banana toast fingers, to cultivating a positive relationship with food by letting them decide what and how much to eat, breakfast becomes an adventure in every bite.
Baby-led weaning also introduces a rainbow of flavors and textures from an early age, nurturing a diverse palate that can set the tone for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. So, as you witness those curious eyes light up with excitement over scrambled egg bites or explore a yogurt parfait with giggles of delight, you’re not just serving breakfast – you’re serving up a buffet of developmental growth and culinary exploration.
Preparation Tips for Successful Baby-Led Weaning Breakfasts
To ensure your baby-led weaning breakfasts are a hit, a bit of preparation goes a long way:
- Start by selecting age-appropriate foods that are soft, easy to grasp, and pose minimal choking hazards.
- Opt for nutrient-packed choices like bananas, eggs, and oatmeal that cater to your baby’s growing needs.
- When cutting foods into manageable pieces, aim for finger-length strips or small, bite-sized portions that your little one can easily hold.
- Steer clear of common allergens until you’ve introduced them separately and observed any reactions.
And speaking of setting the stage, make sure your baby is comfortably seated in a highchair with proper support – this not only enhances their dining experience but also ensures safety during mealtime exploration. With these preparation tips in mind, you’ll be all set to whip up breakfasts that are both nourishing and enjoyable for your baby’s journey into the world of food.
And don’t forget to check out our post on Getting Started with Baby Led Weaning and my favorite baby-led weaning products to set you up for success! Now that you’re ready, let’s dive into those quick and easy breakfasts:
6 Quick and Easy Baby-Led Weaning Breakfast Ideas
Baby Led Weaning Pancakes
These pancakes are a fan favorite, and a perfect way to introduce eggs in those early months! Play around with different fruits or purees to change up the texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Add in berries, fruit purees and more!
Here’s what you will need:
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- Butter or ghee for frying
Find the full recipe and directions in our Back to the Basics with Baby Led Weaning Guide.
Naturally Flavored Yogurt
There is no exact recipe needed with this one, but it is so important to take note of! Naturally flavored yogurt can be introduced to babies as early as 6 months and is such a great way to introduce them to dairy! Amanda Blechman, RD, CDN is the Director of Health and Scientific Affairs at Danone North America, and she states:
“One of my favorite BLW breakfasts is plain, whole milk yogurt with mashed raspberries on a loaded spoon or spread on toast sticks. It’s super quick and easy – but you have to embrace the mess!”
Make sure to give your baby the spoon to explore the yogurt, and try it as they please!
Peanut Apple Fritters
These fun fritters can be introduced as early as 7 months old! Note: It is important to introduce egg, dairy, and peanut separately before making this recipe for your child.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup peanut flour
- ½ cup oat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- Peanut oil for frying (or vegetable oil)
Directions:
- Wash, peel, core and dice apples. Place in a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Add eggs and milk to the flour mixture and whisk until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- In a cast iron or other frying pan, add ¼ inch oil and heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches a temperature of about 375 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant read thermometer.
- Drop about ¼ cup of batter into the oil and fry until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side until golden brown as well. (Test the readiness by inserting a small knife into the center of a fritter. If it does not come out clean, fry a little longer).
Makes 9, 3-inch fritters
Baby French Toast Sticks
Another great way to introduce eggs to your baby! This french toast is full of protein and can be topped with many different nutritious foods like fruit, peanut butter, yogurt, or even hummus!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Sprinkle of ground ginger
- 3-4 slices of whole wheat bread, cut into finger-like shapes (thick)
- 1 tablespoon of butter or oil
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup blueberries
Directions:
- Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl.
- Cut pieces of bread into finger-like shapes.
- Melt butter or oil over griddle or pan on medium temperature.
- Place bread pieces into the egg mixture so they are coated with the mixture and transfer to the griddle.
- Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, or until each side is browned. Repeat with remaining bread pieces.
- Remove French toast and set on plate for cooling.
Makes 9-12 toast strips
Breakfast Meatballs
This recipe offers an iron-rich option for your baby’s breakfast! This dish is served warm and can be paired with avocado slices, sweet potatoes, eggs, or fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 small Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Form into 1 ½ – inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs have cooked through and read 165 degrees Fahrenheit on the thermometer.
Makes ~ 20 meatballs
Baby Banana Muffins
These muffins are delicious and offer a variety of foods and textures. This should be introduced after exposure to eggs and tree nuts separately.
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 small ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 small apple, peeled and shredded
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Find the full recipe and directions in our Back to the Basics with Baby Led Weaning Guide.
Conclusion
Incorporating baby led weaning breakfasts into your little one’s routine is a fantastic way to kickstart their day with excitement and nourishment. With these six quick and easy breakfast ideas at your fingertips, you’re equipped to make mealtime an enjoyable and stress-free experience for both you and your baby.
Remember, the journey of introducing solid foods is all about exploration, laughter, and fostering a love for wholesome foods from the get-go. So, let those mini pancake stacks, banana toast fingers, and fruit skewers become the building blocks of a lifetime of healthy eating habits. As you embark on this flavorful adventure, don’t hesitate to add your own twists and tweaks to these recipes – after all, every munchkin has their unique taste preferences. Here’s to joyful breakfasts and happy tummies – bon appétit!
Get started today!
Looking to become even more confident with baby led weaning? Be sure to check out our Back to the Basics with Baby Led Weaning Bundle, your stress-free guide to baby led weaning.
Here is what’s inside:
- How to Know When Baby is Ready
- Gagging vs Choking
- 6 Steps to Success
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Baby Led Weaning
- Foods to Modify or Avoid
- 14 Starter Foods
- Baby’s First Foods Shopping List, and more!
- BONUS: Guide to Introducing Allergens
- BONUS: First Four Weeks Meal Plan
- BONUS: Sample Schedules for 6 – 12 months
- BONUS: 4 Go To Recipes for Baby Led Weaning + 1st Birthday Smash Cake
“6 Quick and Easy Baby Led Weaning Breakfasts from Registered Dietitians” is written by Kathryn Pare and reviewed/edited by Jamie Adams, MS RD LDN. Kathryn is a recent graduate of Montclair State University and holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a dietetic intern at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she will explore her passion for helping children grow up while pursuing a healthy lifestyle.”
