Baby food needn't be all bland mush and goo. Babies are tougher than you think and will love herbs and spices. So what herbs and spices should you try and when?

You don't need to shy away from flavour until your baby is a fully fledged solid eater. The sooner you get your baby used to the sort of food you usually eat in your house the better. After all they will be eating it for the rest of their life at home.

When To Do It

The best time is around 2 months after your baby has begun weaning. For most parents this will be around 8 months. The reason for this time is that baby will have got used to different textures and the blander mix of flavours and will still be open to trying new, stronger, flavours without much fuss.

Now is the time to introduce all of the herbs and spices which you use most often in your home cooking. Try to give your baby the new spice for 4 days in a row both to get baby used to the flavour and also to monitor baby's reaction to the herb and spice so as to spot any allergy or intolerance.

Herbs to Try (in moderation)

• Pepper
• Garlic powder (but avoid if you have a gassy baby)
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Coriander
• Dill
• Oregano
• Mint (great for tummy upsets)
• Curry powder

Spices and Other Flavours to Try

• Vanilla (but check there is no alcohol in the flavouring/ essence)
• Lemon zest
• Ginger (great for tummy upsets)
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Anise

Some Nice Mixes

• Carrot and coriander soup
• Creamy pepper chicken (remember – moderation)
• Spaghetti bolognese (garlic, oregano and basil)
• Gingerbread men
• Apple and cinnamon puree
• Minted lamb hotpot
• Peach and vanilla puree