Starting solids with your baby is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many jars, pouches, and opinions out there, it’s easy to wonder: Should I just make it myself?

The answer: Yes, you can—and it’s easier than you think.

These homemade baby food recipes are perfect for 6 months and up. They’re packed with nutrition, quick to prepare, and use simple, wholesome ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re starting with purees or leaning into baby-led weaning, these meals are designed to help you feed your baby with confidence.

Why Make Your Own Baby Food?

Homemade meals offer total control over ingredients, textures, and freshness, plus they’re:

• More affordable than store-bought options
• Free from added sugars, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers
• Easy to customize based on your baby’s age, allergies, and preferences
• A great way to introduce real flavors from the start

If you’re introducing first foods for babies, these recipes are ideal for building a strong foundation of healthy eating.

What Babies Need at 6 Months+

At 6 months, your baby’s nutritional needs begin to change. While breastmilk or formula is still the main source of nutrition, solids help:

• Provide iron and zinc
• Support oral motor development
• Introduce new tastes and textures
• Encourage self-feeding (for baby-led weaning)

Nutrient-packed baby food should focus on real, whole foods with high nutritional density.

Key nutrients to prioritize:

• Iron: lentils, meat, spinach, fortified oats
• Healthy fats: avocado, full-fat yogurt, olive oil
• Fiber: fruits, veggies, whole grains
• Protein: eggs, beans, chicken, tofu

5 Easy Baby Food Puree Recipes (First Spoonfuls)

These baby food puree recipes are perfect for babies just starting solids. Each can be made in under 10 minutes.

1. Sweet Potato & Carrot Puree

• Steam 1 small sweet potato + 1 carrot until soft
• Blend with water or breastmilk until smooth
• Rich in beta carotene and gentle on tummies

2. Pear & Oat Porridge

• Cook 2 tbsp oats with 1/2 ripe pear and water
• Blend to desired consistency
• Great for iron and fiber intake

3. Avocado & Banana Mash

• Mash 1/2 banana + 1/4 avocado
• No cooking needed—super easy and loaded with healthy fats

4. Zucchini & Pea Puree

• Steam 1 zucchini + 1/4 cup peas
• Blend with olive oil for a green powerhouse meal

5. Apple & Quinoa Blend

• Cook 1/4 cup quinoa and steam 1 small apple
• Blend together with a pinch of cinnamon

These easy baby food recipes can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored for up to one month.

5 Healthy Homemade Baby Meals (For BLW & Texture Progression)

If your baby is ready to move beyond smooth purees, these baby-led weaning recipes offer gentle textures and self-feeding opportunities.

1. Mini Veggie Pancakes

• Mix grated zucchini, egg, flour, and a dash of garlic
• Cook as small pancakes in olive oil
• Cut into strips for baby to grasp

2. Avocado Toast Fingers

• Toast whole-grain bread
• Spread ripe avocado and cut into strips
• Sprinkle hemp or chia seeds for extra nutrition

3. Soft Turkey & Sweet Potato Balls

• Mix ground turkey, mashed sweet potato, and oat flour
• Roll into balls and bake until cooked through
• Soft and easy to hold

4. Broccoli & Cheese Muffins

• Mix steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, egg, and flour
• Bake in mini muffin tins for grab-and-go meals

5. Mashed Lentils & Rice

• Cook red lentils and soft rice together
• Add mild spices (like cumin or turmeric)
• Serve as a scoopable meal or patty

These meals are great for babies 6–9 months and up, depending on chewing ability and interest in self-feeding.

Baby Food Prep Tips for Busy Parents

Making quick baby food preparation part of your weekly routine can save time and reduce stress.

Tips for success:

• Batch cook & freeze: Use silicone trays to freeze purees or soft meals in portions
• Mix and match: Pair fruits, grains, and veggies for endless variety
• Use leftovers: Blend cooked veggies or grains from your own meals
• Prep produce ahead: Wash, peel, and chop in advance for faster cooking
• Add healthy fats: A drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of full-fat yogurt boosts calorie density and flavor

Sample Feeding Day for 6–8 Months

Here’s a balanced example of how to use these homemade baby food recipes throughout the day:

Breakfast

• Oat + pear puree
• Breastmilk/formula

Lunch

• Avocado toast fingers + soft-boiled egg yolk
• Water in open or straw cup

Snack (optional)

• Banana + yogurt mash

Dinner

• Mashed lentils and rice + steamed carrots
• Breastmilk/formula

This routine supports nutritious baby-led weaning meals and puree-fed babies alike.

Conclusion

Feeding your baby doesn’t need to come from a jar. With these homemade baby food recipes, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what’s going into your baby’s body—and how to nourish them with love, flavor, and real food.

Whether you’re spooning purees or offering soft finger foods, these baby joy tips make the journey to solids simpler, healthier, and a lot more joyful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store homemade baby food?

Cool and freeze in small portions using silicone trays. Label and use within 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm gently before serving.

What’s the best first homemade food for a baby?

Avocado, sweet potato, banana, and iron-rich cereals or lentils are all excellent first foods due to their nutrition and texture.

Can I use spices in baby food?

Yes! Mild spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin can help babies develop taste preferences and reduce picky eating later on.

How much food should my baby eat at 6 months?

Start with 1–2 teaspoons once or twice a day. Let your baby lead and gradually increase based on their cues and interest.

Are homemade meals better than store-bought baby food?

Homemade meals give you full control over ingredients, freshness, and texture. They’re often more nutritious and more affordable long-term.