When I first became a Mom, I had a lot of things I wanted to do for my baby; making homemade baby food was one of them. Upon my research, I became instantly intimidated by how much information was out there about making homemade baby food. The “information overload” kicked in and I had no idea where to start.
Note: I am not a Nutritionist nor am I a Pediatrician. Prior to choosing your baby’s solid food journey, we recommend consulting with your Pediatrician. This post entitled “ 10 Homemade Baby Food Recipes ”, also reviews my experience with Buydeem. This LuvAshland post is sponsored through by Buydeem.
I am not someone who is against buying baby food for your baby. I am a HUGE proponent for supporting all Moms and whatever decision you make for your child, is the right one. I even have an entire blog post dedicated to my favorite baby food. Check it out here.
I know I am not the first Mama out there to feel a little overwhelmed with creating homemade baby food. That said, I am happy to report that after much research and buying the right tools, it is not as daunting as I thought it would be.
Recommended Homemade Baby Food Tools
When making baby food, there are a couple items that I recommend purchasing to make it much easier for you.
Mini Kettle Cooker – Buydeem
This Mini Kettle Cooker saved me so much time when it came to boiling/softening my fruits and veggies for my homemade baby food. Perfect for travel, this mini kettle allows you to take your homemade baby food making on the road. With its easy-to-use touchscreen, convenient presets and cooking temperatures, this cooker quickly becomes an essential in the kitchen! Check the latest prices out here.
Food Processor – Ninja
Obviously, the only way you can make these homemade purees is to blend them up. If you do not have a food processor already, then I highly recommend purchasing this food processor by Ninja. It not only will make your homemade baby food journey super easy and fast, but it will also become a staple in your kitchen. Check out the latest prices here.
Glass Baby Food Containers – Sage Spoonfuls
Since I am all about living that non-toxic life, we opted to put our homemade baby food in these glass containers by Sage Spoonfuls. These little containers are not only perfect for baby food, but they are also the perfect containers for any sauces or small leftover items you may need them for. Check out the latest prices here.
10 Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Avocado Puree Recipe
Avocados are not just a healthy fat, they are also a great source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A. What also makes an avocado the perfect fruit to use for your baby’s first food is how smooth it is.
Ingredients: 1 whole avocado
Directions: Cut and peel avocado. Place in food processor. Add water until desired consistency.
Sweet Potato Puree Recipe
Sweet potatoes are a perfect first food because they are kid-friendly sweet and have some ideal nutritional value. Later, after you introduce apples into your baby’s world, this lends to be a perfect combo! My baby’s favorite combo actually!
Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed.
Directions: First, peel and cut into cubes. Then boil the sweet potato for 10-15 minutes. Let cool. Place in food processor and blend. I do not add water, but if you want to smooth the texture you can add water if desired.
Banana Puree Recipe
Packed with potassium, antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamin C, bananas are another favorite for babies. We introduced many vegetables to our Daughter prior to introducing her to banana; it became almost like a dessert for her!
Ingredients: 1 banana, peeled.
Directions: Place peeled banana in food processor and blend. Add water to make consistency desired.
Apple OR Pear Puree Recipe
Apple and pears are great sweet treats for babies and are the perfect fruit to mix in with some of the vegetables (like sweet potatoes).
Ingredients: 1 peeled and cubed apple or pear
Directions: First, peel and cube the apple or pear. Then boil for 10-15 minutes. Cool. Place in food processer and blend to desired consistency.
Green Bean Puree Recipe
Green beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamin C. They are also ideal to introduce as a puree in the beginning of your baby’s solid food journey. WARNING: it might not be there favorite! Our Pediatrician always told us to not introduce sweet fruits near the beginning, as they may favor those and refuse to eat the greens!
Ingredients: ½ – 1 cup of cut frozen green beans
Directions: Steam the green beans 5-10 minutes. Cool. Place in food processer and blend to consistency desired.
Broccoli Puree Recipe
We can all agree that broccoli is “good for you,” but maybe not your favorite vegetable! The reason why broccoli is so good for you and your baby is because it is high in vitamin C and vitamin K as well as packed with fiber!
Ingredients: ½ cup of fresh broccoli.
Directions: Steam broccoli for 10-15 minutes. Cool. Place in food processor and blend to desired consistency.
Frozen Berries Puree Recipe
Packed with antioxidants berries can quicky become a favorite on your baby’s menu.
Ingredients: ½ – 1 cup of frozen berries
Directions: Steam or boil berries for 5 minutes. Cool. Place in food processor and blend to desired consistency.
Pea Puree Recipe
Peas are an amazing source of protein and go well with carrots; just ask Forrest Gump!
Ingredients: ½ – 1 cup of peas. (Frozen is great)
Directions: Steam or boil peas for 5 minutes. Cool. Place in food processor and blend to desired consistency.
Butternut Squash Puree Recipe
Butternut squash is a wonderful source of vitamin A and fiber. Like a sweet potato, this is also a great item to first introduce to your baby.
Ingredients: ½ – 1 cup of frozen cut butternut squash.
Directions: Boil butternut squash for 5-10 minutes. Cool. Place in food processor and blend to desired consistency.
Pin for later: 10 Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Frequently asked questions about Homemade Baby Food:
What are the benefits to making your own baby food?
There are many benefits to making your baby’s food but the main one probably would be that you have complete control of what goes into your baby’s mouth. You know all the ingredients and what you purchased instead of putting your trust in big name companies.
Is making homemade baby food time consuming?
Like any kind of meal prep, making your baby food can be time consuming. If planned out though, it doesn’t take too long and ideally it would be great if you meal prepped and prepared it all in one evening for the next couple days.
Do you save money making homemade baby food?
YES! You save so much money making your own baby food. When (1) jar of baby food could cost you $1-$3 per jar, you can buy (1) sweet potato for the same price and make a couple jars.
This post entitled 10 Homemade Baby Food Recipes reviews my experience with the BuyDeem and their Mini Kettle. This Luv Ashland post is sponsored by BuyDeem. This post includes affiliate links.