The hardest thing about having babies born 15 minutes apart is that you have to make a decision constantly about who’s hand to hold, who needs you most and then feeling the gut-wrenching guilt towards the baby you didn’t pick. ⁣ ⁣ I know it will be easier when the boys are old enough to sit on the sofa and cuddle me on either side without wriggling away and now that they can both walk independently and don’t always need a helping hand. ⁣ ⁣ I’m grateful that, in general, they are pretty chilled, and lack of sleep doesn’t result in massive meltdowns as it did for Belle. Adult twins have reassured me that they don’t hold any resentment towards their parents or sibling, so I’m sure they will forget the times I couldn’t pick them up straight away because their brother needed me more at that moment. ⁣ ⁣ Being a twin mum, you miss out on so much, but there is so much joy in watching two babies interact. I feel so lucky that I got to experience maternity leave with Belle, just me and her for 14 months, the long sofa naps and chats just me and her. If I could re-live it just for a day, I absolutely would! ⁣ ⁣ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #breastfeeding #weaningideas #mealtime #babyfood #foodie #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #firsttimemom #momlife #familymealideas #babyledweaningcookbook #ukparentblogger #kidsfoodblogger #clickinmoms #motherhoodunplugged #pregnantwithtwins #twinmum #babyledweaning #pregnancy #twinpregnancy #familymeals #fussytoddler #pickyeater⁣

I just don’t feel like I shout about how fantastic slow cookers are nearly enough! ⁣ ⁣ • They don’t use lots of extra oil if you’re trying to eat healthily⁣ • They don’t make your kitchen swelteringly hot in the summer months⁣ • You can dump and run with a lot of recipes with no need for lots of extra stirring, pre cooking⁣ • Meat softens beautifully which makes it easier for little ones with no teeth to eat⁣ ⁣ And there’s not much better than putting the slow cooker in in the morning and coming home later to a delicious smelling house for minimal effort!⁣ ⁣ My Slow Cooker app has over 150 delicious family friendly recipes, and some incredible features, including:⁣ ⁣ · The ability to filter recipes by dietary requirement (Egg free, Dairy free, Vegan and Vegetarian)⁣ · All recipes state how many they feed, whether they can be frozen, and the length of time needed to prep and cook⁣ · A Shopping List function so you can add items you need as you scroll through the recipes⁣ · You can bookmark recipes for another day by adding them to your Favourites ⁣ · Free updates twice a year, with new recipes added at no extra cost⁣ ⁣ And this month it’s just been updated with 10 new recipes, and for the whole of October is just £2.99! App links in my bio and Highlights x⁣

Continuing my commitment to update each of my apps twice a year, next up is the turn of the Slow Cooker app!⁣ ⁣ This update has Autumn in mind, veggie packed casseroles, stews and curries, loads of egg and dairy free recipes, and a real focus on fresh ingredients, made super tasty- all with minimal effort.⁣ ⁣ And throughout October, the Slow Cooker app will be reduced to just £2.99 (usually £3.99)⁣ ⁣ I hope you enjoy the new recipes,⁣ ⁣ Natalie xx⁣ ⁣ App links in my bio and Highlights.⁣ ⁣ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #breastfeeding #weaningideas #mealtime #babyfood #foodie #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #firsttimemom #momlife #familymealideas #babyledweaningcookbook #ukparentblogger #kidsfoodblogger #clickinmoms #motherhoodunplugged #pregnantwithtwins #twinmum #babyledweaning #pregnancy #twinpregnancy #familymeals #fussytoddler #pickyeater⁣

Quick Breakfast Ideas⁣ ⁣ My main Baby Led Weaning Cookbook App, has around 50 ideas for breakfasts suitable for babies from 6 months, and the whole family. Some ideas for breakfasts that are a break from your typical toast and cereal can include:⁣ ⁣ Porridge- this is a great one, filling, versatile, quick and you can use really any fruit you have in the fridge to jazz it up!⁣ ⁣ Pancakes- I love pancakes for breakfast! Serve with yoghurt and fruit, or just on their own, I have recipes for gluten free, fruit filled, big and fluffy or delicate crepes. And if you don’t have time in the mornings, do a batch cook at the weekend, freeze flat on a baking tray and chuck in freezer bags. They defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temp in less than an hour. Pop in the toaster or microwave to warm through and you’re all set!⁣ ⁣ Eggs- mini egg cups baked in the oven, omelettes, scrambled eggs or dippy eggs and soldiers, they are just such a versatile and protein packed start to the day.⁣ ⁣ Smoothies/ Smoothie Bowls- another great one for using up what you have in the fridge, you can make these thinner to drink quickly in the car on the way to school, or add extra oats/ banana to thicken and serve with a bowl for a more leisurely breakfast.⁣ ⁣ What’s your favourite mid week breakfast?⁣ ⁣ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #familymeal⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Join us for our weekly live videos (usually Thursday at 1pm) Recipe from my BLW recipes app

Banana Squares: ⁣ ⁣ Prep Time: 10 mins⁣ Cook Time:35 mins⁣ Yields: 12⁣ ⁣ Ingredients:⁣ ⁣ 125g unsalted butter⁣ 125g coconut sugar (or brown sugar)⁣ 200g self-raising flour⁣ 1 teaspoon baking powder⁣ 500g ripe bananas, peeled and mashed⁣ 2 medium eggs, whisked⁣ 2 tablespoons plain or Greek yoghurt⁣ 6 dates, finely diced ⁣ ⁣ Method:⁣ ⁣ Preheat oven to 180°C and grease or line a square 11” cake tin⁣ ⁣ In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar using a hand-held whisk, or you could use a food processor (if using a food processor transfer the mixture back into bowl before moving onto Step 3)⁣ ⁣ Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture and gently fold it into the creamed sugar and butter⁣ ⁣ Stir the banana, eggs, yoghurt and dates into the mixture, before spooning it into the lined cake tin⁣ ⁣ Bake your banana squares in the oven for 35 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean from the centre to show that they are cooked through.⁣ ⁣ Slice into squares and serve once cooled. ⁣ ⁣ This recipe is from my Baby Led Weaning Recipes app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play - links in my bio. ⁣ ⁣ If you like this recipe, please tap the heart and make sure you tag a friend who would it enjoy it too! ❤️ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #familymeal⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Recipe from my Baby-Led Weaning Recipes App available on the App Store and Google Play - Links in my profile bio and highlighted stories. The Baby-Led Weaning app contains over 250 delicious recipes (all suitable from 6 months), with monthly guides and routines, to support busy parents and make your weaning journey as easy and enjoyable as possible. Key App Features: * 250 delicious, family-friendly recipes * Monthly guides and routines * A clean, bright design that is easy to navigate * Recipes divided into clear breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack sections * Search for your favourite family recipes * Save your favourites so they are easy to find * A bonus special occasions treat section for parties and seasonal family events * Free BLW help and support, directly from Natalie or via her online support group * Free app updates and improvements on a regular basis I hope your family enjoys the recipes, please do contact me if you have any questions or require any support, I am always happy to help. Natalie x

“So happy that there is plenty of choice in these apps that are adaptable to most allergies, we even battle some unusual ones and still plenty of choice for us”.⁣ ⁣ When I was first weaning my eldest daughter Annabelle (who had CMPA), I really struggled to find recipes for the whole family that took into account her dietary needs, but were still delicious, and didn’t have a high number of expensive ingredients. It was my main driver for developing my Baby Led Weaning Cookbook app.⁣ ⁣ I am so proud to say that my app contains:⁣ ⁣ · Filters for egg free, dairy free, Vegan and Vegetarian diets⁣ · A section talking about my experience of weaning with allergies⁣ · The ability to swap out ingredients for alternatives such as milk or egg, in all recipes⁣ · Almost 200 egg free recipes⁣ · Over 140 dairy free recipes⁣ ⁣ As well as app functions including:⁣ ⁣ · A Monthly Guides section, with information on what foods you can offer from months 6-12, if you aren’t ready to dive straight in with the app recipes⁣ · Sample routines of how to factor solid foods into milk and nap schedules⁣ · Preparing First Foods guidance, on how to prep, cook and serve first foods safely⁣ · All recipes state how many they feed, whether they can be frozen, and the length of time needed to prep and cook⁣ · A Shopping List function so you can add items you need as you scroll through the recipes⁣ ⁣ And many more!⁣ ⁣ You get all of the above- AND an extra recipe uploaded to the app every week for free- for a one- off price of just £4.99. And if you choose to, there is also a Subscription option (£1.49 every 3 months), which gives you an extra recipe added each week on top of the free one. This is fully optional and can be cancelled at any time.⁣ ⁣ App links are in my bio and Highlights, or just search Natalie Peall in your App or Play Store.⁣ ⁣ Natalie x⁣ ⁣ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #familymeal⁣ ⁣

I have added two new recipes to the BLW App this week. ⁣ ⁣ First up is a fab recipe for Stuffed Potato Skins, great to make with little ones, great to mix up the toppings and a lovely lunch idea for the whole family.⁣ ⁣ I have also added a lovely weaning recipe for little ones, Rainbow Quiche Cups. You can really use whatever you have in the fridge, they keep for a few days, and great to offer one at a time with some extra veg or even just on its own in the early days.⁣ ⁣ The Rainbow Quiche Cups are a premium recipe, but by signing up, you get access to a new extra recipe every single week! And it only costs £1.49 every three months, which will really help to support the app and keep it alive for years to come! ⁣ ⁣ Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you like this week's recipes. Xx ⁣ ⁣ App links in my bio and Highlights x⁣ ⁣ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #breastfeeding #weaningideas #mealtime #babyfood #foodie #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #firsttimemom #momlife #familymealideas #babyledweaningcookbook #ukparentblogger #kidsfoodblogger #clickinmoms #motherhoodunplugged #pregnantwithtwins #twinmum #babyledweaning #pregnancy #twinpregnancy #familymeals #fussytoddler #pickyeater⁣

Recipe from my Baby-Led Weaning Recipes App available on the App Store and Google Play - Links in my profile bio and highlighted stories. The Baby-Led Weaning app contains over 250 delicious recipes (all suitable from 6 months), with monthly guides and routines, to support busy parents and make your weaning journey as easy and enjoyable as possible. Key App Features: * 250 delicious, family-friendly recipes * Monthly guides and routines * A clean, bright design that is easy to navigate * Recipes divided into clear breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack sections * Search for your favourite family recipes * Save your favourites so they are easy to find * A bonus special occasions treat section for parties and seasonal family events * Free BLW help and support, directly from Natalie or via her online support group * Free app updates and improvements on a regular basis I hope your family enjoys the recipes, please do contact me if you have any questions or require any support, I am always happy to help. Natalie x

Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta: This is such a simple meal, on its own for lunch or served with some salad and cheeses for a more substantial dinner.⁣ ⁣ Prep Time: 5 mins⁣ Cook Time: 4 hours⁣ Yields: 4⁣ ⁣ Ingredients:⁣ ⁣ 300g cherry tomatoes⁣ 30ml extra virgin olive oil, plus a little extra for drizzling⁣ 1 teaspoon minced garlic⁣ ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed⁣ 80g ricotta cheese⁣ 4 slices of fresh white bread ⁣ ⁣ Method:⁣ ⁣ Place the tomatoes, oil, garlic and fennel seeds into your slow cooker – stir well and cover with the lid⁣ ⁣ Cook on high for 4 hours⁣ ⁣ Toast the slices of bread and then spread each with the ricotta cheese⁣ ⁣ Cut the toast into slices and then spoon the tomatoes over the top, or serve on the side of you prefer⁣ ⁣ Serve once cooled.⁣ ⁣ This recipe is from my Slow Cooker app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play - links in my bio. ⁣ ⁣ If you like this recipe, please tap the heart and make sure you tag a friend who would it enjoy it too! ❤️ #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #familymeal⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Is there more of a source of fury and frustration when weaning than when your child turns into an Olympic hurler at dinner time?! ⁣ ⁣ As tempting as it can be to pick the food back up off the floor and throw it at them whilst sobbing that no one around d here appreciates you (oh, just me?), that’s probably not the most effective way to tackle the behaviour.⁣ ⁣ Some things to try:⁣ • Try not to put too many items of food on their plate/ tray at once, this can be overwhelming and also gives them more to throw!⁣ • You could have a little side plate available so if it looks like they are about to launch, you could ask them to pop on the plate instead⁣ • A calm ‘we don’t throw food’ whilst picking up the food and placing back on the tray- I would only ever do this once in a meal time⁣ • Pick up the food from the floor and remove it from the room with no comment⁣ • Ignore the throwing and carry on with your meal, no comment⁣ • And if the throwing continues, simply remove the bib etc, take the child down and say ‘ok, it looks like you’re all done for today’ and put the food to one side (unseen). If they really are still hungry and they are just throwing for attention/ boredom, they will soon realise that they need to stop if they want their dinner!⁣ ⁣ As hard as it is, the best thing you can do is remain calm, ignore when you can, and not draw too much attention to the behaviours. As babies get older, they start to recognise that their actions can result in reactions from their parents and caregivers, and they can really play on that fact! Babies and toddlers have very little autonomy and control, and sometimes how much they eat, and how, is the only thing that is their choice. Throwing is just another example of them exercising that choice- try not to let it become a battle. What are your food throwing top tips? #blw #familyfoodideas #whatifeedmyfamily #familyfoodblogger #blwinspiration #weaningjourney #weaningideas #mealtime #babyfood #feedingwithlove #whatifeedmykid #firsttimemom #momlife #familymealideas #babyledweaningcookbook #pregnantwithtwins #twinmum #babyledweaning #familymeals #fussytoddler #pickyeater⁣