Baby Led Weaning Banana Blueberry Muffins

Iron fortified cereal is a traditional first 'solid' food because of its rich iron content and neutral taste. It's also an easy way to incorporate other foods into your little one's diet, for example mixing the iron fortified cereal with other fruit purees, breast milk or even veggies.

I support parents in introducing solids to their baby using a baby led weaning approach. Baby led weaning is a method that involves adding complimentary foods to your little one's breast milk or formula at around 6 months of age. Essentially you start with finger foods of a variety of textures instead of purees. This approach to feeding facilitates a progression in eating that is developmentally appropriate, allowing your little one to develop their fine motor skills. In addition, it uses a non pressured and positive approach to feeding that allows for enjoyable meal times (for everyone involved).

Iron rich foods are of the utmost importance at 6 months of age, as baby's stores are depleted at this time. Offering iron rich foods at least 1-2 times each day is important when introducing solids, regardless of the approach used.

The baby led weaning approach does not use purees at first, making the use of iron fortified cereals as an introductory food challenging, at least in its traditional form.

I have brainstormed various ways parents can use iron fortified cereals for their little ones using a baby led weaning approach to feeding and love sharing them with my clients.

Today on the blog I am sharing these simple and delicious banana blueberry muffins, made with iron fortified infant oat cereal. I used PC organics oat cereal.

These muffins can be sliced in half and offered to your baby as a meal or snack. They contain blueberries, banana, plain Greek yogurt, eggs (added iron), and no added sugars!

Parents....you might enjoy them too (I know I did)! Give them a try and let me know what you or your little one(s) think.

Ingredients:

1 + 1/4 cups iron fortified oat cereal (I used PC organics)

3/4 cup quick rolled oats

1 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup coconut oil, melted

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

2 eggs

3 very ripe bananas (I defrosted old brown ones from the freezer)

½ - ¾ cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. In a bowl mix mashed banana, beaten eggs, yogurt, and coconut oil. In a separate bowl mix together baby oat cereal, rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add liquid mixture to dry and mix together well. 


Fold in fresh blueberries.

Line muffin tins with silicone or paper cups (you can also grease the tin with some olive oil. Bake for 30-34 minutes or until a golden brown colour! 


Note: texture will be on the softer side, perfect for baby! Give them the entire muffin or a half and let them dig in.

If you want to learn more about baby led weaning, my next workshop is in Orangeville Saturday June 1st. Get all the details here!

Cheers to happy and healthy eating.

Until next time,

Eat Right Feel Right - Angela XO