It’s pumpkin spice season 🎃 – Here’s how your baby can enjoy it too

Pumpkin spice might be your favourite autumn flavour, but did you know babies can enjoy its cosy taste too?

The NHS says that the best way for your child to learn to eat and enjoy new foods is to copy you.  So, as you sip your pumpkin spice latte, your baby can enjoy a dash of these same spices in baby-friendly meals starting from six months old.

We’ve teamed up with paediatric dietitian Emma Shafqat, founder of Dietitian With A Difference to share the benefits of pumpkin spice and how to safely introduce spices to babies.

Also, as part of our Good Square Meal campaign, in partnership with FareShare, we’re funding meals for children, Shikha Gill, founder of My Little Food Critic, has created a weaning-friendly pumpkin spice muffin recipe.

These 3 pumpkin spice ingredients could help babies with digestion, teething pain and more 

When giving your baby any new spices paediatric dietitian Emma Shafqat recommends “Although it’s rare, some babies can have allergies or sensitivities to certain spices. Monitor your baby for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, vomiting, or diarrhoea, when introducing new spices. The most common spice to be allergic to is mustard. Mustard is one of the 14 major allergens. With pumpkin spice, cinnamon allergies are more common, though still rare, so introduce it carefully. “

1. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants which may help protect babies from harmful free radicals

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants according to studies, which may help protect a baby's developing body from harmful free radicals. Antioxidants play a vital role in supporting overall health and immunity, making cinnamon a nutritious option when introduced in small amounts.

2. Ginger could help with digestion for little tummies

Studies have shown that ginger could aid digestion, and it is often recommended for expecting mums to help ease their morning sickness. However, it could also make a great addition to a baby's diet when introduced in small amounts to help with common digestive issues like gas, bloating and upset little tummies.

3. Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties that could help with teething pain

Nutmeg possesses anti-inflammatory properties according to research. This could be beneficial for babies when included in small amounts in their diet as it may relieve mild discomfort caused by inflammation, such as tummy troubles or teething pain.

Three tips for introducing spices to babies from a paediatric dietician 

Before adding pumpkin spice to your baby's meals, paediatric dietitian Emma Shafqat answers essential questions to ensure spices are introduced safely:

1. When can babies start eating spices?
From six months, as your baby begins weaning, you can start adding mild spices like cinnamon or ginger to their food. Emma advises starting with small quantities and gradually increasing as your baby adjusts.

2. Are there spices to avoid?
Yes, strong spices like chilli and cayenne can be harsh on a baby’s palate. Also, always check for added salt in spice blends, as babies' developing kidneys can’t process high levels of sodium.

3. How should spices be introduced?
Add small amounts of one spice at a time and monitor for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. Emma advises using spices you already cook with to create family meals your baby can gradually adapt to.

Baby weaning expert shares pumpkin spice muffin recipe perfect for babies and toddlers

Shikha Gill, founder of My Little Food Critic, has created this no added sugar pumpkin spice muffins recipes. So delicious and filled with warming spice and flavour. These are great for breakfast, or snack time!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6 regular or 12 mini

Ingredients:

½ cup pumpkin puree

⅓ cup milk

¼ cup apple sauce

1 egg

1 tsp pumpkin spice or use cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

3 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup oat flour

1 tbsp hemp hearts

2 tsp baking powder

Steps: 

1. Heat oven to 360°F/180°C.  
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, milk, egg and apple sauce.
3. Add the oat flour, hemp hearts, baking powder, butter, pumpkin spice and vanilla.
4. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Pop the muffin tray into the oven for 25 minutes, for full sized muffins and 18 minutes for mini muffins.
5. Allow to cool slightly and then pop out of the tray.
6. Store in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Just started your baby weaning journey? Make sure to check out our 25 must-have baby weaning essentials blog post, which includes a free downloadable chart, and our baby weaning products including bowls, plates, cutlery, bibs and more!

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