Just a few questions...

[LetsHaveAnotherGo]

So DD is ready to wean! I'm hoping to spend some time tomorrow and do her a variety of veg to freeze but just have a few questions.

Planning to mash and then blend, freeze in ice cube trays and then pop out and store in freezer bags with what veg it is and the date I made them so can just heat up as needed.

What's the best veg to start on? I was thinking some sweet potato and some carrots, anything else you'd recommend?

Is a hand blender ok to use? I don't have a stand one.

Can I put the veg into trays and freeze while it's still warm or do I need to wait until completely cooled?

How long is the veg ok to keep frozen?

Sorry if this is mostly common sense, just nervous about making my own for her but don't want to constantly give her jars, mostly for financial reasons.

Could she have yoghurt? If so, what type?

It's so overwhelming but I know in reality it doesn't need to be!

What about getting a book from the library? Or looking at the weaning resources on this website? Or other websites?

I just gave my DC whatever we were having each day so no experience of puree or freezing stuff.

It's probably an idea to get yourself a book on weaning! There's lots out there and they will give you all the information you need.

www.mumsnet.com/babies/weaning

A friend gave me an Ellas kitchen book which helped to start, but after the first week I just went with the flow and didn't stick to the plan at all. I was so nervous but it's really fun now, and very messy! I've done purees but also throw in finger foods, usually a bit of what we're eating.

We started with butternut squash, sweet potato, courgette (a surprising hit), green beans, broccoli and cauliflower I think. With the exception of the courgette the green veg was rejected. She will have them as finger food though. Avocado is still a fail unless mixed with fruit puree. Buttered toast soldiers suggested by the health visitor are a huge favourate.

It's best to let the purees cool before freezing as it can raise your freezer temperature.

A hand blender is fine. You can always water things down if you need to make it easier.

Full fat plain yogurt is good. You can add fruit puree as you get more adventurous.

I didn't date my veg but have gone through it all quite quickly so can't answer the how long to freeze question sorry! Remember alot goes on the floor......or in the dog!

I felt overwhelmed too but it's a lovely fun bonding and playtime. I hope you enjoy it too!

I wouldn't go too mad with making lots of purees for the freezer. They outgrow the puree stage and move onto mashed food very quickly. They also start to have natural preferences and will favour one veg over another -for example, they might like broccoli as a finger food but hate it as a puree, if you've cooked and blended lots of broccoli it would probably get wasted.

Try pulses and legumes for protein. Chickpeas, butter beans, kidney beans etc can all be stick blended straight from the can (and what's left over used for hummus for yourself).

Cooked lentils mush down nicely. Couscous made with more water than usual (150g water to 100g dry couscous) is a decent texture to try.

Dairy is an easy protein source. Plain greek yoghurt, cream cheese, soft cheeses, milk and cream. Eggs too - scrambled and omelette are good early weaning foods

I just started weaning last week. Annabel Karmel book is great. Got it off eBay second hand for £2. There is an app too. But book goes through the ins and outs of weaning, equipment you might need, how to start and such.

I've started with roasted squash, carrots, roasted sweet potato. Just as you've said popped them out of ice cube trays and In to labelled freezer bags. I use hand blender and a bit of his milk.

Mashed banana and avocado has also been a hit. (No cooking required).

Gave him some ready brek this morning with a cube of pear purée from the freezer. You don't need to buy baby rice. But baby must be over six months to have oats (gluten).

I know ppl say they just feed baby whatever they are having. But I'm enjoying trying different things with him and mixing them up. Tried some squash with apple purée yesterday. Delish. Plus me and DH eat dinner when he is in bed and what we eat usually has salt, red wine etc in it. So I find it easier to have things in the freezer for him.

Have bought a few things to try. Going to do a batch cooking session tomorrow. Things like butternut squash and tomato pasta from the book.

I only bought two silicone ice cube trays ( will only need them for a short time), have a few cheap baby pots from home bargains and silicone muffin cases. Someone advised me to buy those as you can freeze a portion in them and pop in to freezer bags just like the ice cubes.

Thank you so much for those detailed answers! You've definitely helped alleviate my worries

Definitely let things fully cool before freezing. Any full fat plain natural or Greek yoghurt is fine - you shouldn't use any low fat foods for babies and any flavoured yoghurts are full of sugar.