Baby and toddler recipes

🥕 Carrot cake porridge

A creamy oat porridge with grated carrot and a pinch of cinnamon, sweet from the carrot alone with no added sugar. A gentle way to get a vegetable into breakfast.

From 6 monthsPrep 5 minCook 8 minFreezes wellContains: Gluten, Milk

Makes 2 baby portions

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp (about 25g) Oats
  • 1 small Carrot (finely grated)
  • 150ml Cow's milk (full fat, or formula)
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon
  • ½ ripe pear Pear (peeled and grated, for natural sweetness)

Method

  1. Finely grate the carrot and the pear.
  2. Put the oats, carrot and milk in a small pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook on a low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the carrot is soft and the oats are thick and creamy.
  4. Stir in the grated pear and the cinnamon and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Loosen with a splash of milk or water if it is too thick.
  6. Cool to warm and check the temperature before serving.

Serving it to your baby

At 6 months, blend the porridge smooth and offer it on a preloaded spoon for your baby to hold, or let them dip their fingers in. From 7 to 9 months, mash rather than blend so it keeps a little texture. From 9 months, serve it as it is, or let it set in a tray and cut it into soft fingers.

For the rest of the family

Make a bigger pan with whole milk for everyone. Spoon out baby's portion first, then top the grown-ups' bowls with chopped walnuts, raisins, a spoon of yoghurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Storing and reheating

Cool quickly and keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in small pots for up to 1 month. Reheat until steaming all the way through, stir well, then cool before serving. Never reheat more than once.

How to introduce gluten · How to introduce milk

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat carrots?

Yes, from around 6 months. Cooked carrot is a lovely first vegetable, soft and naturally sweet. Raw carrot is a choking hazard, so always cook or finely grate it and cook it through.

Can I use cow's milk in porridge for my baby?

Yes. Whole cow's milk is fine in cooking from 6 months. Use breast milk or formula instead if you prefer. Wait until 12 months before giving cow's milk as a main drink.

Why no raisins?

Raisins are best kept until about 12 months because they are sticky and sugary. Add them, chopped, to older children's bowls.

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).