Weaning Made Easy
Weaning Made Easy: Starting the Day Right with Nutritious Breakfasts
When it comes to weaning, mornings can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with the question, “What on earth do I feed my baby today?” Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day, and offering your little one a balanced, nutrient-rich start can make all the difference in their growth, development, and energy levels. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your weaning journey or a few weeks in, variety and texture are key. The early months of weaning (around 6–12 months) are the perfect window to help your baby develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
To make mornings simple and stress-free, I’ve created a brand-new free download — 20 Weaning Breakfast Ideas — packed with easy, evidence-based recipes your baby will love.
Why Breakfast Matters in Weaning
Breakfast gives babies the energy and nutrients they need to fuel their busy brains and bodies. By offering a mix of iron-rich foods, slow-release carbohydrates, and healthy fats, you’re supporting:
Brain development – Nutrients like iron, omega-3s, and B vitamins are essential for cognitive growth.
Stable energy levels – Including complex carbs such as oats or whole grains helps babies stay fuller for longer.
Taste exploration – Mornings are often when babies are most alert and hungry, making it an ideal time to introduce new flavours.
According to the NHS and UNICEF guidance, babies should be offered three balanced meals a day by around 9–12 months, alongside breastmilk or formula. Breakfast plays an important role in that progression, helping little ones transition towards shared family mealtimes.
Common Breakfast Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even the most well-intentioned parents can fall into a few breakfast pitfalls. Here are some things to watch for:
Too much sugar – Many baby cereals or yoghurts marketed for babies are high in sugar. Choose plain yoghurt and add fruit purées or mashed banana instead.
Skipping iron-rich foods – Iron stores from birth begin to run low around 6 months. Include sources such as eggs, fortified oats, or nut butters (safely introduced).
Offering the same foods daily – Babies need exposure to a wide variety of flavours and textures to develop acceptance. Try rotating textures, from soft mashed porridge to finger foods like muffins or fritters.
Simple, Balanced Breakfast Ideas
Here are a few favourites from my new guide:
Banoffee Weetabix Mash – A creamy, no-added-sugar take on a classic, made baby-safe.
French Toast Fingers – Soft, egg-dipped bread that encourages self-feeding and fine motor development.
Veggie Muffins – A brilliant make-ahead option packed with iron and fibre.
Mashed Sweet Potato with Cinnamon – Gentle on tiny tummies, naturally sweet, and full of beta-carotene.
For 20 complete recipes (including Baby-Friendly Baked Beans and Pancakes), download your free guide below.
Final thoughts
Weaning doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s about creating positive experiences around food and building your baby’s confidence. Starting with simple, nutritious breakfasts can make that journey smoother for both of you.
Remember: every baby is different. Go at your child’s pace, watch for signs of readiness, and enjoy exploring new tastes together.
With the right guidance (and a little morning inspiration), you’ll be serving up delicious, balanced breakfasts in no time.
Need More Support?
We cover topics like weaning. If you’d like guidance that’s evidence-based and parent-friendly, check out our courses or for more personal support our 1:1 coaching.
References
NHS. (2023). Your baby’s first solid foods: Weaning advice. www.nhs.uk
First Steps Nutrition Trust. (2023). Eating well: First year of life.
UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. (2022). Introducing solid foods guidance.
Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). (2018). Feeding in the first year of life: Report.