Brussels sprouts are a Christmas staple packed full of goodness! They’re low in calories and high in fibre and vitamin K which helps blood to clot. They’re also a great source of folate and vitamins A and C.

6 to 12 months: You can boil or steam your sprouts and turn them into a baby food puree (try adding some peas!) or finely shred them. Serve as soft as possible.

12 to 24 months: You can cook your sprouts in a frying pan with a little bit of olive oil, roast them, or you can boil or steam them until soft. Let them cool and cut into quarters for older babies and toddlers to enjoy as finger food.

Brussels sprouts can be a choking hazard when served whole or not cooked enough, so it’s best to cook them until soft and to slice into small quarters or shred.

Carrots and parsnips

No Christmas dinner is complete without some roasted root veg! Both carrots are parsnips are ideal for babies and toddlers too.

Carrots are a fantastic source of fibre and are the single richest vegetable source of alpha and beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for eye development, helps to support your baby’s immune system and also regulates cell growth.

Parsnips are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate. They've got a wonderfully nutty sweetness for your baby or toddler to enjoy!

6 to 12 months: For younger babies new to weaning, they’re also great when boiled or steamed and mashed or blitzed into a puree. Try adding some garlic and rosemary for extra flavour! Or, you can grate them and serve them raw.

12 to 24 months: Chop the up into sticks, drizzle with some olive oil and honey (only if baby is 12 months or older!) and roast in the oven for 40 mins. Allow to cool and serve as finger food.

Cauliflower

“Pass the cauliflower cheese!’

Mmm, it’s a popular guilty pleasure at Christmas! Usually, you either love it or hate it.

Whilst the cheese topping may not be the healthiest choice, cauliflower (much like broccoli) itself is a highly nutritious vegetable with an interesting texture that is fun and easy for babies to eat.

Cauliflower contains very high levels of vitamin C which helps us to absorb iron. It’s also a fantastic source of vitamin K, B vitamins, antioxidants and fibre. It’s great for supporting your baby’s organ function and immune system.

6 to 12 months: You can steam until they’re soft, then allow to cool slightly before serving to your baby. You can also add steamed or boiled cauliflower to baby puree mix.

12 to 24 months: As your baby is developing their pincer grip they’re probably enjoy grasping small, bite-sized pieces of cauliflower. This can be boiled, steamed or roasted with a drizzle of olive oil.

Turkey

Turkey is a lean meat and a great source of protein and iron. It also contains B-vitamins, iron, selenium and zinc which helps to support your baby’s immune system.

6 to 12 months: If your baby has just started weaning, you can add a small amount of turkey into your baby food mix with other veg, and whiz it up.

12 to 24 months: If you have a slightly older baby or toddler, you can offer them a slice of turkey as finger food.

Save time and stress prepping homemade baby food 🤍🤍