Roasted carrot sticks

A soft stick that squashes easily under your finger, with none of the crisp, firm carrot texture left.

Give one stick at a time, long enough that a bit sticks out of your baby's fist. It should be warm, not hot.

Raw carrot is never served — NHS lists it among hard foods to avoid. Carrot is not cut into round slices but served as long sticks.

Serve as soon as it is made. If you want to keep what is left over, refrigerate it and use it within 2 days. Throw away a half-eaten portion rather than storing or reheating it.

Your baby should be sitting upright and someone should stay with them while they eat. Add no salt, sugar or honey; honey is not given before one year. Your baby may not have teeth yet, so every piece must be soft enough to squash with gums. Babies do not all manage the same texture at the same age — follow your baby's pace rather than pushing. If your baby has an allergy, eczema, or a family history of allergy, talk to your GP or health visitor before introducing new foods.