Beginning solids with your baby is such an exciting milestone, but it can also be very overwhelming. Stores are filled with jars, pouches, and opinions, and it’s easy to start thinking: should I just make it myself?

The answer is yes, you can, and it’s easier than you think.

These homemade baby food recipes are designed for 6 months plus; they are nutritious, easy to make, and use simple, wholesome ingredients that you already have in your home. Purees or baby-led weaning, either way you will be confident feeding your baby with these meals.

Why Prepare Your Own Baby Food?

There are plenty of reasons to prepare your own meals. You can control the ingredients, textures, and freshness of your food, plus homemade meals are :

• More economical than store-bought options
• Free from added sugars, preservatives, and packaged junk
• Easily custom-made based on your baby’s age, allergies, and preferences
• A great way to introduce REAL flavors from day one

If you are starting your journey with first foods for babies, these recipes are an excellent way to set an important foundation for the baby’s healthy eating habits.

Your baby’s needs at 6 months+

At 6 months, your baby’s nutritional needs start to shift. Although breastmilk or formula continues to provide the majority of nutrition, solids are important since they will help :

• Provide iron and zinc
• Enable oral motor development
• Introduce new tastes and textures
• Promote self-feeding (if feeding is led by the baby).

Nutrient-dense baby food should be real and whole food based with low density.

Here are nutrients to focus on :

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

5 Simple Baby Food Purees (First Foods)

These baby food puree recipes are perfect for little ones just beginning solids. And they all take under 10 minutes to prep and cook.

1. Sweet Potato & Carrot Puree

• Steam one small sweet potato and one carrot until soft
• Blend with water or breastmilk until smooth.
• This puree is high in beta carotene and easy on the stomach.

2. Pear & Oat Porridge

• Cook 2 tbsp of oats with 1/2 a ripe pear (remove the skin) and some water
• blend to whatever texture you want.
• Great to give iron and fiber.

3. Avocado & Banana Mash

• Mash together 1/2 a banana and 1/4 of an avocado
• No cooking required- this is so easy and loaded with healthy fats!

4. Zucchini & Pea Puree

• Steam one zucchini and 1/4 cup of peas
• Blend them together with olive oil for some serious green goodness.

5. Apple & Quinoa Mix

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

All of these baby food recipes are totally freezer friendly– just cheap the leftovers in an ice cube tray, and they will keep in freezer for 1 month!

5 Healthy Baby Meals (for BLW & Texture Progression)

If your baby is no longer interested in smooth purees, try these BLW recipes for gentle textures and self-feeding opportunities.

1. Mini Veggie Pancakes

• Take some grated zucchini, an egg, some flour, and a little garlic powder
• Fry them in olive oil as small pancakes
• Cut into strips for baby to grasp

2. Avocado Toast Fingers

• Toast whole grain bread
• Spread avocado, cut into strips
• Sprinkle with hemp or chia seeds

3. Soft Turkey & Sweet Potato Balls

• Mix ground turkey, mashed sweet potato, and oat flour
• Form 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 – excellent for grab-and-go meals!

5. Mashed Lentils & Rice

• Cook red lentils and soft rice together
• Add mild spices (ie. cumin or turmeric)
• Serve as a scoop meal or patty!

These meals are great for baby from 6-9 months and up, based on chewing ability and readiness to self-feed.

Busy Parent Baby Food Prep Tips

Incorporating baby food preparation into your weekly routine will save you time and hassle.

Tips for success :

• Batch cook & freeze: Use silicone trays to freeze purees or soft meals in portions
• Mix and match: Choose fruits, grains, and veggies for infinite combinations
• Use leftover meals : Blend cooked veggies or grains from the meals you prepare
• Prep your produce : Wash, peel, and chop everything in advance to speed up cooking time
• Add healthy fats: Drizzle with olive oil or spoon in full-fat yogurt for increased 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 in silicone trays. Be sure to label and by date on the container, and use the baby food within 1-2 months. You can thaw baby food in the fridge overnight or warm in a pot or microwave.

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

Avocado, sweet potato, banana, and some iron-rich cereals or lentils are all great first foods. These foods have different nutritional profiles and textures.

Can I use spices in baby food?

Yes! Mild spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin can help babies establish their tastes and preferences and may result in some picky eaters later on.

How much food should my baby eat at 6 months?

Start with 1-2 teaspoons as a serving once or twice a day. You can increase the amount the more interested they seem (let baby lead the way!).

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.