Courgette as a first food for babies

I love courgette as a first food for babies, it is super soft and gooey inside when cooked. When roasted courgette somewhat retains its shape which makes it perfect for babies as a finger food for them to explore with their hands. You can also mash the roasted courgette quite easily with a fork.

If you are offering courgette as a finger food, courgette is best fried or roasted. Boiling can make it mushy! I usually recommend removing the skin in the very beginning. However, older babies can usually manage to suck the flesh off the skin and quite confidently leave the skin behind.

This is a recipe for delicious roasted courgette fingers and a delicious first food courgette puree. You can offer the puree alongside the courgette fingers for self-feeding. These recipes are suitable from 6 months

Courgette fingers and babies courgette puree recipe

YOU NEED:

• 1/2 courgette (or more if you want to make a larger batch)

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Optional: freshly ground black pepper

TO MAKE:

Roast your courgette: Preheat your oven (or air fryer) to 190 degrees.Peel and then cut your courgette into chunky finger-like strips, lay on a baking tray (or air fryer tray), drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Optional: season with black pepper. Cook for 20-25 mins or until soft in an oven (or for 15 mins or so in an air-fryer). Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little before serving

Courgette fingers:

Offer a few of the roasted courgette fingers for your baby to explore with their hands

Babies courgette puree:

Take a few of the courgette fingers and mash the roasted courgette with a fork - or if you want a smoother blend- place the courgette in a blender with a splash of coconut milk - or your baby’s normal milk