Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes for Parents

Making baby food at home can feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple ingredients and basic preparation, parents can create nutritious, homemade baby meals that support healthy growth and introduce babies to a variety of flavors and textures.

Homemade baby food allows you to know exactly what your baby is eating, avoid unnecessary additives, and tailor meals to your baby’s age and developmental stage. Below are easy, parent-approved baby food recipes that can be made at home with minimal equipment and time.

Why Homemade Baby Food Is a Great Choice

Many parents choose homemade baby food because it offers:

• Full control over ingredients

• No preservatives or added sugars

• Fresh flavors and natural nutrients

• Cost savings compared to store-bought purées

• Flexibility to adjust texture as babies grow

  
  

Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, and introduce one new ingredient at a time to watch for allergies or sensitivities.

Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes

1. Banana & Avocado Mash (6+ Months)

This simple, no-cook recipe is a favorite for first foods.

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe banana

• ¼ ripe avocado

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and avocado.

2. Place both in a bowl.

3. Mash with a fork until smooth.

4. Add breast milk, formula, or water if a thinner texture is needed.

Why it’s great:

• Requires no cooking

• Rich in healthy fats for brain development

• Naturally soft and easy to digest

2. Sweet Potato Purée (6+ Months)

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and naturally sweet, making them a great early food.

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the sweet potato.

2. Steam or boil until very soft.

3. Blend or mash until smooth.

4. Add cooking water to adjust consistency.

Why it’s great:

• High in vitamin A

• Gentle on tiny stomachs

• Easy to batch cook and freeze

  
  

3. Apple & Pear Purée (6–8 Months)

This fruit combination offers a mild flavor and smooth texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple

• 1 pear

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and chop both fruits.

2. Cook until soft.

3. Blend until smooth.

Why it’s great:

• Supports digestion

• Naturally sweet without added sugar

• Ideal for introducing fruit blends

4. Carrot & Pumpkin Blend (7+ Months)

This colorful purée introduces vegetables with mild, pleasant flavors.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped carrots

• ½ cup pumpkin

Instructions:

1. Steam carrots and pumpkin until tender.

2. Blend with water until smooth.

3. Allow to cool before serving.

Why it’s great:

• Supports eye and immune health

• Encourages vegetable acceptance

• Smooth texture for developing eaters

  
  

5. Oatmeal & Banana (8+ Months)

A filling meal that works well for breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients:

• Baby oatmeal

• Mashed banana

Instructions:

1. Prepare baby oatmeal according to package instructions.

2. Allow it to cool slightly.

3. Stir in mashed banana.

Why it’s great:

• Provides fiber and energy

• Helps babies feel full longer

• Easy to customize with fruit

6. Chicken & Vegetable Purée (8–10 Months)

Introducing protein is an important step as babies grow.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken breast (no seasoning)

• Carrot or sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken thoroughly and chop into small pieces.

2. Steam vegetables until soft.

3. Blend chicken and vegetables together with water or low-sodium broth until smooth.

Why it’s great:

• Introduces savory flavors

• Provides protein and iron

• Helps prepare babies for textured foods

Texture Progression Tips

As babies grow, textures should gradually change:

• 6 months: Smooth purées

• 7–8 months: Thicker purées and mashed foods

• 9–10 months: Soft, chunky textures

• 10–12 months: Finely chopped or soft finger foods

Storage and Food Safety Tips

• Store homemade baby food in airtight containers

• Refrigerate for up to 48 hours

• Freeze portions in ice cube trays for convenience

• Label with preparation dates

• Always test temperature before feeding

  
  

Supporting Healthy Eating From the Start

Introducing nutritious foods early helps set the foundation for healthy eating habits later in life. Simple, homemade baby meals allow parents to focus on quality ingredients while adapting to their baby’s developmental needs.

At The Giving Tree Guam, we believe early nutrition plays a vital role in growth, learning, and overall well-being. Supporting families with practical parenting resources is part of how we care for our community.