I love making all my own purees. I think it’s a really easy way to feed my baby, and I like that she eats what I eat, even if it’s served differently. My daughter was premature, so I also have to be careful about what she eats, which makes pre-made baby food a bit tougher for her.
If you do use store-bought purees, you can always doctor them up using the following methods:
- Add oil for weight gain
- Add unsweetened yogurt for brain development
- Add them to a starch for new textures
- Add bone broth for hydration and digestion
My daughter started her solid journey at 7 months old, but 4 months corrected (so four months from her due date). She now does a mix of purees and regular solids. We use the solid starts app for advice, as well as online recipes, but mainly, we use what we eat and make a version of that for her.
We make the purees in advance and freeze most of them. They’re good for about six months in the freezer, which is perfect.
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Here are some recipes that we’ve used and our baby has loved so far.
For Weight Gain
Avocado + Breast milk or Formula
Sweet Potato + Peanut Butter
Plantain + Peanut Butter + Avocado Oil
Banana + Mango
Potato + Full Fat Cottage Cheese
Lentils + Breast Milk or Formula
For Brain Development
Carrot, Sweet Potato + Spinach Puree
Olive Oil + Garlic + Onion + Kale + Spinach + Lemon Juice
Chickpea + Butternut Squash
Allergen introduction
Egg Yolk + Breast milk
Baby Oatmeal + Peanut Butter
Apple + Walnut
Cow Milk (or Yogurt) + Apple + Banana + Cinnamon (6+ months)
Tahini + Breast milk or formula
For Digestion
Bone Broth + carrots
Nectarine + Plum + Breast milk or Formula + One teaspoon of Coconut oil
For Extra Nutrients
Berries + Breast milk or Formula
Beets + Blueberries
Quinoa + Banana
Pea + Green Bean + Avocado
Since there was a parasite in Michigan, I’ve been worried about where to get fresh ingredients. My main go-to is farmer’s markets, and there are so many of them! You can learn more about the markets here.
I also like to visit The Produce Station, Argus Farm Stop, Agricole Farm Stop, Green Things Farm and White Lotus Farms.
I hope you and your babies enjoy colorful, healthy foods together. Starting solids is a beautiful journey, and it’s different for every baby. Choose what works best for you.
