21 Homemade Baby Food Recipes

It’s generally advised to wait until your infant is around 6 months old before introducing solids, though some families begin at 4 months. Below are 21 homemade baby food purées suitable for infants from about 4 to 12 months.

You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to prepare baby food at home.

While store-bought baby foods are convenient, they can lose some vitamins and nutrients during processing and may lack the fresh flavors that encourage little ones to explore new tastes.

These 21 easy recipes are quick, budget-friendly, and — best of all — potentially more nutritious than prepackaged options found on supermarket shelves.

Is your baby ready for solids?

In its 2012 guidance, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until about 6 months before introducing solids, but some caregivers begin around 4 months if developmental milestones are met.

A 2013 study found that infants who started certain solid foods by 6 months had a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma.

The most important indicators are that your baby can sit up with support and hold their head steady, and that they show curiosity about food. Once your pediatrician gives the go-ahead, you’re set to introduce your child’s first solids.

A few things to keep in mind

Keep the following points in mind when planning baby food:

• New eaters only require about 1 to 2 tablespoons per feeding, so offer small servings.
• Watch carefully for allergic reactions when trying foods that commonly cause allergies, such as eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
• Recent research indicates there’s no advantage to postponing introduction of these foods past 6 months or introducing them in a specific sequence.
• Above all, enjoy the experience!

Some families prefer organic, wild-caught, pasture-raised, or grass-fed options when possible. Certain produce items tend to carry higher pesticide residues and may be worth prioritizing organic for, including:

• apples
• peaches
• nectarines
• strawberries
• grapes
• celery
• spinach
• sweet bell peppers
• cucumbers
• cherry tomatoes
• snap peas (imported)
• potatoes

4 to 6 months old

For infants 4 to 6 months old, stick with uncomplicated, single-ingredient purées.

This approach makes it easier to detect any food sensitivities or allergies. After confirming tolerance to single foods, you can begin combining ingredients to boost flavor and variety.

1. Pea purée

Peas are tiny nutritional powerhouses, offering vitamins A and C, iron, protein, and calcium.

If pea skins make the texture gritty, strain the purée to make it silky smooth for your baby.

View the recipe.

2. Banana purée

Often hailed as a near-perfect first food, bananas provide potassium and fiber.

They’re gentle on little tummies and can act like a natural antacid. However, avoid offering too much banana, as excess can lead to constipation.

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3. Baby brown rice cereal

Rice cereal is a typical introductory option because it’s usually low in allergens and easy to digest.

Make it fairly thin at first to help babies adapt from liquids to more solid textures. The same thinning technique works well with steel-cut oats.

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4. Avocado purée

Avocado’s creamy texture and healthy fats support brain and body development, and many babies love its rich mouthfeel.

To reduce browning, you can leave the avocado pit in the purée while it’s stored in the refrigerator.

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5. Baked sweet potato purée

Smart adults enjoy sweet potatoes for their nutrition; they’re full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a great choice for babies too.

A simple purée with a little water or breast/formula makes a tasty, nourishing first food.

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6. First carrots purée

Carrots are an excellent early solid due to their natural sweetness and smooth texture.

This basic purée supplies plenty of beta-carotene and vitamin A.

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7 to 9 months old

Between 7 and 9 months, you can offer thicker purées with more than one ingredient.

Introduce new items one at a time and mix flavors your baby has already tolerated. You can also add meats or other protein sources at this stage, or sooner if advised by your pediatrician.

7. Pumpkin thyme purée

This simple seasonal purée is rich in beta-carotene, potassium, and iron. Make a large batch and freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy single servings later.

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8. First spinach with white yams

Combining spinach with yams provides calcium, iron, vitamin A, and folate. The yams add natural sweetness that helps introduce greens gently.

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9. Beets and blueberry mash

This vibrant magenta mash delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber in a tasty combo.

Mixing it with a little cereal can make a lovely breakfast option for baby.

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10. Avocado and banana baby food

This duo pairs avocado’s healthy fats and fiber with the potassium and vitamin C in bananas.

The banana adds sweetness and lightens avocado’s density. Skip added sugars and rely on the natural sweetness of the fruits for young infants.

View the recipe.

11. Veggies and sole purée

Potatoes, carrots, peas, and fish combine into a tasty mix that can be ready in under 8 minutes.

This recipe uses a seasoning called Vegit, but you can substitute a low-sodium option like Mrs. Dash. It’s a gentle, straightforward way to introduce fish.

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12. Butternut squash and pear purée

Butternut squash is low in allergenic potential and pear adds a mild sweetness to balance the squash.

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13. Papaya purée

Because papaya is more acidic than many other fruits, it’s wise to wait until around 7 or 8 months before introducing it.

Enzymes in papaya (and pineapple) can aid digestion, making it useful for easing constipation or tummy discomfort.

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9 to 12 months old

From 9 to 12 months, babies can handle chunkier purées and mashes. You can also include dairy like cheese or yogurt.

Many infants at this stage can move toward family meals and more complex combinations, finely chopped or softened as needed.

14. White fish, carrot, and leek purée

This savory purée is a brain-boosting combination.

White fish provides omega-3s that support nervous system development, leeks may offer cardiovascular benefits, and carrots supply antioxidants.

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15. Quinoa ratatouille

A baby-friendly version of a French classic, combining ratatouille vegetables with protein-rich quinoa for a delightful “gourmet” purée.

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16. Baby beef stew

This toddler-appropriate take on beef stew delivers iron from the meat. It takes a bit more prep than simpler purées, but fills the home with comforting aromas.

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17. Raw baby purée of blueberries, mango, avocado, and mild chilies

This nutrient-packed mix blends creamy avocado, sweet mango, tart blueberries, and a hint of mild green chiles for an adventurous flavor medley.

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18. Creamy Provencal chicken

This recipe uses Herbes de Provence, a gentle herbs blend that introduces more complex flavors without adding salt.

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19. Quinoa banana mash

Quinoa brings extra protein to a familiar banana mash, providing an appealing new texture that many babies enjoy.

Try serving cooked quinoa on its own — the seeds cling to little fingers and make an easy finger food.

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20. Cherry and mint Greek yogurt baby food purée

This cherry purée makes a delightful topping for a full-fat yogurt base — be sure to use whole-milk yogurt for babies.

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21. Apricot and banana with cinnamon

Add a pinch of cinnamon to brighten your baby’s palate.

This purée is lovely stirred into cereal or cooked oatmeal for a flavorful breakfast.

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Easy as 1-2-3

There you go — a variety of wholesome recipes that only require simple ingredients, basic kitchen tools, and a blender (immersion blender, food processor, food mill, or if you prefer, an all-in-one baby food maker).

If you need to transport homemade meals, reusable food pouches are widely available. Consider investing in quality pouches and reliable blenders to make meal prep and travel easier.