First Vegetable Puree

6 months
Makes 8 portions
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Suitable for freezing

Carrots make excellent weaning food, as babies like their naturally sweet taste.

4 to 6 medium carrots (12 ounces), peeled and chopped
Put the carrots in a steamer set over boiling water and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Alternatively, put the carrots in a saucepan and add just enough boiling water to cover. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until soft.

Drain the carrots and place in a blender, adding some water from the bottom of the steamer or some of the cooking liquid, then puree until very smooth. The amount of liquid you add really depends on your baby; you may need to add a little more if she finds the puree difficult to swallow.
Spoon some of the puree into your baby's bowl and serve lukewarm.
Food Fact: Interestingly, carrots are more nutritious when cooked with a little fat, such as a pat of unsalted butter, as the beta-carotene they contain is absorbed more readily.
Top Tip: It isn't a good idea to delay introducing solids any later than six months. Your baby needs to learn how to chew and swallow food, and learning to chew also encourages the development of the muscles that are essential for speech.