Healthy Homemade Baby Food Recipes
(Stage 1: 4-6 Months | Stage 2: 6-8 Months | Stage 3: 8-12 Months+)
Making homemade baby food ensures no additives, preservatives, or excess sugar, while introducing fresh flavors and nutrients. Below are simple, nutritious recipes categorized by age and dietary needs.
🍎 Stage 1 (4-6 Months): Single-Ingredient Purees
Start with thin, smooth textures for beginners.
1. Sweet Potato Puree (Rich in Vitamin A)
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled, cubed)
- ¼ cup breastmilk/formula/water
Method:
- Steam or boil sweet potato until tender (~10 mins).
- Blend with liquid until silky smooth.
- Serve or freeze in ice cube trays.
2. Avocado Mash (Healthy Fats + Fiber)
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp breastmilk/formula (optional)
Method:
- Scoop out flesh and mash with a fork.
- Thin with liquid if needed.
3. Pear Puree (Gentle for Digestion)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe pears (peeled, cored, chopped)
Method:
- Steam pears until soft (~5 mins).
- Blend until smooth (no water needed).
🥕 Stage 2 (6-8 Months): Thicker Textures & Combos
Introduce flavor mixes and slightly chunkier textures.
4. Carrot-Apple-Ginger (Immune Boost)
Ingredients:
- 1 carrot (peeled, chopped)
- 1 apple (peeled, cored)
- Pinch of ginger (optional)
Method:
- Steam carrot and apple until soft.
- Blend with ginger until smooth.
5. Spinach & Banana (Iron + Potassium)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach (steamed)
- ½ banana
Method:
- Blend spinach and banana until creamy.
6. Pea & Mint Puree (Refreshing + Protein)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2-3 mint leaves
Method:
- Steam peas until tender.
- Blend with mint until smooth.
🍗 Stage 3 (8-12 Months+): Chunky & Finger Foods
Encourage self-feeding and varied textures.
7. Lentil & Veggie Mash (Protein-Packed)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup red lentils (cooked)
- ¼ cup carrots/zucchini (steamed, diced)
Method:
- Mash lentils and veggies with a fork.
8. Mini Oat Pancakes (No Sugar)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oats (blended into flour)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg (or flaxseed for vegan)
Method:
- Mix all ingredients into a batter.
- Cook small pancakes on low heat.
9. Soft Chicken & Sweet Potato Bites
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- ¼ cup mashed sweet potato
Method:
- Mix and form into small, soft balls.
🌟 Pro Tips for Homemade Baby Food
✔ Storage: Freeze in silicone trays (up to 3 months) or fridge (2-3 days).
✔ Allergies: Introduce one new food every 3-4 days.
✔ Spices: Mild flavors like cinnamon, turmeric, or garlic are safe after 6 months.
✔ Texture Progression:
- 4-6 mos: Soupy purees.
- 6-8 mos: Thicker blends.
- 8+ mos: Soft chunks/finger foods.
🚫 Foods to Avoid Before Age 1
- Honey (risk of botulism)
- Cow’s milk (as a drink)
- Choking hazards (nuts, whole grapes)
- Added salt/sugar
Sample Feeding Schedule
| Age | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mos | Pear puree | Avocado mash | Sweet potato puree |
| 8 mos | Oatmeal + banana | Lentil mash | Chicken bites |
| 10 mos | Mini pancakes | Veggie sticks + hummus | Soft pasta + peas |
Need a personalized plan? [Ask for allergy-friendly options!]
Final Notes
- Organic produce reduces pesticide exposure.
- Let baby explore—messy eating is part of learning!
- Always test temperature before serving.