The excitement of introducing your little one to the world of solid foods! As a new parent, it’s natural to wonder what to feed your baby and how to do it. One of the most important things to consider when starting your baby on solids is ensuring that their diet is both nutritious and easy to digest. In this article, we’ll explore 20 simple stage 1 baby food recipes that are perfect for newborns and infants just beginning to eat solid foods.
From classic fruits like bananas and peaches to veggies like sweet potatoes and green beans, our recipes use only the freshest ingredients and avoid any added sugars or preservatives. Each recipe is carefully crafted to provide your little one with the essential nutrients they need to thrive, while also being easy on their sensitive tummies.
Pureed Sweet Potatoes
These pureed sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish or baby food, perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a creamy and comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and place them into a blender or food processor.
6. Add milk or heavy cream if desired to achieve your preferred consistency.
7. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adding salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Avocado Baby Puree
A delicious and nutritious puree perfect for little ones just starting solids. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great option for parents looking for a simple and healthy introduction to solid foods.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor.
3. Add the breast milk or formula, if using, to thin out the puree to your desired consistency.
4. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with water as needed.
6. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This puree is ready straight from the blender.
Steamed Carrot Puree
This recipe yields a creamy and delicious puree perfect for accompanying main dishes or serving as a healthy snack. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
3. Remove the carrots from the heat and let them cool slightly.
4. Add the butter, salt (if using), and 1/4 cup of water to the cooled carrots. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Butternut Squash Mash
As the seasons change, warm up with this comforting and flavorful butternut squash mash, perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of roasted squash with creamy butter and a hint of nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
4. Scoop the cooked squash into a blender or food processor with butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
5. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (roasting time) + 2-3 minutes (blending time)
Banana Baby Food
This simple recipe yields a deliciously pureed banana baby food that’s perfect for little ones just starting solids. With just three ingredients, you can create a healthy and nutritious snack for your tiny tot.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add breast milk or formula (if using) to thin out the mixture to desired consistency.
3. Blend the bananas until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency for your baby’s first solids.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Cook time: None (since it’s just blending bananas!)
Serving Size: Store in an airtight container and serve within 24 hours. Start with small amounts (about 1-2 teaspoons) to introduce your baby to solids, gradually increasing the amount as they become accustomed.
Peach and Pear Puree
Combine the warmth of peaches with the sweetness of pears to create a delicious and healthy puree perfect for snacking, baking, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the peaches, pear, and honey (if using).
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the water and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
Cooking Time: None! This puree is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Apple Sauce for Babies
As your baby starts solids, introducing pureed fruits like apple sauce can be a nutritious and delicious way to encourage healthy eating habits. This simple recipe makes it easy to prepare a batch of homemade apple sauce that’s perfect for little ones.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple pieces and water.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and tender (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until you reach your desired consistency.
5. If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
6. Let the sauce cool before serving to your baby.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean Puree
This simple recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies while adding some creamy goodness to your meals. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up a delicious puree that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain the green beans and return them to the pot with the butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or the back of a fork until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Zucchini Baby Food
This recipe makes a delicious and nutritious puree perfect for your little one’s mealtime. With just three ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash the zucchinis, then slice them into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchini and toss to coat.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
6. Let cool, then puree the cooked zucchini in a blender or food processor.
7. If desired, add breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tips:
– You can also use this recipe as a baby-led weaning option by serving the roasted zucchini cubes directly to your little one.
– Store leftover puree in an ice cube tray for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
Pea Puree
This recipe yields a deliciously creamy pea puree perfect for serving alongside your favorite dishes or as a nutritious snack. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the peas and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the pea mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and blend until well combined.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Puree
Transform fresh pumpkin into a deliciously smooth puree, perfect for baking, cooking, or as a side dish. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 small to medium-sized pumpkin (about 2-3 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the pumpkin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Scoop out the flesh and blend in a food processor until smooth.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Apple Blend
This sweet and savory blend combines the natural sweetness of apples with the nutritious goodness of spinach, perfect as a side dish or added to omelets or salads. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch fresh spinach (about 2 cups)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the spinach and diced apple.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blueberry Baby Puree
Introduce your little one to the sweetness of blueberries with this simple and nutritious baby puree recipe. Perfect for around 6 months old, this puree is a great way to introduce new flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
• 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the blueberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the blueberries and breast milk or formula (if using).
3. Add the water and blend until smooth.
4. Taste the puree to ensure it’s sweet enough for your baby. If needed, add more breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Tips:
– Use fresh blueberries if they’re in season and available. Frozen berries work just as well.
– Adjust the amount of water based on your baby’s preferred consistency.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
Steamed Cauliflower Mash
A creamy and healthy twist on mashed potatoes, this Steamed Cauliflower Mash is a perfect side dish for any meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of cauliflower in a new way.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy alternative
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
2. Steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
3. Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a blender or food processor.
4. Add the butter or non-dairy alternative, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pear and Rice Cereal
This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the satisfying crunch of rice cereal, making for a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (any variety), peeled and sliced
– 1 cup rice cereal (such as Cheerios)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the sliced pears and honey until the pears are well coated.
2. Add the rice cereal to the bowl and stir until the cereal is evenly distributed among the pear slices.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon powder over the top of the mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Oatmeal for Babies
This recipe is a simple and healthy way to introduce oatmeal to your baby’s diet. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack for your little one.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup breast milk or formula (or a combination of both)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the breast milk or formula to a simmer.
2. Gradually whisk in the rolled oats and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency.
4. If using honey, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tips:
– Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it’s not too hot for your baby.
– Start with a thin consistency and adjust as needed. You can also add more breast milk or formula if desired.
– Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Prune Puree for Digestion
Soothe your digestive system with this natural, gentle prune puree recipe. Prunes are a rich source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted prunes (dried plums)
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the prunes and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the prunes are soft and mushy.
3. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the prune mixture until smooth.
4. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids.
5. If desired, add honey or maple syrup to taste and stir well.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 cup puree
Enjoy your prune puree as a digestive aid, or use it as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
Beetroot Puree
Transform roasted beetroot into a vibrant and delicious puree, perfect as a side dish or used as a base for soups and sauces. This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of beets, making it a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beetroot
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap the beetroot in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the beetroot cool, then peel and chop into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the beetroot, olive oil, water, and salt. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (including roasting time)
Papaya Baby Food
Papayas are a great source of essential vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, making them an excellent addition to your baby’s diet. This recipe is simple and easy to make, and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe papayas
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Cut the papayas in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
2. Peel the papayas and place them in a blender or food processor with 1 tablespoon of breast milk or formula (if using).
3. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp or fibers.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
Cooking Time: None
Lentil Puree for Infants
This recipe provides a simple and healthy introduction to solid foods for infants, with the benefits of lentils including fiber, protein, and essential minerals. This puree is easy to prepare and can be customized to your baby’s taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon breast milk or formula (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a medium saucepan with the water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
3. Drain the excess water and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. If desired, add breast milk or formula and salt to thin out the puree to your baby’s liking.
5. Transfer the puree to an ice cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 simple and nutritious baby food recipes perfect for Stage 1 feeding. From classic pureed sweet potatoes to innovative blends like spinach and apple, these easy-to-make recipes are designed to introduce your little one to a world of flavors and textures. With ingredients like butternut squash, banana, and avocado, these recipes offer a delicious way to support your baby’s growth and development. Whether you’re looking for fruit-based purees or veggie-packed options, this collection has something for every taste bud. Start introducing solids the easy way with these simple and healthy baby food recipes!
