Quick Lentil Soup
Very soothing and nourishing as well as an excellent source of iron. This soup is very popular with babies and was the first I gave to my daughter when she was six months old. Serves 4.

1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp light olive oil
1 clove garlic
225g split red lentils
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
black pepper
chopped parsley (optional)

Fry the onion gently in the oil for 10 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, lentils and water. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and pale-coloured. You can either beat the soup with a spoon or let it cool and purée it in a blender for a smooth, creamy texture. Add the lemon juice and pepper to taste. Reheat to serve then sprinkle the chopped parsley over
the top.

Muesli
Muesli is great for you and for your baby - not just for breakfast but also as a pudding. Grate the apples finely and powder the oats and almonds* in a blender for your baby. Serves 4.

3 large apples, washed and finely grated
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup rolled oats (powdered for baby)
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds* (powdered for baby)

Put all the ingredients except the almonds* in a bowl and mix. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with the almonds*.

Date Purée
225g plain dates
1/2 cup water

Put the dates into a saucepan with the water and heat gently for 5-10 minutes, or until the dates are mushy. Remove from the heat and mash with a spoon to make a thick purée, looking out for and removing any stones as you do so; set aside to cool.

* Note: Pregnant or lactating women from atopic families - where classical allergies such as asthma, hay -fever, urticaria (skin rashes) rhinitis (recurrent sneezing and watering of the nose) or eczema exist in family members - should avoid peanuts (actually a legume) and nuts in their own diet as sensitisation to these foods can occur in the womb and through breastfeeding. These foods should not be introduced into the diet of infants of such atopic mothers until at least three years of age or at a time recommended by a doctor. However for the majority of infants peanuts and nuts are an important addition to the diet and can be introduced into the diet from six months of age provided they are of a suitable texture such as smooth nut butters. Whole nuts should not be given to children under five years of age due to the risk of choking.