From Puree to Plate: Your Nigerian Baby Weaning Guide

Every baby’s first bite is a milestone — exciting, messy, and emotional all at once. One moment it’s all milk and cuddles, and the next, you’re mashing up sweet potatoes wondering, “Is my baby ready for solids?”

If you’re at that stage, welcome to the wonderful world of weaning! It’s a big step, but don’t worry — we’re going to make it easy, nutritious, and fun, using simple Nigerian ingredients you already have at home.

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👶🏽 What Exactly Is Weaning?

Weaning simply means introducing your baby to foods other than milk — teaching them to eat, chew, and enjoy new textures and flavors.

It usually starts at around 6 months, when your baby:

• Can sit with support
• Shows interest in your food
• Opens their mouth when you offer a spoon
• Seems unsatisfied with milk alone

Before 6 months, babies only need breast milk or formula. After that, their little tummies are ready to explore real food — and trust me, it’s such a fun adventure!

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🥄 Stage 1 (6–8 Months): Smooth & Simple

Start with single-ingredient purees so you can spot allergies easily and help your baby get used to new flavors.

Try:

• Pap (ogi) made with millet or guinea corn
• Mashed sweet potatoes or Irish potatoes
• Mashed pawpaw, banana, or avocado
• Mashed beans (ewa riro style, but mild and smooth)
• Soft moi moi

Keep it simple and smooth — no pepper, salt, or seasoning cubes yet. Just natural goodness.

💡 Mom tip: Add a little breast milk or formula to make the puree smoother and more familiar.

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🍌 Stage 2 (8–10 Months): Texture & Taste

Now your baby is getting better at swallowing — and maybe even trying to grab food! You can start mixing foods and introducing soft lumps or thicker textures.

Try:

• Mashed yam with palm oil or fish sauce
• Ogi with mashed fruit or groundnut paste
• Rice puree with vegetable sauce
• Minced chicken or fish mixed with mashed beans

At this stage, it’s okay to introduce tiny bits of pepper for flavor, but keep it very mild.

💡 Mom tip: Let your baby hold their spoon — yes, it will be messy, but it builds independence and motor skills!

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🍛 Stage 3 (10–12 Months): From Puree to Plate

By now, your baby is ready to join the family table! They can eat most of what you eat — just make it softer, less spicy, and cut into tiny pieces.

Try:

• Boiled yam with egg sauce
• Small bits of rice and stew
• Beans with ripe plantain
• Efo riro with soft swallow (like semovita or amala)
• Tiny pieces of soft meat, fish, or chicken

💡 Mom tip: Offer finger foods like boiled plantain strips, soft pancake pieces, or small akara balls to encourage self-feeding.

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🧡 The Golden Rules of Weaning

1. Start slow. One new food at a time, every 3 days.
2. Be patient. Babies may reject a new food up to 10 times before they accept it.
3. Keep it clean. Always wash hands, utensils, and ingredients properly.
4. Balance is key. Include carbs, protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.
5. No pressure. Some days they’ll eat everything; some days, just a bite — it’s all part of the journey.

Weaning doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as a journey — one spoon at a time. What matters most is variety, patience, and love.

Remember, you’re not just feeding your baby; you’re helping them discover a lifetime of healthy eating habits and the joy of food.

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📘 Want More Baby Meal Ideas?

If you loved this guide, you’ll love the BABY’s FIRST FOODS : Tani’s Table : packed with simple Nigerian weaning meal plans, and ideas your baby will enjoy. Download it now