Written by Judith Lynn - Paediatric Dietitian. Please note that this blog contains affiliate links.

The concept of baby-led weaning is becoming increasingly popular among parents. Baby-led weaning allows babies to explore and learn how to feed themselves by allowing them to choose their own food and feed themselves. Baby-led weaning (BLW), means skipping purees and spoon-feeding and instead, offering your baby solid, finger-sized pieces of food that they can pick up and feed themselves. It encourages self-feeding, rather than relying on someone else to feed them and is a great way to introduce a variety of foods to your little one to help them develop healthy eating habits. Many parents choose to offer a mixture of puree's and finger foods to offer variety of texture and nutrition.

Feeding your baby can be a daunting task, especially if your baby is being introduced solid foods that is dairy-free diet. Dairy-free baby-led recipes can help make this easier. 

However, if your baby has Cow's Milk Allergy it can be a bit tricky to know what finger foods to offer them. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious dairy free finger food recipes that are perfect for baby-led weaning.

Here are 17 of my favourites:

Sweet Potato Fries 

Sweet potato fries are the perfect finger food for baby-led weaning. They are easy to make and full of healthy nutrients. Simply cut a sweet potato into long strips, toss them in a bit of oil, and bake in the oven or airfryer until crispy.

Sweet Potato and Carrot Mini Muffins 

Created lovingly by Lune and Wild and nutritionally analysed by me Judith Lynn.

These come in a packet of 8. They have a soft texture suitable from 7 months plus. Homemade with organic ingredients to make a perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours ideal for weaning or as part of a young child's meal or snack. They arrive frozen, ready to heat and serve in seconds. Find out more about these delicious muffins here.

Baked Chickpea Fries 

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and make the perfect finger food. Simply mash a can of chickpeas with a fork and combine with a bit of oil, garlic, and any other seasonings (except salt) of your choice. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crispy. Then cut into strips perfect for a baby's hand. 

Blueberry and Banana Muffins

Created lovingly by Lune and Wild and nutritionally analysed by me Judith Lynn.

These come in a packet of 8. They have a soft texture suitable from 7 months plus. Homemade with organic ingredients with sweet flavours ideal for breakfast, pudding or snacks. They arrive frozen, ready to heat and serve in seconds. Find out more about these sweet treats here.

Banana Bites 

Banana bites are an easy and delicious dairy-free finger food for baby-led weaning. Simply slice a banana into coins and top with a bit of nut butter or coconut cream.

Salmon and Broccoli Fishcakes

Created lovingly by Lune and Wild and nutritionally analysed by me Judith Lynn.

These come in a packet of 6. They have a soft texture suitable from 7 months plus. Homemade with natural ingredients from fish, breadcrumbs, oat milk and organic broccoli.  Ideal for main meals as they contain all 5 food groups to provide a balance of nutrition. The arrive frozen, ready to heat and serve in seconds. Find out more about these homemade parcels of nutrition here.

Dairy Free Nut Butter, Banana and Raisin Muffins

A mixture of readybrek or oats, flour, raising agents, banana, raisins, nut butter, eggs and dairy free milk. Place into mini muffin cases and cook in the oven. A great snack or breakfast.  See full recipe here

Carrot Cake Fingers

Created lovingly by Lune and Wild and nutritionally analysed by me Judith Lynn.

These come in a packet of 8. They have a soft texture suitable from 7 months plus. Homemade with 100% organic ingredients including carrots, dates, raisins and seeds.  Ideal for breakfast, pudding and snacks. Excellent source of vitamin A, iron from the seeds and dried fruits and fibre. The arrive frozen, ready to heat and serve in seconds. Find out more about these homemade fingers of nutrition here.

Veggie Fritters 

Veggie fritters are a great way to get your baby to eat lots of veggies. Grate carrots, zucchini/courgette, sweet potato, egg and combine with a bit of flour, baking powder, and any other seasonings of your choice. Form the mixture into small patties and fry in a bit of oil until golden brown. See full recipe here - Vegetable Fritters.

Apple and Peanut Butter Bites 

Apple and peanut butter bites are a delicious and easy finger food for baby-led weaning. Simply core an apple and cut into slices. Spread each slice with a bit of peanut butter and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Quinoa Bites 

Quinoa is a great source of protein and makes a great finger food for baby-led weaning. Simply cook the quinoa according to package instructions, mix with some egg, garlic and spices or herbs of your choice, and form into small patties. Fry in a bit of oil until golden brown.

To make a sweet variety, mix the cooked quinoa with some nut butter, dairy free yoghurt, banana and berries and bake in the oven until golden brown.

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes 

These tasty cakes are a great dairy-free option for BLW. Simply mash up cooked sweet potato and chickpeas, mix in some herbs and spices, and form into small cakes. Serve with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, a salad, and some dairy-free yogurt. Click here to see full recipe.

Avocado and Banana Toast 

This simple snack is easy to make and delicious. Simply mash up a ripe avocado and spread it over some toasted bread. Slice a banana and top it off with a few slices. This tasty treat is a great way to introduce your baby to different textures and flavours or simply mash avocado and banana together on top of toast. 

Broccoli and Potato Fritters 

This tasty dish is perfect for BLW and is sure to be a hit with your little one. Simply mash up some cooked potatoes and mix in some steamed broccoli, herbs, and spices and dairy free cheese. Form the mixture into small patties and fry in oil until golden brown. Serve with a side of dairy-free yogurt and some steamed vegetables.

Lentil and Quinoa Sliders 

These tasty little sliders are a great way to get your baby to try different flavours and textures. Simply mix together cooked lentils and quinoa and form into small patties. Place them onto a pre-heated pan with some oil and cook until golden brown.  These make will serve as a protein and carbohydrate portion. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tasty Vegetable Sticks

These tasty vegetable sticks are a great dairy-free option for BLW. Simply cut some zucchini/courgette/carrots/parsnips/potato etc into chunky sticks and place them onto in the airfryer/baking tray. Spray or brush some olive oil all over them.  Cook until golden brown in the airfryer or in a hot oven and serve with a side of dairy-free yogurt or hummus.

Banana and Berry Flapjacks

Tasty, nutritious and naturally sweet snacks for the whole family with oats, banana, nut butter, berries and creamed coconut. Great for weaning babies, children's lunch boxes or with a cup of tea. See full recipe here

These are just a few of the many dairy-free finger food recipes that are perfect for baby-led weaning. With a bit of creativity, you can create a variety of delicious and healthy finger foods for your little one. Bon appetite

Has your baby got cow's milk allergy? Come and join my 'Cow's Milk Allergy Essentials Club which is a library or masterclasses, recipes, booklets,  guest speakers and whatsapp support with me Judith Lynn to  support and guide you through the first year of life with a baby with cows milk allergy. 

Or maybe you just need some help during the weaning phase. Have a look at my Dairy Free Weaning Masterclass which gives 60 minutes of weaning advice for those of you weaning your baby onto a dairy free diet.