1. Wash all vegetables and the chicken under running water; peel the sweet potato and cut into thick sticks about 1 cm by 6-8 cm so the baby can grasp them; trim broccoli into small florets and cut the thicker stem into batons similar in size; cut the chicken into strips roughly the same length as the vegetable sticks and flatten slightly so they cook evenly.
2. Place the sweet potato sticks in a steamer basket over simmering water and steam for about 15–20 minutes until a fork slides in easily and the pieces are very soft.
3. After the sweet potato has steamed for about 5 minutes, add the chicken strips to the steamer so they cook for the remaining 10–15 minutes; ensure the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside and the fibres separate easily (if you have a thermometer, cook to at least 75°C internal temperature).
4. Add the broccoli florets and the peas to the steamer for the last 3–5 minutes so they become soft but still hold their shape for grasping; total cook times may overlap as needed so everything is tender and easy to mash between your fingers.
5. Remove all items from the steamer and let them cool on a clean plate until lukewarm; test a piece yourself to ensure it is not hot before offering to the baby.
6. For baby-led weaning, offer one food piece at a time and present sticks or batons the baby can hold; the sweet potato and cooked chicken should be soft enough to be mashed between your thumb and forefinger—if not, steam longer or cut thinner.
7. Always supervise the baby while eating, make sure they are sitting upright, and offer foods one at a time. Do not add salt, sugar, oil, butter, or other seasonings—serve plain as prepared.

Summary

This lunch provides soft, finger-sized pieces of sweet potato, broccoli, peas and well-cooked chicken suitable for baby-led weaning (4–10 months). Pieces are steamed until very soft so the baby can hold and gum them safely; do not puree—the aim is safe, soft finger foods.

Storing

Cool cooked food quickly and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Freeze portions in a suitable container or tray for up to 1 month; fully defrost and reheat until steaming hot then cool to lukewarm before serving. Discard any food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Allergies

Introduce new ingredients one at a time, waiting 3–5 days between new foods to watch for reactions. Chicken, peas or vegetables can occasionally cause allergic reactions; stop feeding and seek medical advice if you see hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or other signs of a serious reaction.

Side effects and safety

The main risk is choking—ensure pieces are very soft and the correct size for your baby, always supervise, and ensure the baby sits upright. Consult your pediatrician before introducing solid finger foods if your baby has a history of choking, reflux, or known food allergies.