Healthy - Banana Split for Baby Led Weaning

Table of Contents

A healthy banana split with yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, and peanut butter is an excellent choice for baby led weaning due to its numerous benefits. Firstly, the yogurt provides a creamy and nutritious base, rich in calcium and protein, which are crucial for strong bones and muscles. The soft and ripe banana serves as a natural sweetener while providing essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of blueberries and strawberries introduces a burst of antioxidants, aiding in the development of a robust immune system. Lastly, the inclusion of peanut butter adds a dose of healthy fats and proteins, supporting brain development. Overall, this colourful and flavourful twist on a classic dessert not only promotes independent eating and fine motor skills but also offers a well-rounded and nutritious meal for your little one.

Bananas are a fantastic choice for baby-led weaning due to their numerous benefits. Firstly, they are easy to grasp and hold, making them the perfect shape for tiny hands to grip. Additionally, bananas provide a soft and smooth texture, making them ideal for babies who are just starting to explore solid foods. They are also naturally sweet, which can help entice babies to try new flavours and encourage them to develop a love for healthy fruits. Bananas are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fibre, which are crucial for a baby's growth and development. Moreover, their naturally high moisture content helps ensure that babies stay hydrated during the weaning process. Lastly, they are versatile and can be mashed, sliced, or added to smoothies, making them a versatile and convenient food choice for busy parents.

Greek yogurt is a fantastic option for baby led weaning. Packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics, it provides a nutritious and creamy addition to your little one's diet. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, making it easier for babies to handle and explore. Its smooth texture and mild taste make it an appealing choice for introducing new flavours and textures during the weaning process. Additionally, Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with fruits, vegetables, or even served on its own as a healthy snack. It's an excellent way to introduce your baby to the world of dairy and nourish their growing bodies.

Blueberries are a fantastic addition to baby-led weaning for several reasons. Firstly, they are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system. Blueberries also contain high amounts of dietary fibre, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation in infants. Additionally, their natural sweetness makes them appealing to babies, encouraging them to explore new flavours and textures. Blueberries are small and soft, making them easy for little hands to hold and munch on independently. They are also low in allergenic properties, making them a safe and healthy option for introducing solids to your baby. Incorporating blueberries into your baby-led weaning journey not only exposes your little one to a wide range of nutrients but also helps develop their fine motor skills and self-feeding abilities.

Mashed strawberries are a delightful and nutritious option for introducing solids to your baby through the baby-led weaning approach. These vibrant crimson berries are not only visually appealing to little ones, but they also offer a burst of natural sweetness. Mashing strawberries to a baby-friendly consistency allows your little munchkin to explore different textures and flavours, all while promoting their sensory development. Loaded with essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, mashed strawberries are a healthy choice that supports your baby's growth and development. Whether scooped up with tiny fingers or spread on toast, mashed strawberries are a tasty treat that will leave your little one wanting more. So, get ready for those joyful moments as your baby explores the world of flavours with mashed strawberries!

Peanut butter, with its creamy texture and nutty flavour, offers a multitude of benefits for babies during the weaning stage. As a nutrient-rich food, peanut butter provides a concentrated source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. The introduction of peanut butter during baby-led weaning helps in promoting healthy growth and development, supporting strong muscles and bones, and boosting the immune system. Additionally, it contributes to the development of fine motor skills as babies learn to grasp and spread the peanut butter on soft bread or crackers. Furthermore, peanut butter is a great source of energy for active little ones, making it an ideal snack or addition to meals. As always, it is essential to ensure that the peanut butter is free from added sugars, additives, or excessive salt to provide the maximum benefits to your baby.

Ingredient information

Banana - Bananas are great for baby led weaning, splitting the banana into 3 is a great hack. To do this cut the banana in half and push your finger down the centre of the banana, the banana will naturally split into 2 and then break in half the other half of the banana to make 3 finger sized pieces of banana.

Blueberries - I have squished the blueberries between my fingers to make them ok from 6 months old.

Greek yogurt - Perfect yogurt for baby led weaning from 6 months old.

Strawberries - I have mashed the strawberries to make a sauce like consistency for the banana split.

Peanut butter - I have used a 100% smooth nut butter that is best to serve from 6 months old.

Flaxseed - A great topper that can be added to other recipes like porridge and banana rolls.

Serving suggestion

The banana split is a great portion served on its own, I could suggest serving the banana split after your baby’s dinner if they are 12 months old, some suggestions could be cottage pie, spaghetti bolognaise, beef stew or chicken curry.

Storage instructions

The banana split can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. The banana split will not freeze too well, so it is best eaten on the day or kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use. 

Recipe | Banana Split

Ingredients

Makes 1-2 portions

• 1 banana, split into 6 fingers

• 10 blueberries, squished

• 5 strawberries, mashed

• 3 teaspoons, Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon, 100% smooth peanut butter

• 1/4 teaspoon flaxseed

Instructions

• Once you have split the banana into 6 pieces, you can either make 1 plate (as i have done) or make 2 separate plates.

• Place the banana on the plate, dollop the yogurt onto the plate in 3 separate teaspoons.

• Place the mashed strawberry in the centre of the plate, sprinkle over the blueberries and flaxseed.

• Finish by drizzling over the peanut butter.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

You can leave out the peanut butter for any nut allergies, and you can replace the Greek yogurt for a dairy free alternative to make the recipe dairy free and vegan.

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