Hey there busy parents! We have great news for you - preparing your baby's meals from scratch — is easier than you think. Plus, it lets you control what ingredients go in and, more important, which ones don’t, like additives or excess sugar or salt. DIY purees typically last in the fridge up to four days or in the freezer for three months max. Store homemade baby food in single-serving containers or ice-cube trays for easy-to-serve portions that you can defrost overnight.
Ready? Don your apron and read on for seven easy-to-follow recipes your baby will love.
Brown rice cereal
Rice cereal is a first-food staple that's perfect when you're introducing solid foods, but this homemade version kicks the nutrition up a notch by using fiber-and-protein-rich brown rice.
Ingredients:
- Short-grain brown rice
- Boiling water
- Breast milk or formula (optional)
Instructions:
- Step 1: Finely grind brown rice in a blender or spice grinder.
- Step 2: Sprinkle two tablespoons of the brown-rice powder over a cup of boiling water, and whisk until thick and creamy.
- Step 3: If you like, mix in breast milk or formula for added nutrition.
- Step 4: Store the brown rice powder in an airtight container until ready to use.
Butternut squash and sweet potatoes
Rest assured that if you feed your little one these vibrantly hued veggies, they'll not only get a burst of flavor — they'll also enjoy a boost of vitamin A, which boosts your baby’s eyesight and immunity.
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Step 1: Cut vegetables into chunks and roast in the oven at 425 degrees.
- Step 2: Set some apart to serve as a side dish at the adult dinner table.
- Step 3: Puree the rest for your baby until smooth.
- Step 4: Add a pinch of cinnamon to tantalize your tot's tiny taste buds.
No-cook mango-banana puree
You can’t beat this beautifully bright, no-cook concoction for a fast, fresh snack that’s packed with vitamins A, C and B6 as well as fiber and potassium.
Ingredients:
- Ripe mangoes
- Ripe bananas
Instructions:
- Place chunks of ripe mangoes and bananas in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Bonus: This ba-mango mix makes a great base for a luscious low-fat grown-up smoothie — just add plain yogurt and ice and blend away.
Banana-molasses oatmeal mash
Rich in nutrients like vitamin B, iron and fiber, it's no wonder oatmeal’s a nutrition superstar.
Ingredients:
- Banana
- Molasses
- Oatmeal, already cooked
- Breast milk or formula
Instructions:
- Step 1: For a naturally sweet homemade oatmeal, add a few chunks of potassium-rich banana and a spoonful of molasses (a good source of calcium and iron) to already-cooked oatmeal.
- Step 2: Mash and mix using a little breast milk or formula to thin as you go.
Pear applesauce
There’s a reason why little mouths open wide for applesauce — it's sweet! The fact that it’s full of vitamin C and fiber is an extra bonus. Just add a soft, ripe pear to the recipe to give it a nutrient boost and a little zest.
Ingredients:
- Ripe pear
- Ripe apple
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Step 1: Steam peeled apple chunks until soft.
- Step 2: Puree the apple with peeled pear chunks until smooth.
- Step 3: Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
Baked potato puree
A blended cheddar and broccoli baked potato packs in iron; vitamins E, B6, C and A; potassium; manganese; and calcium. Here’s how to turn a family favorite into a baby-friendly food you can make yourself.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli and cheddar cheese baked potatoes (prepared according to the instructions in the link above).
Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese for your dinner.
- Step 2: Set aside a portion for baby.
- Step 3: Blend it with a little water until smooth.
Baby beef stew
With ingredients like carrots, celery, potatoes, onions and lean meat, this comforting beef stew recipe is a satisfying grown-up meal that’ll also delight your little darling.
Ingredients:
- Your favorite beef stew
Instructions:
- Step 1: Start preparing your favorite stew.
- Step 2: Before you spice it up too much, set aside a portion to puree.
- Step 3: Blend the stew.
- Step 4: Add a bit of water or broth as you blend if the mixture is too thick.
We hope you enjoy these recipes, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly baby and parent news, discounts, events, and more!
- With love from Honeyluus