Spring is here and with it a huge variety of new seasonal fruit and veggies you can introduce to your toddler to expand their spectrum of tastes and textures. Many of these can also be used with younger babies when you first start weaning too. 

Introducing seasonal produce is great because not only does it taste extra sweet and delicious, it can also be sourced locally so there's less food air-miles meaning it's better for the environment. 

Here's a rundown of some of our favourites, washed down with sips of water from our Babycup Sippeco First Cups!

Asparagus

A different taste to what your toddler may be used to, asparagus can be considered a bit more complex than the veggies they may be used to. Packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, C, E, K and B6 as well as iron and calcium, this little green stick has it all!

How to serve: For younger children you can cook and then puree, or serve it as a finger food as part of baby-led weaning as long as it is well cooked and cut into small piece for baby to grasp easily.

Strawberries

By Springtime we'll be entering strawberry season and what's better than a fresh, ripe strawberry!?

Strawberries are a great source of fibre (good for digestion) as well as packed with vitamin C.

How to serve: They make great finger foods when cut into sections. You can also mashed or puree them and serve with greek natural yoghurt for a snack or breakfast with added calcium. 

Courgettes

Courgettes are easily tolerated by babies and toddlers because they contain little fibre. They are rich in vitamin A, B and C and minerals such as potassium and calcium so a great food to have on its own or mixed with others like potatoes, aubergines or peppers. 

How to serve: You can use them from 6 months old removing the seeds and skin, and whole from 8 months onwards. They can make great BLW finger foods when cooked and cut into batons.

Spinach

This can be a little hard to get toddlers to accept but it's worth it as spinach is packed with nutrients! It is full of vitamins A, B6, C and E as well as iron, calcium, potassium, zinc and magnesium. 

How to serve: It can be best to start mixing it in with a food your toddler already loves and accepts like eggs. Chop spinach finely and mix in an egg to scramble.

When introducing new foods remember it's important to stay positive and consistent - a new food can take a few tries so stick with it. And eat some yourself, remember how babies to love to mimic, as they do when learning to drink from a mini open cup like Babycup, so show them how you enjoy the foods and make it a fun experience together. 

Bon appetite!