Who doesn’t love a BBQ! It definitely makes it feel more like summer. We almost always have one at the weekend and sometimes during the week if the weather is particularly good. Even when my kids were very small, I would try to include them in the meal.
There's no need for a separate menu for your little one; with simple adaptations, the same meal you prepare for the rest of the family can be easily adapted to suit your baby’s needs.
Here are some BBQ foods can be easily adapted for babies:
Chicken
Chicken is an excellent choice for BBQs, offering a mild taste that beautifully absorbs the smoky flavors of the grill. It's not only quick to cook but also a great source of protein.
Here is how chicken can be easily adapted for your little ones:
- 6 months plus - so long as you have not added any salt to the chicken (spices are ok) you can blend the chicken into your babies purée.
- 8 months - Shred the chicken, once they are used to the shredded chicken begin to offer thin slices.
Here are some great chicken recipes to try at your next BBQ:
- Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken - This recipe combines the fresh flavours of lemon and herbs with tender chicken breasts.
- Sticky Chicken Skewers - Marinated in a honey and mustard sauce, these chicken skewers are delicious and your kids will surely love it. Suitable for babies that are 12 months plus.
Burgers
Burgers are a staple at BBQs for several good reasons. Adapt for babies by offering them as finger food. Cut into smaller patties and offer small buns if your baby can manage it.
Burger Recipes:
- Jessica’s Lamb Burger - I have been making a version of this burger for years adapted from my Mums recipe and Jessica decided she wanted to give it her own stamp.
- Homemade Burger with Hidden Veg - I love this recipe because it incorporates vegetables and spices. Although I am not a big fan of hiding vegetables, it is a great way of getting your children to eat vegetables that they might not otherwise accept.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great addition to any BBQ, offering a burst of flavor that compliments any main dish. They're not only nutritious but their natural sugars caramelize on the grill, which your baby will love.
They are easily adaptable for babies because they can be softened to the perfect texture through grilling or pureed for younger babies.
How adapt for babies:
4-6 months – Blended to runny purée
6-7 months - Smooth and slightly thicker puree, no lumps
7-8 months - Thicker puree with increased texture
8-9 months - Minced and mashed with soft lumps.
9-12 months – Minced and finely chopped.
12 months plus - Offer as finger sized pieces of grilled vegetables.
Here are some purees for your baby will love:
- Carrot puree - This carrot puree is a great first food to offer your weaning baby. The natural sweetness makes it a real treat, great as a dip served with other finger foods.
- Sweet Potato puree - Packed full of nutritious veg, your little one will love the natural sweetness of this dish.
-
Carrot, Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Purée - A delicious colourful purée recipe that's packed full of veg!
Corn on the Cob
Our Corn on the cob recipe is also a great vegetable for a BBQ. Check out the below infographic to find out the best way to adapt it based on your child's age in the image below!
Other BBQ recipes
If you love all things garlic, then these skewers are perfect for your next BBQ. I've teamed them up with a garlic yogurt sauce which you can make in a few seconds! To adapt these for your baby follow the same steps as with chicken.
- 6 months plus - Smooth & slightly thicker puree, no lumps. Blend one part lamb to 3 parts vegetables. Add liquid to get the right consistency.
- 7 months plus - Blend lamb with vegetables as it makes a thicker puree.
- 8 months - Shred the lamb, once they are used to the shredded chicken begin to offer thin slices.
Sides Dishes
Finally we have some great side dishes to complement whatever main dishes you choose for your BBQ.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce - This is the perfect condiment for your BBQ as it goes well with a variety of foods and can be prepared ahead of time and stored until needed. Find the full recipe here.
- Homemade Potato Salad and Coleslaw - Both of these recipes are easy to make, can be stored in the fridge beforehand and compliment the cooked foods perfectly. Find both these recipes in our Lunchbox Made Easy Recipe Book.
Remember that every dish served can be a shared experience with your baby, fostering a love for food and family meals from the earliest stages. By choosing the right foods, preparing them safely, and adapting them for tiny taste buds, your BBQ can be a delightful culinary adventure for the entire family.
Our Weaning Advice page provides information and advice on weaning your baby. It includes recipes, tips, and articles on a variety of topics related to weaning, such as introducing finger food, adding herbs and spices to baby food, and healthy snacks for your baby, and lots more.
