Perfect weaning recipes

Apple, strawberry and peach

This is a good puree to make when peaches and strawberries are in season

Strawberries contain more vitamin C than other berry fruits. They are also a good source of fibre and betacarotene, and can help protect the body against cancer. Peaches provide a good source of vitamin C, betacarotene and fibre to keep your baby regular.

Adding baby rice to runny fruit purees helps thicken the texture.

Suitable from 6 months
Suitable for freezing
Makes 2 portions

1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 large peach, peeled, stoned and chopped
4 strawberries (approx 75g)
1 tbsp baby rice

Put the fruit into a saucepan, cover and cook over a low heat for about five minutes. Puree in a blender. Stir in the baby rice if required.

Apricot, apple, pear and vanilla

Serve this on its own or mix it with some baby rice, Greek yoghurt or mashed banana

Dried apricots are one of nature's great health foods. The drying process increases their concentration of betacarotene, potassium and iron. Check the label to make sure they have not been treated with sulphur dioxide (E220). This substance can trigger an asthma attack in susceptible babies.

Suitable from 6 months
Suitable for freezing
Makes 4 portions

75g ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped
1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 vanilla pod (if using)
4 tbsp apple juice or water
1 large ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped

Put the apricots and apple into a heavy-based saucepan together with the apple juice or water. If using vanilla, split the vanilla pod, scrape the seeds into the pan and throw in the split pod. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for three to four minutes. Add the chopped pear and continue to simmer for two minutes. Remove the split vanilla pod. Puree in a blender.

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