Banana Pancakes for Babies | An Easy BLW Recipe for First Finger Foods
These soft banana pancakes for babies are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Naturally sweet and with no added sugar, they make a great first finger food for little ones learning to eat independently.
Learning to eat is about more than eating
The first bites are about so much more than the food itself. For your little one, every meal is a new experience: discovering flavours, feeling different textures and learning how to handle food independently. Touching, squeezing and exploring food with little hands are all part of the learning process. It helps babies develop fine motor skills and build confidence around eating.
So if your little one squishes a pancake, drops a piece on the floor or spends more time exploring than eating, that's completely okay. It’s all part of discovering food in their own way.
Ingredients (Makes about 10 mini pancakes)
1 ripe banana
1 egg
3–4 tablespoons rolled oats or oat flour
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Method
Mash the banana until smooth.
Add the egg and whisk together.
Stir in the oats or oat flour until combined.
If the batter feels a little thick, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of breast milk, formula or water to loosen it slightly. Every family is different, so simply use whatever works best for you and your little one.
Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture.
Heat a frying pan over low heat with a little butter or oil.
Spoon small pancakes into the pan and cook gently until the top begins to set.
Carefully flip them over and cook for another minute or two.
Allow the pancakes to cool before serving.
A little tip
These pancakes are wonderfully soft, making them perfect for little eaters. Because of that, they can sometimes be a little tricky to flip. If one breaks apart in the pan, don't worry, that's completely normal. To your baby, it doesn't matter whether it's a perfect little pancake or a few soft pieces on the plate.
In fact, those smaller pieces can even be easier for tiny hands to pick up and explore. Learning to eat isn't about making everything perfect,it’s about discovering new flavours, textures and enjoying the journey.
Perfect for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)
If you're following Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), these banana pancakes make a wonderful first finger food. Their soft texture makes them easy for little hands to hold while encouraging your baby to practise self-feeding at their own pace.
From around 6 months, when your baby is ready to start solids, they can begin exploring soft foods like these pancakes. Every baby develops differently, so always follow your little one's cues and adapt foods to their age and stage.
Try Different Flavours
Once your little one enjoys the basic recipe, it's easy to mix things up.Try adding:
Grated apple for a naturally sweet twist
Blueberries for extra colour and flavour
Mashed strawberries
Finely grated pear
A spoonful of plain Greek yoghurt for an even softer texture
Introducing different flavours and textures is all part of helping your baby become a confident eater.
No Oats at Home?
No rolled oats in the cupboard? No problem. Oat flour works just as well and creates an even smoother texture, perfect for babies who are just starting solids.
Make Ahead & Freeze
These pancakes are perfect for busy family life. Make a larger batch and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and warm them gently before serving.
Making memories around the table
Mealtimes are about so much more than what’s on the plate. They are moments to discover, learn and enjoy being together. A first taste, tiny hands reaching for food and a proud smile after taking that first bite - these are the little moments that make family life so special.
Having the right essentials can make these first eating moments a little easier. Our silicone tableware collection is designed for little explorers: easy for small hands to hold and made for everyday family moments. From first bites to learning to drink independently, these are the pieces designed to support your little one through their first eating moments.A little mess is part of the journey. A few crumbs on the table, sticky fingers or a dropped spoon are all signs that your little one is learning and becoming more independent. Because the sweetest memories aren’t always the neatest ones. They begin right at home.