Cauliflower Sauce

Steam, roast, or boil cauliflower until very soft, until a fork slides through with no resistance. A whole soft floret with its stalk gives baby a built-in handle to hold. You can also mash it or blend it into a smooth purée. Serve plain and warm, with no added salt.

Onion is usually a flavor base rather than a food on its own at this age. Cook it down until very soft and blend it into purées, mashes, or sauces. Raw onion is sharp and firm, so keep it out for now.

Garlic adds depth to early meals without any salt. Finely mince or mash a small amount and cook it soft into purees, mashed vegetables, beans, or sauces. It is a seasoning rather than a finger food, so a little stirred through a dish is all a baby needs. Skip raw garlic and whole cloves at this stage.

Whole cow's milk isn't a drink at this age, but small amounts cooked into food are fine. Stir a splash into oatmeal, a vegetable mash, or a white sauce. Use pasteurized, full-fat milk. Breast milk or formula stays the main milk for now.

Stir a small drizzle of olive oil into a smooth purée or soft mash to add calories and richness. Use it as a cooking fat for vegetables or grains, or fold a little into the finished food just before serving.