Summer Weaning on the Go: Simple Tips for Parents

Weaning on the Go This Summer? Keep It Simple!
Summer weaning sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Baby on a picnic blanket, sunshine in the
background, smiling sweetly while trying fresh strawberries. Yes more often it’s rice cakes
in your bra, a melted pouch at the bottom of the bag, and a baby who just wants your keys
instead.
But here’s the truth: summer weaning can still be brilliant whether you’re following a baby-
led approach, spoon-feeding purées, or doing a bit of both. I’m not here to judge. I’m here to
help you make it doable.
1. Feed Before You Head Out (if possible)
If you’ve got a busy day or plans that might delay food, offer something before you leave the
house whether it’s a spoonful of purée or some toast fingers. You’ll feel calmer knowing
they’ve had something in their tummy.
2. Prepping Purées on the Go? Yes You Can
- Pouches are handy in a pinch (no shame here), but you can also batch-cook and freeze
your own bits ahead of time.
- Use a thermos pot to keep purées warm or bring a chilled pot in a cool bag with a spoon.
- Think: smooth mashed potato with cooked veg, apple and pear compote, lentil purée,
blended oats with fruit whatever your baby enjoys.
- Some parents like to mix textures offering mashed food with soft finger foods to gum and
explore too.
3. Baby-Led? Think Travel-Friendly Finger Foods
You want stuff that doesn’t go slimy in the heat. My favourites are:
- Soft fruits (like watermelon, strawberries or pineapple stars leave the whole grapes at
home!)
- Veg sticks (like cooked carrot or roasted pepper without the skin)
- Mini pancakes or toast fingers
- Cheese cubes or pasta spirals
4. Bib, Muslin, Wet Wipes = Survival Kit
Always. Every time. Keep a stash in your bag or buggy. Especially helpful if you’ve got
purées involved or you’re mid-picnic and they sneeze mid-mouthful (you know the one…).
5. Don’t Forget the Water
Whether you're spoon-feeding or doing baby-led, offer water regularly in warm weather.
Don’t stress if most of it ends up on their top it’s all part of the process.
6. Keep Expectations Low & Snacks Close
Some days your baby will eat everything. Other days, they’ll throw it all at the dog. One day
they’ll love courgette, the next they’ll look at it like you’ve given them poison. You’re not
doing anything wrong that’s just weaning.
Here’s What Matters Most:
You’re doing your best.
You don’t need to have the perfect pouch or the most Pinterest-looking lunchbox. Whether
you’re spooning in a purée in the park or letting baby squish toast at a café table, you’re
making memories. And you’re teaching your baby to enjoy food in the real world with all its
mess, movement, and joy.
Weaning on the go isn’t about getting it ‘right’. It’s about being prepared enough to give it a
go, wherever you are, however you’re doing it.
You’ve got this, love. Sun cream, snacks and at the ready.