Baby Food Recipes- Carrot, Beetroot, Apple & Fruit Purees

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Baby Food Recipes- Carrot, Beetroot, Apple & Fruit Purees

Hey mamas (and papas!)! Starting your little one on solids is such an exciting – and sometimes a little daunting – journey. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed when I first started making baby food for my little one. But honestly, it doesn’t have to be complicated! These simple purees – carrot, beetroot, apple, and a few fruity options – are a fantastic place to begin. They’re packed with nutrients and super easy to make at home. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a collection of first food building blocks! These purees are gentle on tiny tummies, introduce a range of flavors, and are incredibly versatile. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your baby’s food gives you peace of mind. It’s a wonderful way to nourish your little one with all the goodness nature has to offer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these yummy purees:

• 1 carrot, piece
• ¼ beetroot, piece
• 1 pumpkin slice, piece
• ¾ banana, piece
• 5 strawberries, pieces
• 1 apple, piece

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients! Each one brings something special to the table (or high chair!).

• Carrots: A classic first food! They’re naturally sweet and a great source of beta-carotene, which is good for eye health.
• Beetroot: Don’t be scared off by the color! Beetroot is packed with iron and antioxidants. It might take a few tries for baby to accept the earthy flavor, but it’s worth it.
• Pumpkin: So gentle on the tummy and full of Vitamin A. It’s naturally creamy when pureed, making it a lovely texture for little ones.
• Banana: A naturally sweet and easily digestible fruit. Perfect for introducing a little variety.
• Strawberries: Bursting with Vitamin C! Introduce these a little later, as they can sometimes be a common allergen.
• Apple: Another gentle fruit, providing fiber and a mild sweetness.

Organic vs. Conventional: I always get asked about this! If you can afford organic, great. But don’t stress too much if you can’t. Thoroughly washing conventional produce is key. Prioritize organic for the “Dirty Dozen” – fruits and veggies with the highest pesticide residue.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think.

1. Carrot Puree: Peel and chop the carrot into small pieces. Cook in about ½ cup (120ml) of water for around 15 minutes, until super tender. Then, blend it all up into a smooth paste. Add a little more water, formula, or breast milk if it’s too thick.
2. Beetroot Puree: Peel and chop the beetroot. Cook in about ½ cup (120ml) of water for 15 minutes, until soft. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water.
3. Pumpkin Puree: Peel and deseed the pumpkin slice. Steam it for about 25 minutes, until it’s really soft. Blend with a splash of water until you have a lovely smooth puree.
4. Banana Puree: This one is the easiest! Simply blend the chopped banana with a little water until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Strawberry Puree: Steam the strawberries for about 5 minutes to soften them. Then, blend them into a smooth puree.
6. Apple Puree: Peel and cook the chopped apple until it’s soft – steaming or boiling works well. Blend into a smooth puree, adding water as needed.

Expert Tips

Making baby food is all about safety and age-appropriateness. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Texture is Key: Start with very smooth purees. As your baby gets older (around 6-8 months), you can gradually introduce slightly chunkier textures.
• Allergy Introduction: Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 2-3 days between each new ingredient. This helps you identify any potential allergies.
• Safe Food Handling: Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing baby food. Use clean utensils and store purees properly (more on that later!).
• Water Amounts: The amount of water needed will vary depending on your blender and the water content of the fruit/veg. Start with less and add more gradually.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Single Fruit/Veggie Purees: Perfect for introducing flavors one by one.
• Combination Purees: Once your baby has tried individual flavors, try mixing things up! Apple and carrot, or banana and pumpkin are lovely combinations. My friend swears by beetroot and apple!
• Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Purees: Stage 1 is super smooth, while Stage 2 can have a slightly thicker texture.
• Adjusting Consistency: For younger babies (4-6 months), you’ll want a very runny puree. As they get older, you can make it thicker. Just add more of the cooked fruit or vegetable.

Serving Suggestions

So, how much should you give your little one?

• 4-6 Months: Start with just 1-2 tablespoons per feeding.
• 6-8 Months: Gradually increase to 2-4 tablespoons per feeding.
• 8-10 Months: Your baby may be eating up to ½ cup (120ml) per meal.

You can offer these purees on their own, or mix them with a little breast milk or formula.

Storage Instructions

Homemade baby food is best used fresh, but you can definitely store it!

• Refrigerating: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours.
• Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portion sizes. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to freezer bags. Frozen purees will last for up to 2-3 months.
• Shelf Life: Always discard any leftover puree that your baby has started eating from.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for 4-month-old babies? Yes, these purees are generally suitable for 4-month-olds, after you’ve discussed starting solids with your pediatrician.
• How do I know if my baby is ready for solid foods? Look for signs like good head control, the ability to sit with support, and an interest in watching you eat.
• Can I use frozen fruits and vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• How long can I store homemade baby food in the refrigerator? Up to 24-48 hours in an airtight container.
• What if my baby doesn’t like a particular puree? Don’t worry! It’s totally normal. Just try again another day, or offer a different flavor. It can take multiple exposures for a baby to accept a new food.