Making your own baby food at home is a wonderful way to ensure your little one is getting fresh, wholesome nutrition. Not only is it often more affordable than store-bought options, but it also allows you to introduce your baby to natural flavors without added sugar, salt, or preservatives. Best of all—it’s much easier than you think!
Here are a few healthy and easy homemade baby food recipes for babies just starting solids.
1. Sweet Potato Purée
Why it’s great: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a perfect first food.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato
- Water, breast milk, or formula (for thinning)
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes.
- Steam or boil until soft (about 10–15 minutes).
- Blend with a little water, breast milk, or formula until smooth.
👉 Tip: As your baby gets older, you can mash instead of blending for a thicker texture.
2. Banana & Avocado Mash
Why it’s great: Both bananas and avocados are nutrient-rich, creamy, and full of healthy fats that support brain development.
Ingredients:
- ½ ripe banana
- ½ ripe avocado
Instructions:
- Scoop out the banana and avocado.
- Mash together with a fork until smooth.
👉 Tip: Serve immediately to avoid browning, or add a squeeze of lemon juice (for babies over 12 months).
3. Carrot & Apple Purée
Why it’s great: This sweet combo is rich in vitamins and naturally appealing to babies.
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and cored
Instructions:
- Steam carrots and apple until tender.
- Blend together until smooth, adding water as needed.
👉 Tip: This can also be used as a topping for oatmeal once your baby is ready for more textures.
4. Oatmeal with Pear
Why it’s great: Oats provide fiber and keep your baby full, while pears are gentle on tiny tummies.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- ½ ripe pear, peeled and diced
- ½ cup water or breast milk
Instructions:
- Cook oats with water/milk until soft.
- Add pear and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Blend until smooth or serve as is for older babies.
5. Spinach & Pea Purée
Why it’s great: Loaded with iron, vitamin C, and protein, this is a great way to introduce green veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup spinach leaves
Instructions:
- Steam peas and spinach until tender.
- Blend until smooth, adding water if needed.
👉 Tip: For a flavor boost, mix with a little apple or pear purée.
Final Thoughts
Homemade baby food doesn’t have to be complicated—simple, single-ingredient purées and gentle combinations are often best for little ones. Start with smooth blends, then gradually introduce thicker textures as your baby grows. Always introduce one food at a time, waiting a few days before trying another, to watch for any allergies.
With just a few fresh ingredients and a blender, you can whip up healthy meals that help your baby develop a taste for real, nutritious foods right from the start.