3 Cozy Autumn Baby-Led Weaning Recipes for the Whole Family

Written by : Jess Henley

Director, Co-owner, First time mum - starting the weaning journey

Autumn is the perfect season to introduce babies with a variety of warm, comforting flavours. With baby led weaning (BLW), the whole family can enjoy the same meals too! - Simply prepared in a way that is also safe for the little ones. Which is perfect for our family as it means we can all sit together and all eat the same things, no more cooking something different for everyone! As we go in to this new journey ourselves, I have researched a few recipes that I wanted to share with you all too! The best part about them all is that they are quick & easy, and also the older ones can get involved and help make them.

Mini Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew Cups

Flavour: Mildly sweet & earthy

These little stew “cups” are perfect for small hands and full of autumn vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Red lentils

• Diced sweet potato

• Chopped carrot

• Mild onion (optional)

• Low-salt vegetable stock

• Mild paprika or cinnamon

Method:

Simmer the lentils, sweet potato, and carrot (plus onion if using) in low-salt stock with a pinch of spice until very soft. Spoon into silicone muffin cups, let cool, and serve as hand-held portions. 

For the Older Ones - serve up straight from the pan, you can always add a little more stock to make it more stew like too!

Butternut Squash & Chickpea Patties

Flavour: Mild, slightly nutty, and filling

These patties are nutrient-rich and great served alongside soft vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Mashed roasted butternut squash

• Mashed chickpeas

• Oat flour

• Olive oil

• Mild cumin (optional)

Method:

Mix ingredients together, form into patties, and either bake or shallow fry on low heat until lightly golden.

For the Older Ones: Serve with in a bun with wedges & salad or with Veg & Mash. You could also add some spices for more of a kick - a finely chopped chilli’s mixed in also goes great!

Pear & Cinnamon Porridge Fingers

Flavour: Naturally sweet and perfect for breakfast

A soft, hand-held porridge bar that’s easy to batch make.

Ingredients:

• Oats

• Mashed ripe pear

• Cinnamon

• Milk (breastmilk, formula, or whole milk if 12m+)

Method:

Cook oats with pear and milk until thick. Spread into a lined tray, cool, slice into bars, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to firm up.

For the older ones - Enjoy as fingers for a snack or simply as a bowl of porridge.

❄️ Freezing Tips for BLW Meals

• Always cool food completely before freezing.

• Store in airtight containers or freezer bags.

• Defrost in the fridge overnight or heat until piping hot, then cool before serving.

These recipes bring together the comforting flavours of autumn in a way that works for the whole family. By making small tweaks to texture and seasoning, you can prepare one meal that everyone — from babies to adults — can enjoy together.

These recipes are intended for healthy babies who are developmentally ready for solid foods (usually around 6 months+). Always supervise your baby while eating and ensure foods are prepared in a size, shape, and texture that are safe for their age and abilities. Avoid added salt, sugar, and choking hazards. Consult your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician before introducing new foods, especially if your child has allergies or medical conditions.

We’d love to hear if you tried any of these recipes, and for you to share any new ones you have tried.