🍠 Weaning (6-12 months)
Roasted Vegetable Sticks (Baby-Led Weaning)
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
The finger-food staple of baby-led weaning: cut into batons rather than rounds or coins (choking-safe shapes), roasted until genuinely soft, not just tender — a baby's first bite needs to gum through it easily.
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato, cut into finger-width batons
- 1 carrot, cut into finger-width batons
- 1 small courgette, cut into finger-width batons
- 1 tsp olive oil
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Toss the vegetable batons lightly in the olive oil.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until each piece is soft enough to squash easily between two fingers — this is the safety test, not just "cooked".
- Cool until just warm before offering. Always supervise your baby while they eat, sitting upright.
Tips
- Cut batons roughly the width and length of an adult finger — long enough for baby to hold the top while gumming the bottom.
- Broccoli florets (with a bit of stalk as a "handle") work well added to the tray too.
Weaning safety reminders
No honey before 12 months (infant botulism risk). No added salt or sugar. Cut round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes) in quarters, not halves. Always supervise your baby while they eat, sitting upright, and check food has cooled to a safe temperature.
Questions about this recipe
Is roasted vegetable sticks (baby-led weaning) suitable from 6 months+?
Yes — this recipe is designed for 6 months+. As with any weaning food, introduce one new ingredient at a time if your baby hasn’t had it before, and always supervise your baby while they eat.
Does this recipe contain common allergens?
No — this recipe doesn’t contain any of the 14 major allergens as written. Always double-check the specific brands you use, since packaged ingredients can vary.
Can I freeze roasted vegetable sticks (baby-led weaning)?
Yes, this recipe freezes well — see the tips below for the best way to portion and reheat it.
More weaning (6-12 months) recipes
This is general information, not medical or dietary advice — every baby and child is different. For allergy concerns, a family history of allergies, or anything you're unsure about, speak to your health visitor, GP or a registered dietitian before introducing new foods. Reviewed July 2026.