Farley's

Farley's Rusks are one of the longest standing names in British baby food, and many parents who give them to their children remember eating them themselves. The brand is part of Heinz, whose baby careline is printed on every pack. The rusk is baked until golden and firm, made to soften slowly in a baby's hands and mouth.

On our shelves Farley's sits in rusks and khari, within biscuits and cookies in snacks and noodles, next to the tea rusks and khari that grown ups dunk in chai. We carry the original rusk, which the pack lists as suitable for vegetarians and free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. The pack says it is for all ages from six months onwards.

For babies who are sitting up and starting solid food, give a whole rusk to hold and chew, always with an adult close by, or crush one into warm baby milk to make a soft, smooth cereal. Older children dunk them in milk at breakfast or take one as an after school snack, and plenty of adults still enjoy one with a cup of tea. Crushed rusk also makes a quick crumb for a cheesecake base or a topping for stewed fruit.

Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry cupboard and fold the inner wrap over once opened so the rusks stay crisp. For morning bowls for the whole family, see porridge and cereals, and for more biscuits to share at the table browse sweet biscuits.