Starting solids was one of the most emotional milestones for me as a mother. I wanted to make sure every spoonful my baby tasted was safe, nourishing, and gentle on a tiny digestive system. These first-stage baby food purees helped me confidently introduce solid foods using simple, natural ingredients I already trusted. Everything is homemade, smooth in texture, and suitable for babies between 4 to 6 months. 1st Stage Baby Food Purees: 9 Simple Homemade Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these purees because they are extremely easy to prepare and don’t require any special cooking skills. I feel reassured knowing exactly what goes into my baby’s food, and I can adjust the texture and thickness as needed. These recipes save time, reduce stress, and make feeding my baby a calm and enjoyable experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For single-ingredient purees, I prepare each item separately using the quantities below:

Apple puree
1 medium apple
3 tablespoons water, breast milk, or formula

Sweet potato puree
1 small sweet potato
3 tablespoons water, breast milk, or formula

Banana puree
1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons water, breast milk, or formula

Carrot puree
1 medium carrot
3 tablespoons water

Papaya puree
½ cup ripe papaya cubes
2 tablespoons water or milk

Spinach and peas puree
½ cup fresh spinach
¼ cup green peas
3 tablespoons water

Mango puree
½ cup mango cubes
2 tablespoons water or milk

Pumpkin puree
½ cup pumpkin cubes
3 tablespoons water

Peach puree
1 ripe peach
2 tablespoons water or milk

Directions

I begin by washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

For fruits like apple, peach, and pear, I peel, deseed, and cut them into small cubes, then steam them for about 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Softer fruits like banana and papaya can be blended without cooking.

For vegetables, I peel and chop them into small pieces and steam or boil them with a small amount of water until tender.

Once cooked, I place the ingredient into a blender, add the measured liquid, and blend until the texture is completely smooth and lump-free. If needed, I add a little extra liquid to reach a thin, spoonable consistency suitable for first-stage feeding.

Servings And Timing

Each puree yields approximately 1 to 2 baby servings.

Preparation time is about 5 minutes per recipe.
Cooking or steaming time ranges from 4 to 10 minutes depending on the ingredient.

I often prepare multiple purees at once to make feeding easier throughout the week.

Variations

Once my baby becomes comfortable with single-ingredient purees, I sometimes combine flavors such as apple with carrot or sweet potato with pumpkin. I also like using breast milk instead of water for added nutrition and familiarity. For gentle flavor, I occasionally add a very small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg when appropriate.

Storage/Reheating

I store freshly made purees in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, I freeze them in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, I thaw the puree overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently using a warm water bath, always testing the temperature before feeding.

FAQs

When Is My Baby Ready For First-Stage Purees?

I look for signs like good head control, interest in food, and the ability to sit with support, usually around 4 to 6 months.

How Thin Should The Puree Be?

I make sure the puree is very smooth and slightly runny so it’s easy for my baby to swallow.

Can I Prepare These Purees In Advance?

I often prepare them in batches and freeze portions for later use.

Can I Use Formula Milk Instead Of Water?

I use formula or breast milk frequently because it adds nutrition and creates a familiar taste.

How Much Should I Feed At One Time?

I start with a few spoonfuls and stop as soon as my baby shows signs of fullness.

Conclusion

Making first-stage baby food at home gave me confidence and peace of mind during the early months of feeding solids. These simple purees are nourishing, easy to digest, and perfect for gently introducing new flavors. Preparing them became a comforting routine for me and a healthy start for my baby.