Health inspiration for meals for our little ones

CHEF Kevin Dundon has teamed up with SuperValu to create a handy collection of weekly meal plans for babies under 12 months old. Research carried out by the supermarket chain found that 86 per cent of mothers cook their baby's food from scratch. Kevin's recipes are designed to make it easy for mums to prepare simple, tasty and healthy meals, which can also be frozen for later use. Nutritionist Sarah Keogh, who reviewed and approved the recipes, said, 'Good nutrition is critically important for babies due to the fact that they grow so rapidly during the first year of life. For example, babies triple both their body and brain weight and double their length during their first year. Good nutrition is vital in providing essential vitamins, minerals, calcium and protein for this growth and development.' Tips for weaning: â€Â¢ Wait until you and your baby are ready. Babies show signs that they are ready by watching what you are eating or by reaching out and trying to take the food. â€Â¢ Start gradually. Start with very simple foods and only add new foods slowly when your baby is ready to move on. â€Â¢ Be prepared to introduce a new food many times to your baby. Babies and young children may need to see and taste a new food up to 20 times before they get to like it. â€Â¢ Create a positive emotional climate. Speak in positive warm tones as your feed your baby and make sure there is a smile on your face. â€Â¢ Be prepared for set-backs. Successful transition to solids and healthy eating takes a long time and can have many setbacks. Be patient and persistent. â€Â¢ Seek help if need be. Contact your local public health nurse or attend the baby clinic at your local health centre for more support and advice. FIRST BABY FOODS 4-6 months Apple and pear puree, Carrot and butternut squash puree, Spinach and sweet potato puree, Banana, pear and apple puree, Trio of vegetable puree, Peach, pear and blueberry puree and Strawberry and melon puree. 6-9 months Chicken, potato and baby leeks, Simple eggs, Custard with blueberries, Apricot custard, Pear and avocado fruity mash, Butternut squash, Chicken and rice and Baby broccoli soup. 9-12 months Beef and country vegetable casserole, Lamb and sweet potato pot, Cod with spinach and sweet potato pie, Cauliflower cheese bake and Baby bolognese. Recipes for the meal plans are available in stores and can be downloaded from www.supervalu.ie.