Introducing your baby to homemade food is a great way to ensure they get the freshest and most nutritious start. These easy DIY baby food recipes focus on wholesome ingredients and can be tailored to suit your baby’s developmental stage. Below are five simple and nutritious baby food ideas that you can make at home.
1. Banana and Avocado Mash
Bananas and avocados are nutrient powerhouses, rich in potassium, healthy fats, and vitamins. Simply mash one ripe banana and half an avocado until smooth. This puree is perfect for babies starting solids and provides healthy fats essential for brain development.
2. Carrot, Sweet Potato, and Pea Puree
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas are naturally sweet, making them an ideal combination for babies. Steam one chopped sweet potato, one cup of peas, and two carrots. Blend them together, adding water or breast milk to achieve a creamy texture. This puree is full of vitamins A and C, which are essential for your baby’s vision and immune system.
- Tip: Store leftover puree in ice cube trays and freeze for easy portioning.
3. Blueberry and Quinoa Puree
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, while quinoa provides a good source of protein and fibre. Cook 1/2 cup of quinoa according to package instructions, then blend with 1/2 cup of fresh or thawed blueberries and a pinch of cinnamon. This puree is perfect for babies moving onto more textured foods. Find the recipe here.
4. Salmon and Sweet Potato Puree
Introduce omega-3 rich salmon with this simple recipe. Steam one peeled and chopped sweet potato for 10 minutes, then add a 4-ounce salmon fillet and steam for another 10 minutes. Blend together with a little water or vegetable broth. The combination provides essential fats and vitamins like vitamin D and A for your baby's overall development. Find the recipe here!
- Tip: This puree can also be stored in small, airtight containers for later use.
5. Spinach and Apple Puree
This iron-rich puree is perfect for babies who are ready for more complex flavours. Steam a handful of spinach leaves and blend with one peeled and chopped apple. Add a pinch of cinnamon for flavour. The combination of vitamin C from the apples helps with iron absorption from the spinach.
- Tip: You can also mix in baby oatmeal for added texture and nutrition.
Storage Tips:
Homemade baby food can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to three months. Use ice cube trays to freeze portions for easy use later. Just thaw the cubes overnight in the fridge and warm up as needed.
By preparing your baby’s food at home, you ensure they get the freshest ingredients, free of preservatives. Plus, you can introduce new flavours and textures gradually, helping your baby develop a love for healthy food from the start.
For more baby food ideas, check out these sources:
References:
- https://www.creativenourish.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-banana-avocado-baby-puree/
- https://www.easybabymeals.com/carrot-with-peas-and-potatoes/
- https://cookidoo.co.uk/recipes/recipe/en-GB/r85665
- https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/recipes/salmon-and-sweet-potato-baby-food
- https://babyfoode.com/blog/spinach-apple-baby-food-puree/