Weaning is a huge milestone in your baby’s life, and yours too. But if you're a new parent on a tight monthly budget, it can also feel a little overwhelming. From baby-led weaning to purées and portion sizes, there’s so much advice out there… and not all of it is affordable.
At Bonya, we believe that feeding your baby well shouldn’t cost a fortune. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, no-nonsense guide packed with budget-friendly weaning tips that help you save money, reduce waste, and feel confident every step of the way.
What is Weaning?
Weaning is the process of introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or follow-on formula. The NHS recommends starting weaning at around 6 months old, when your baby is developmentally ready. You can choose spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning, or a mix of both. No one way is right, it’s about what works for you and your baby.
Top Budget-Friendly Weaning Tips
1. Start with what you already have
You don’t need to buy special baby food to get started with weaning. Your baby can eat many of the same fruits, veggies, and staples you already have in your kitchen. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, soft bananas or plain porridge? Perfect.
2. Batch cook and freeze
Batch cooking baby meals is one of the best ways to save time and money. Cook once, portion into small containers or ice cube trays, and freeze for later. It reduces waste and gives you a ready stash of healthy baby meals on hand.
3. Say no to pouches (most of the time)
Those cute little baby food pouches are super convenient, but the price adds up quickly. Homemade purées and finger foods are usually far cheaper and healthier. Bonus: your baby gets used to more textures and flavours.
4. Invest in a few basics
You don’t need a full weaning gear haul. All you really need is:
- A high chair (second-hand is fine!)
- Baby spoons
- A suction bowl or plate
- Bibs (they will soon be stained and ruined so buy cheap ones)
- Ice cube trays or small tubs for freezing
Stick to the essentials and borrow where you can, it doesn’t have to be fancy to work.
5. Share what you’re eating (safely!)
Once your baby is used to solids, they can start eating small amounts of what you're eating, minus the salt, sugar and spice. Think veggie mash, soft scrambled egg, or plain pasta.
Sharing meals saves money and helps build healthy eating habits from day one.
6. Make the most of supermarket deals
Look for frozen fruit and veg, they’re often cheaper than fresh, last longer, and are just as nutritious. Keep an eye out for loyalty card offers, budget-friendly bulk buys, and £1 meal deals for kids (some retailers like Lidl and Asda have regular promotions).
7. Plan your meals (yes, really!)
Meal planning isn’t just for food bloggers. Writing a quick list of what you and baby are eating for the week helps you stick to your budget, waste less, and stress less too.
What Foods Are Best to Start Weaning?
The NHS recommends soft vegetables and fruits to start, think carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, banana, avocado and pear. Offer one at a time so your baby can explore the taste and texture. Iron-rich foods like lentils and soft-cooked meat or mashed beans are also great once they’re ready.
Do I Have to Choose Between Homemade and Shop-Bought?
Absolutely not. Some days you’ll batch cook. Other days, it’s toast and a pouch, and that’s okay. Affordable baby food doesn’t have to mean perfect or homemade every time. It’s about balance, not pressure.
What If I’m Struggling to Afford Weaning Essentials?
You’re not alone. If you’re finding it tough to afford baby food or formula, you can speak to your health visitor or head to Little Village to find a local baby bank near you. There is also The Trussell Trust network you can visit for more support with food supplies. Bonya works with In Kind Direct to help families across the UK access affordable formula through food banks, community groups and charitable organisations. For every 10 boxes of Bonya sold we donate one box to In Kind Direct.
Budget Shopping List Essentials
Tinned/ jar foods:
Tuna (in water), beans, tomatoes, canned fruits (not in syrup), peanut butter, canned vegetables.
Dried foods:
Pasta, rice, lentils, porridge oats, Bonya follow-on formula (if formula feeding).
Frozen foods:
Mashed potato, fish, vegetables, fruits.
Fresh foods:
Wholemeal bread, unsalted butter, eggs, mild cheddar cheese, natural yoghurt, fruits and vegetables that are better fresh vs frozen, minced beef meat, chicken breast.
Remember this 👇
Weaning doesn’t need to be expensive, complicated or perfect.
You’re showing up for your baby, helping them learn, taste and grow, and that’s what really matters.
So whether it’s budget batch-cooked meals or a helping from your plate, you’re doing great.
💚 For more support, ideas and affordable feeding advice, visit the Bonya Formula Fog Hub.
