Weaning your baby is exciting, and yes while the supermarket is full of ready made purees and food blend, what they can offer you in terms of convenience, they’ll lack in freshness and nutrition. So there’s nothing like making your baby a nice homemade meal. Here are some of our favorite baby food recipes.
It’s not that difficult, nor will it take up a lot of your time. The key is understanding when and what your baby can eat. You don’t have to be a chef, or a master in the kitchen to do any of these baby food recipes because the best part of it all, you won’t be getting any criticism and certainly no judgment! Is there an easier crowd to cook for?
Is my baby ready for solids?
Telling if your baby is ready for solids is not that difficult. Is the baby sitting up? Are they able to sit on a high-chair and hold themselves upright? Generally, doctors recommend that you introduce solids to your little one when they’re about 6 months of age.
At 6 months, their digestive tract can handle solid food and they can sit comfortably enough to eat. But remember, breast milk or formula should still be the prime source of nutrition at this age. Read this article for an easy how-to on baby weaning.
What can my baby eat?
By 6 months of age, your baby should generally be able to do anything and everything. Not all at once! Most doctors recommend starting your baby on vegetables for a few days before introducing fruit, and to try to introduce only one new food at a time in order to watch for allergies or irritation. So if you’ve introduced carrots today, wait two days before introducing something new. More importantly, with 6-12 months old it’s best to hold the salt and pepper. Especially in the first few months of solids, doctors advise to stick to only the food itself without adding any spices.
However, one thing you should definitely avoid at all costs until your baby is at least one years old is honey. Because of the presence of a certain bacteria in honey (harmless to toddlers and older kids), it can result in infant botulism in babies. It’s rare but it can happen so it’s best to stay away from it for now.
What can I use to make the food?
Back in the day, it was probably a hassle to wean your baby but nowadays with all the blenders and all the different functions and features, it really doesn’t get any easier! Mum favorites like Beaba or Tommee Tippee will literally do the job for you. All you have to do is put the vegetables or fruits in and let it do the work. Check out our top 10 baby food processors here!
How to store and keep homemade baby food?
Homemade baby food can last in the fridge for a couple of days but not more than three. Ideally, the fresher, the better. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container that will preserve its freshness.
We love the Haakaa Freezer Trays, and the ClevaMama Storage Pots. Another great one for freezing is the Tommee Tippee Pop up. The soft push up bases make it super easy to remove frozen food!
Healthy baby food recipes anyone can make
Now that you’re sold on homemade baby food, (we hope you are at least!), here are a few delicious and easy recipes that you can whip up in no time! Some of them are even no-cook recipes!
1| Avocado & Banana or Mango Puree
Easy, quick and no cooking or even machine necessary. All you have to do is choose ripe avocados and bananas since they’ll be soft enough to mash with a fork. This is a great one if you’re on the go!
2| Mango & Banana or Strawberry, Kiwi Puree
Fruit purees are also simple and easy to make. They’re also incredibly delicious and vitamin packed!
3| Carrot & Pea Puree
Carrots are great as a “first food” because of their sweetness and smooth texture, but what is it about carrots and peas that always makes them go well together? Trying to mix in something green and healthy like peas is a great way to pack in as much nutrients as we can! Remember to always steam the vegetables as it will help in the retaining of nutrients, as well as flavor!
4| Sweet Potato or Butternut Squash & Carrot Puree
Sweet potatoes and butternut squash are both great starchy vegetables to give a baby because they’re also packed with nutrients. Not as bland as potatoes, you won’t need to add anything as they’re quite delicious on their own! All you have to do is steam and blend!
5| Broccoli & Sweet Potato Puree
Broccoli is a mum-favorite when it comes to feeding their kids. We’ve all tried sneaking in a little broccoli past our toddlers. Combining this vitamin-dense green vegetable with a delicious sweet starchy vegetable is the perfect blend!
6| Oatmeal Porridge
This is a long time family breakfast favorite. There are so many benefits to oatmeal, it’s healthy, fulfilling and the perfect base for you to mix in all your favorite fruits, like apple, banana, or blueberry! The reason it’s great for weaning is because it’s easy for babies to swallow because of its soft texture.
7| Banana Oat Pancakes
A great way to develop your child’s motor skills is to have them feed themselves. While maneuvering spoons might still be a little difficult, finger food is perfect! Cut up pancakes or French toast into fingers to make for easy grabbing.
Three-ingredient Baby Pancakes:
– 1 medium ripe banana
– 1 egg
– ¼ cup oats
Literally as easy as 1,2,3! Mash the banana, add in the egg and stir in the oats! There you have it, breakfast of champions!
